Great choice! Baking can be so rewarding, and starting with easy recipes will set you up for success. Here are two classic recipes that are perfect for a beginner

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup packed light-brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

– 2 large eggs

– 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.

Menu

3. In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4. Reduce the speed to low and add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.

5. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

6. Drop heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, and let cool completely.###

2. Simple Banana Bread

Ingredients

– 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed

– 1/3 cup melted butter

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– Pinch of salt

– 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to your taste)

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 4×8 inch loaf pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

3. Mix in the baking soda and salt.

4. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

5. Mix in the flour until just incorporated.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

7. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes (checking at 50 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack. Remove the banana bread from the pan, slice and serve.Happy baking!