Are you a beginner baker looking for some inspiration to get started? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro seeking new ideas to add to your repertoire? Either way, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 simple and delicious baking recipes that are perfect for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen.
From classic treats like chocolate chip cookies and vanilla cupcakes to creative concoctions like peanut butter cookies and cinnamon rolls, we’ve curated a list of mouth-watering recipes that require minimal fuss and effort. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for something new to try, these easy baking recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these tasty treats, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat those ovens, and get ready to indulge in some serious baking bliss!
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy-to-make One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Vanilla Cupcakes
Easy Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
Looking for a simple and delicious cupcake recipe? These Easy Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a sweet treat for yourself. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of moist and flavorful cupcakes in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple for any snack time or dessert, and with just 5 ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to make. With the rich flavor of peanut butter and the perfect balance of sweet and salty, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
4. Stir in baking soda and salt.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
No-Knead Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day off right with these soft, gooey, and utterly delicious no-knead cinnamon rolls. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort required, you’ll be enjoying warm, freshly baked treats in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add milk and melted butter; mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12-14 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
7. Roll up tightly; cut into 12-15 equal pieces.
8. Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Quick Banana Bread
Need a sweet treat in a hurry? This Quick Banana Bread recipe is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf of banana bread in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic treat that requires minimal ingredients and effort. This simple recipe yields tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add the flour and sugar; mix until just combined.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together in a cohesive ball.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
Simple Lemon Drizzle Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and tangy lemon cake, topped with a sweet and citrusy drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, melted (about 1/4 cup)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted butter; whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with a mixture of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Easy Apple Crumble
Transform juicy apples into a warm, comforting dessert with this simple recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
One-Pan Brownies
In just one pan, you can create a rich and fudgy brownie that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe is great for when you’re short on time or want to minimize cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 2 cups of sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fluffy Pancakes from Scratch
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy pancakes made from scratch. This simple recipe yields a batch of tender, golden brown pancakes that are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb excess liquid.
5. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
7. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
Easy Blueberry Muffins
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful blueberry muffins that require only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these indulgent cookies that require only three ingredients, including the iconic Nutella spread. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, whichever you prefer)
– 1/2 cup Nutella
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and Nutella. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Simple Coffee Cake
Start your day with a deliciously sweet and buttery coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, yet yields a delightful treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter to dry ingredients; mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
No-Chill Sugar Cookies
No need to wait hours or overnight for your sugar cookies to chill – these soft and chewy treats can be ready in no time! This recipe skips the chilling step altogether, making it perfect for when you’re short on time or want a quick baking fix.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quick Pumpkin Bread
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously moist and flavorful pumpkin bread with just the right amount of spices. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Easy Homemade Donuts
Make delicious donuts from scratch with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you’ll be enjoying fresh, fluffy donuts in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and use a donut cutter or a glass to shape into donuts.
6. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil with paper towels and let cool before glazing or dusting.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Bowl Carrot Cake
This moist and flavorful carrot cake recipe requires only one bowl and a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, this cake is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Simple Strawberry Shortcake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for warm weather, this simple strawberry shortcake is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and whipped cream come together in a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream, for brushing biscuits
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness.
6. Cut into squares and brush tops with heavy cream.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Split biscuits in half horizontally.
9. Whisk heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Top biscuits with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet treats with these 18 simple and easy baking recipes! From classic chocolate chip cookies to decadent brownies, and from fluffy pancakes to scrumptious apple crumble, this collection has something for every sweet tooth. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be whipping up a batch of goodies in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
