I think we all need a list like this whether that’s right now, on summer break, holiday breaks, long weekends, or whenever you have some extra time at home. But now more than ever, we need the comfort of baking. My hope during these uneasy times (and any uneasy times you ever face, really) is to spread joy on my platforms the best I know how: with well-tested, approachable, cheerful, and colorful from-scratch baking recipes. Thank you so much for being here and spreading the baking joy with me!
Baking Projects – With Yeast
The following 4 recipes include homemade breads you didn’t think you could make… but are TOTALLY capable of doing. Each includes a video tutorial and in-depth baking instructions to guide you along.
Artisan Bread—bread beginners, start here! Homemade Pizza Crust—such a fun activity for kids, too Sandwich Bread Cheese Bread
More Baking Projects With Yeast
The following 4 recipes include homemade versions of favorites and each are fun for older children to help with. Each recipe has glowing reviews from readers who note that the recipes are MUCH easier than they ever imagined. (The bagels especially!)
Monkey Bread—or Caramel Monkey Bread! Homemade Bagels Ham & Cheese Pockets Bread Bowls—perfect for homemade or canned soup
More Yeast Bread recipes.
Baking Projects – No Yeast
The following 5 recipes include sugar cookies you can have fun decorating, apples filled with apple pie filling (made from pantry staples!) and topped with homemade pie crust, dog treats for the pups, and spring-inspired decorated cupcakes using Wilton 1M piping tip.
Easter Cookies—use royal icing Apple Pie Baked Apples Homemade Dog Treats—kids LOVE making these! Cupcake Bouquet
And my No Yeast Bread is always a fun recipe to try!
Challenge Yourself!
The following 4 recipes are perfect baking projects if you’re looking to spend time on a creative and fun challenge. Each include recipe videos to help guarantee success. Invite a friend over or spend time with family making one (or all 4!). You can use the gorgeous braided pie crust on top of apple pie.
Croissants (or croissant bread) How to Braid Pie Crust Vertical Cake Homemade Eclairs
And during the holiday season, you could try my yule log cake or gingerbread house. And 3 more: tiramisu crepe cake, French macarons, and chocolate soufflé each include several steps and would be fun afternoon projects.
Basic Ingredients – Dessert
The following 4 recipes are made with ordinary ingredients like crackers, butter, eggs, chocolate chips, brown sugar, apples. It’s a random grouping, but the recipes aren’t only convenient—they’re FUN to make.
Homemade Caramel Corn Saltine Toffee Chocolate Lava Cakes—you can make these in a muffin pan! Apple Hand Pies
Basic Ingredients – Breakfast
The following 4 recipes also use basic ingredients and are perfect for a leisurely morning at home. By the way, you can use store-bought pie crust for the pop tarts.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts or Chocolate Pop Tarts Breakfast Casserole—use any veggies/cheese/meats you have Homemade Crepes Baked Oatmeal Cups or Baked Oatmeal—TONS of flavor variations included
Homemade Versions of Favorites!
The following 5 recipes are my definition of Awesome Baking Projects. Each are homemade versions of bakery or store-bought classics and make for a fun morning, afternoon, or evening at home.
Homemade Funnel Cakes or even these Homemade Glazed Doughnuts Homemade Soft Pretzels Homemade Cheese Crackers Homemade Rainbow Chip Frosting
Kid-Friendly
The following 8 recipes are perfect for little kitchen helpers. If kids are home from school, baking is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. Not only is it time spent together, baking teaches how to follow instructions, ignites creativity, and always brings smiles.
Mini Animal Cracker Cookies—use royal icing or easy cookie icing Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Lucky Charms Bark Strawberry Banana Popsicles—made from just 3 healthy ingredients
More Kid-Friendly
Cookie Dough Cupcakes—a VERY fun and indulgent treat Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza Birthday Cake Pancakes—guaranteed morning smiles Mini M&M Cookies—no cookie dough chilling and perfect for little hands!
No Chill Cookie Recipes
Instant results! The following 4 recipes do not require cookie dough chilling.
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches Oatmeal Creme Pies One Giant Monster Cookie or these super-fun Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
More No-Chill Cookies recipes, like my wedge shortbread cookies that bake in 2, 8-inch cake pans! See that post for other pan size options.
8 Ingredients or Fewer
I have an entire page dedicated to recipes with 8 or fewer ingredients, even some as low as 5 ingredients or fewer. I include dinners, desserts, breakfast, and snacks. Most of these use basic everyday ingredients, too! And if quick recipes are your jam, don’t miss my collection of 30+ Quick Dessert Recipes. I can’t wait to hear which recipes you try!
