Baking is an art that has been cherished for centuries. It is a delightful way of creating something from scratch and sharing it with loved ones. From cookies to cakes and pies to bread, baking has been a staple in households worldwide. In this article, we will be sharing some of our favorite staple baking recipes that are easy to make and never disappoint.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite and an excellent recipe to have in your arsenal. This recipe yields a soft and chewy cookie with a crispy edge. To make these cookies, you will need:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Banana Bread
Banana bread is a delicious way to use up overripe bananas and make a tasty treat. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. To make this banana bread, you will need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, mashed
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then fold in the mashed bananas.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that never disappoints. This recipe yields a tender and flavorful muffin that is bursting with blueberries. To make these muffins, you will need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the vegetable oil and milk, whisking until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then fold in the blueberries.
Spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes.
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake that is topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. To make this cake, you will need:
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups grated carrots
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then fold in the grated carrots.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be used for sandwiches, as a side dish, or simply enjoyed on its own. This recipe yields a fluffy and flavorful bread that is topped with herbs and olive oil. To make this bread, you will need:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp coarse sea salt
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water, stirring until dissolved. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Stretch the dough out into a rectangle and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Press your fingers into the dough to create indentations. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, rosemary, and coarse sea salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
In conclusion, baking is a fun and rewarding activity that can bring people together. These staple baking recipes are easy to make and always impress. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned baker, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.
