Only get books that list ingredients by weight. Weighing instead of using cups is crucial.

Anonymous wrote:Cook's Illustrated (America's Test Kitchen) books/magazines are good because they explain why and how things work and give very detailed instructions. I don't think they have a book that is specifically just for baking, but I would check one out from the library and see how you like it.

This. Try their "baking illustrated"

Cook's Illustrated (America's Test Kitchen) books/magazines are good because they explain why and how things work and give very detailed instructions. I don't think they have a book that is specifically just for baking, but I would check one out from the library and see how you like it.

I use this cookie cookbook all the time. Great photos and clear instructions - delicious recipes. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Cookies-Treats-Share/dp/0307394549/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1449448445&sr=8-1

Visit the King Arthur's Flour website.

Cookies are harder than cakes, IMO. They are far more delicate. I've figured it out mostly through online recipes, reviews, and trial and error.

Ditto on getting books from the library first.

Buy the ones that are the most helpful used on Amazon.

BakeWise by Shirley Cohiher (sp?) is a wonderful book. Breaks down everything about the science of baking and how to bake everything.

Cookbooks usually assume you know how to use an oven. I use Joy of Cooking which has a ton of recipes, not just for baking. The main thing is to preheat the oven first which could take a while. Of course you need a cookie sheet for cookies, a pan for cakes (round or square) and a square pan for brownies. It's not called dough for cookies, cakes, or brownies, it's called batter. Dough is for making bread with yeast. Set the timer and keep an eye on it so you don't burn it. Sometimes undercooked cookies turn out better and are more chewy than overcooked. You want a golden brown color. For cakes or muffins, you stick a toothpick in the middle and if it comes out clean, it's done. Pies are also easy. You can buy a premade crust, or just use a knife to cut the butter up in the flour and roll it out, then fill with fruit mixed with sugar. Just experiment, and remember to turn the oven off when you're done!

Cookies and brownies, IMO, are also a whole different level than cakes. They are a great place to start if you have never baked before. Like was said above, just get a basic book and follow the directions. My personal tips:

1) seriously soften your button. Don't use the microwave unless desperate, but leave that stuff out until room temp.

2) use fresh baking soda and/or powder and measure your dry ingredients precisely.

3) do /not/ over stir once you add the flour. Just until it disappears or you will have cake.

4) cook from cool dough and a cool pan

5) take the cookies out slightly underdone

Anonymous wrote:If you want to learn how to bake get this book.You will learn everything you need to know and make really really good of stuff. It's a professional book but easy and well thought out. You do not have to read the whole to make something. It tells you why you are doing and how.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Professional-Pastry-Chef-Fundamentals-ebook/dp/B00WL8L6CA/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uQs83ywBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1BB3MGWBYWT3AKPARMWZ

The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition

I have this book. I would not recommend it for a novice.

Go get a kid's cookie recipe book from the library, and try a few. The secret of baking is that you must follow the directions *exactly*. Once you get good, you can riff and improvise, but the only way to learn is to do it by the book.

Betty Crocker Cookbooks. Recipes online. Simple.

If you want to learn how to bake get this book.You will learn everything you need to know and make really really good of stuff. It's a professional book but easy and well thought out. You do not have to read the whole to make something. It tells you why you are doing and how.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Professional-Pastry-Chef-Fundamentals-ebook/dp/B00WL8L6CA/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uQs83ywBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1BB3MGWBYWT3AKPARMWZ

The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition

I learned from the Fannie Farmer cookbook - not fancy at all, but basic recipes with simple ingredients.

I know it sounds weird but it is true that I have never baked before and know nothing about using the oven. FWIW, I grew up in another country where oven is not used and by the time I had access to the oven, I could cook a lots of things w/o oven. So now in my thirties, with kids and all, I still have no clue how to bake. I want to learn simple cookies, brownies and cakes. Where can I start? I need something that teaches me about ovens and also the technicalities of dough and such. Thank you.