When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of biting into a freshly baked cookie or slice of cake. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your day, or just want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, having a repertoire of go-to recipes is essential. In this article, we’ll be sharing 17 of the most delicious baking recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. From classic cookies and cakes to more adventurous treats like sourdough bread and French macarons, we’ve got you covered.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
This timeless recipe yields chewy, sweet, and indulgently chocolatey cookies that are perfect for snacking or sharing (if you must!).
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes
These moist and delicious cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. With a hint of vanilla flavor and a light, fluffy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
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 pure vanilla extract
– Milk, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°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 milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Homemade Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is a labor of love that requires patience and dedication, but the reward is well worth the effort. This recipe yields a deliciously tangy and chewy loaf with a distinctive sourdough flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (around 90°F to 100°F)
– 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 3 cups bread flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sourdough starter. Mix until fully dissolved.
2. Add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let ferment at room temperature (around 70°F to 75°F) for 4-6 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape the dough into a round or oblong loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Decadent Red Velvet Cake
This classic Southern dessert gets a luxurious upgrade with rich flavors and velvety texture. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this moist and decadent cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add red food coloring and mix well.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust
Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
Achieve a tender, buttery crust with this simple recipe, perfect for your favorite fillings.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Form into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None (this is a raw crust, meant to be baked with your chosen filling)
Note: To bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough, place into a pie dish, and fill as desired. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Buttery Croissants
Start your day with a flaky, buttery, and utterly delicious treat. These classic French pastries are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut into triangles, then roll each triangle into a croissant shape.
5. Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each pastry.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple of any cookie jar. With the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture from the rolled oats and plump raisins, you’ll be hooked after just one bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then stir in raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this classic carrot cake recipe, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add grated carrots, chopped walnuts (if using), and flour mixture. Mix until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Mix until combined.
Crispy Banana Bread
Banana bread gets a crunchy twist with this simple recipe that yields a deliciously crispy exterior and a moist interior.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°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, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with chopped nuts if using.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rich Chocolate Brownies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these fudgy and intense brownies, packed with dark chocolate flavor.
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 all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt the unsalted butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time, followed by flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in both types of chocolate chips and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Light and Airy Angel Food Cake
Elevate your baking game with this classic recipe for Light and Airy Angel Food Cake. This moist and tender dessert is perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sift flour and sugar together in a medium bowl.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
3. Add cold water gradually, whipping continuously until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until no streaks remain.
5. Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan or a 9-inch (23cm) tube pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake springs back when touched.
7. Remove from oven and let cool upside down on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Homemade Pizza Dough
Make your own delicious pizza dough at home with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients and some basic kneading, you’ll be enjoying fresh homemade pizzas in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Roll out the risen dough to your desired thickness and shape.
– Top with your favorite ingredients and bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Strawberry Shortcake
This beloved dessert is a timeless treat that combines sweet strawberries with buttery shortcake and whipped cream. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or glass.
4. Place shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Split warm shortcakes in half horizontally. Top each bottom half with sliced strawberries and whipped cream (if desired). Replace top halves to serve.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for the fall season, filled with the comforting aromas of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
French Macarons
This recipe yields a batch of delicate, chewy, and flavorful macarons with a perfect “foot” and smooth surface. With a few simple steps and precise measurements, you’ll be enjoying these iconic French treats in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– Food coloring (optional)
– Filling of your choice (e.g., buttercream, ganache, or jam)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until smooth.
4. Add food coloring (if desired) and fold the mixture into the almond flour mixture until well combined.
5. Pipe small, round circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Tap the baking sheet gently to remove any air bubbles.
6. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to form a skin. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Start your day with a delightful fusion of citrusy lemon and sweet blueberries, perfectly balanced in these tender and flaky scones.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and lemon juice.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 triangles.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Start your day off right with these soft and buttery cinnamon rolls topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (equal parts granulated sugar and cinnamon)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cream cheese glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with melted butter, and roll up tightly.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth and satisfy your cravings with these 17 mouthwatering baking recipes! From classic treats like chocolate chip cookies and vanilla cupcakes to decadent cakes and pies, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, this collection has got you covered. Try your hand at making homemade sourdough bread, buttery croissants, or rich brownies, and discover the joy of baking with these tried-and-true recipes.
Leave a Reply