10 Easy Baking Recipes for Beginners

Baking can seem intimidating if you're just starting out, but everyone has to begin somewhere! The key is to start with simple, foolproof recipes that build your confidence in the kitchen. Whether you're craving cookies, cakes, or bread, these 10 easy baking recipes for beginners will help you master the basics while creating delicious treats.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why It's Great for Beginners:

Few things are more satisfying than warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. This recipe requires basic ingredients and no fancy techniques.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165g) brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups (350g) chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream butter and sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.

2. No-Knead Bread

Why It's Great for Beginners:

If you think bread is too complicated, try this no-knead recipe—just mix, wait, and bake!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, cover, and let rise for 12-18 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
3. Bake the dough (covered) for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more.

3. Vanilla Cupcakes

Why It's Great for Beginners:

Light, fluffy, and perfect for decorating—these cupcakes are a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (155g) flour
• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup (120ml) milk

Instructions:

1. Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
2. Alternate adding dry mix and milk.
3. Pour into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

4. Banana Bread

Why It's Great for Beginners:

Overripe bananas? Turn them into moist, delicious banana bread with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• ⅓ cup (75g) melted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 ½ cups (190g) flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mash bananas, then mix with butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.

5. Brownies

Why It's Great for Beginners:

Rich, fudgy, and impossible to mess up—brownies are a beginner's best friend.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) butter
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ⅓ cup (30g) cocoa powder
• ½ cup (65g) flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Melt butter, then mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Stir in cocoa, flour, and salt.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These ten easy baking recipes will help any beginner gain confidence in the kitchen. From classic cookies to simple breads, each recipe teaches fundamental techniques while delivering delicious results. Which recipe will you try first?