So, you’ve caught the baking bug. Maybe it was a late-night scroll on Pinterest, a cozy bake-off binge, or that one dreamy TikTok cinnamon roll. Either way, you’re ready to dive in and bake something from scratch. But before you start filling your cart with gadgets you might use once, let’s talk essentials. This beginner’s guide to baking will walk you through exactly what you need!
I’m breaking down the tools you actually need to get started with baking: no gimmicks, no clutter. Just tried-and-true basics that will help you whip up cookies, cakes, and everything in between without overwhelm.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision is everything in baking. A solid set of:
- Dry measuring cups (for flour, sugar, etc.)
- Liquid measuring cup (yes, it matters!)
- Measuring spoons (for teaspoons and tablespoons)
My current favorites for dry ingredients can be found here!
Look for stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, and bonus if they’re dishwasher-safe.
Mixing Bowls (You’ll Want More Than One)
At least three sizes—small, medium, and large.
Glass or stainless steel bowls are versatile and durable. You’ll use them for everything from whisking eggs to folding in chocolate chips. Glass is my favorite because you can see through it if you’re making something that needs to rise!
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Hand Mixer: Affordable and compact. Great for most beginner recipes.
- Stand Mixer: More powerful (and photogenic). If you bake often, it’s worth the splurge.
Either way, make sure it comes with whisk and beater attachments. I’ve had my KitchenAid mixer for 9 years and it is still going strong! If you can make it work, absolutely worth the splurge.
Baking Sheets & Pans
Start with:
- 2 baking sheets (for cookies, biscuits, even roasting veggies)
- 1 8×8 or 9×13 pan (for brownies, cakes, and casseroles)
- 1 loaf pan (sandwich bread is calling)
Non-stick or aluminum works best; just remember to line with parchment paper or spray with oil.
Spatulas & Wooden Spoons
You’ll need:
- Rubber spatula (for scraping bowls)
- Offset spatula (for smooth frosting)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring thick batters)
Trust me. These three alone will get you through almost any beginner recipe.
Whisk, Sifter, and Rolling Pin (Optional but Helpful)
- Whisk: For mixing wet ingredients and incorporating air.
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer: Removes lumps from flour or powdered sugar.
- Rolling pin: If you’re venturing into pies or sugar cookies, this is your new BFF.
Cooling Rack
Don’t skip this! Letting baked goods cool properly is part of the process.
A wire rack keeps the bottoms from getting soggy, because no one wants a limp cookie.
Parchment Paper & Silicone Baking Mats
Game-changers for cleanup and even baking.
I love silicone mats because they’re eco-friendly and reusable (plus they save your pans).
Bonus Tip: Skip the Gadgets… For Now
You don’t need an avocado slicer or a dough cutter to be a great baker. Focus on the tools that multitask and give you the most value, and upgrade as your skills grow.
Final Thoughts
Starting your baking journey should feel fun, not fussy. In this beginner’s guide to baking, I tried to cover all you really need to whip up your first batch of cookies or a simple homemade cake. Keep it simple, give yourself grace, and most importantly, have fun with it. Because the best part of baking? You always get to eat the results.
Want to save this checklist for later? Grab my free printable baking tools guide here ➡️
Want to read more about baking? Be sure to check out my other baking posts!
