16 Recipes Every Beginner Baker Should Master

Start to finish, these cookies take only thirty-five minutes to make.

File this under “Easier Than It Looks.”

For soft edges, use liners; for crisp edges, use a well-greased, unlined pan.

Because cakes are for snacking, too—not just dessert.

Gail Simmons’ five-ingredient shortbread can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a week.

All cooks should have a show-stopping German chocolate cake in their repertoire, and this is one of our favorites.

These soft-on-the-inside cookies make the perfect canvas for decorating, or simply eating as is with a cold glass of milk.

Classic, iconic, beautiful, and delicious, these cupcakes can be frosted any way you like.

Make extra of the milk-chocolate ganache to eat by the spoonful. Trust us.

Hey, this one has vegetables in it!

Crunchy, salty, and coffee-laced, this streusel topping is one of a kind.

Equal parts flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, pound cake is a classic for a reason.

Make sure to have milk on hand for these perfectly chewy cookies.

Bars are the unsung heroes of the dessert world, as the dough doesn’t need to be molded into complicated shapes.

Remember to let the cake stand one hour before serving.

A great way to use up bananas that are past their prime and a delicious quick bread, banana bread is an easy recipe that anyone can throw together.