What Are Easy Things to Bake? 3 Quick Ideas for Home Baking

Whether you’re new to baking or simply looking for quick and satisfying recipes, there’s no better way to experience the joy of baking than by trying simple creations in your own kitchen.

Baking at home opens the door to a world of possibilities, from the most basic treats to elaborate confections.

However, you’ll quickly discover that deliciousness doesn’t always require complexity.

In fact, some of the most flavorful recipes are also the easiest to make.

When your pantry is running low on ingredients or you’re short on time, these beginner-friendly baking recipes will help you whip up something delightful with minimal effort.

Perfect for those just starting their baking journey, these recipes will build your confidence and fill your home with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked goodness.

Dive into the simple joys of baking, and you might just find it becoming your favorite way to relax and create at home!

Cinnamon Buns with Ready-Puff Pastry

Craving cinnamon buns but short on time?

Using store-bought puff pastry makes it simple to enjoy freshly baked buns with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, all with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of store-bought puff pastry (thawed)
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Brown sugar or granulated white sugar (to taste)
• Ground cinnamon (to taste)
• Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix equal parts sugar and ground cinnamon. Adjust the ratio to your taste—use more cinnamon for spicier buns or more sugar for a sweeter treat.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay out a sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Use a basting brush to coat the entire surface with melted butter.
4. Add the Filling: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, ensuring even coverage. Feel free to add more for a richer flavor.
5. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one edge. Once rolled, slice the log into bite-sized rolls (about 1-inch thick).
6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet with the cut sides facing up so the swirl is visible. Leave about an inch of space between each roll to allow for expansion.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar with a dash of vanilla extract and enough milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. Finish and Serve: Once the cinnamon buns are out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the buns before serving.

Pro Tip for Best Flavor:

For a truly indulgent experience, use a high-quality vanilla extract like McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, which adds a rich and authentic flavor to your glaze and other baked goods.

Enjoy these warm, gooey cinnamon buns as a comforting breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or an effortless dessert!

Perfect for any occasion without the hassle of making dough from scratch.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Timeless Classic

Few things are as universally loved as chocolate chip cookies.

With their soft, chewy centers and perfectly balanced sweetness, these cookies are sure to delight every time you bake them.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet, white, or your favorite variety)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare your baking trays by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add Flavor and Texture: Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the whole egg and the egg yolk. Beat until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or using a stand mixer on low speed. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the dough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Add your chocolate chips and stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Using a ¼ cup measure or cookie scoop, form the dough into mounds and place them on the prepared trays, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
• Even Baking: Use a cookie tray or a silicone baking mat to ensure evenly sized cookies every time. The Amazon Basics Silicone Non-Stick Baking Mats are a budget-friendly option that reduces mess and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable Add-Ins: Swap out chocolate chips for chunks, mix in nuts, or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for gourmet flair.

Enjoy your chewy chocolate chip cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for days.

Cornbread Muffins: Perfectly Delicious and Versatile

These tender corn muffins are incredibly simple to make with just a handful of pantry staples.

Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with savory dishes, they’re a sure crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your muffin pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with paper cups.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, baking powder, sugar, cornmeal, and all-purpose flour until well combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the beaten egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Gently mix everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir until the ingredients are just incorporated—avoid overmixing to ensure light and fluffy muffins.
4. Fill the Muffin Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
6. Optional Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dry ingredients.

Pro Tips for Perfect Muffins:

• Use a high-quality, non-stick muffin pan to ensure even baking and easy release. The USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan is an excellent choice for achieving bakery-worthy results.
• Want extra texture? Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, or corn kernels before baking.

Enjoy these corn muffins warm from the oven, spread with butter, or alongside your favorite savory meal.

They also make a fantastic base for cornbread stuffing or as a side dish for chili, soups, and stews.

Take the Stress Out of Baking with Three Simple Recipes