Easy Baking Recipes for Beginners
Baking can be a daunting task for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right recipes and a few simple tips, you can easily master the basics of baking and create delicious treats. Here are some easy baking recipes for beginners that will help you get started.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite and a great place to start for beginner bakers. To make them, you’ll need:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Vanilla cupcakes are a great way to practice your baking skills. To make them, you’ll need:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Alternately beat in the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosted Brownies
Frosted brownies are a delicious treat that are easy to make. To make them, you’ll need:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Stir in the flour and salt until just blended. Stir in the walnuts, if using. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and cream over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Let the frosting set before cutting into bars.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to measure ingredients for baking?
A: The best way to measure ingredients for baking is to use a kitchen scale. This will ensure that you get the exact measurements needed for the recipe.
Q: What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
A: Baking soda is a single-acting leavening agent, meaning it needs an acid to activate it. Baking powder is a double-acting leavening agent, meaning it has both an acid and a base that react when exposed to moisture and heat.