The Best Recipes for Homemade Baked Goods

The Best Recipes for Homemade Baked Goods

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family, homemade baked goods are the way to go. From cookies to cakes to breads, there's no shortage of delicious treats you can whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these easy recipes are sure to please. So put on your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a storm!

Cookies

Who can resist a freshly baked cookie? Whether you like them chewy, crispy, or somewhere in between, there's a cookie recipe out there for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture.
5. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.
5. Mix in oats and raisins.
6. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden.

Cakes

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a slice of something sweet, homemade cakes are always a hit. Here are a couple of cake recipes that are sure to impress:

Classic Vanilla Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Decadent Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
6. Pour batter into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Breads

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Whether you prefer something savory or sweet, homemade bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Try these bread recipes for a tasty treat:

Homemade Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
5. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended.
6. Fold in flour mixture; mix until just moistened.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Savory Herb and Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon