Quick (and dumb) question re baking

[Anonymous]

Hoping any bakers might be able to help a cluless mom:

When a recipe says to "mix" ingredients, should I use an electric mixer or is it OK just to mix by hand?

TIA

[Anonymous]

It is fine to mix by hand, although an electric mixer will generally blend better.

[Anonymous]

by hand unless recipe specifies how "long" you are to mix--then use electric.

[Anonymous]

depends on what you're baking...

you would NOT want to use an electric mixer for biscuits or muffins

you WOULD want an electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar for cookies or cakes