Baking doesn’t always require a stand mixer or fancy tools. Many delicious cookies and baked goods can be made using just a bowl, a spoon, and a little love. Whether you’re short on equipment or just want a low-effort treat, some of the best recipes are those that keep things simple.
No mixer? No problem. If you’ve got basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter (or oil), you’re already halfway to warm, homemade comfort. These easy recipes are ideal for beginners, weekend bakers, or anyone seeking quick wins in the kitchen.
So, what can you whip up without plugging anything in? Let’s explore ten crowd-pleasing treats that only need a few tools and minimal cleanup, yet still deliver big on flavor.
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are soft, chewy, and can be stirred by hand in one bowl. Melted butter helps mix the dough easily, eliminating the need for a mixer. Add your chocolate chips last and scoop with a spoon for that perfect homemade look.
2. Banana Bread
Overripe bananas make this recipe moist and naturally sweet. All you need to do is mash the bananas, stir in the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry. A fork or whisk is more than enough to get the job done.
3. Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe uses just a few pantry staples: peanut butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix with a spoon, roll into balls, press with a fork, and bake. It’s fast, simple, and always satisfying.
4. Muffins with Fruit or Chocolate Chips
Muffin batter doesn’t require over mixing—so using a spoon or spatula is ideal. Combine wet and dry ingredients separately, then gently mix together. Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for variety.
5. Brownies (Fudge or Ca key)
Many homemade brownie recipes use melted butter or oil, making the batter easy to stir by hand. You’ll get a rich texture without whipping or beating. Just don’t over mix once the flour goes in to keep them tender.
6. Drop Biscuits
These no-fuss biscuits are stirred together in one bowl and dropped onto a baking sheet by the spoonful. No kneading or rolling required. They bake up golden, flaky, and are perfect with jam or gravy.
7. Snicker doodle Cookies
Soft, cinnamon-coated cookies that don’t need a mixer or chilling. Cream of tartar gives them their signature tang, but you can mix everything easily with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
8. Oatmeal Bars
Oats, nut butter, honey, and chocolate chips come together without a mixer or even much effort. These bars can be baked or made no-bake style. Slice them into squares and you’ve got a great snack or breakfast treat.
9. Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
The batter comes together by hand with melted butter, while the crumb topping is made with a fork. This type of cake is forgiving and doesn’t require aeration from a mixer, making it ideal for simpler baking sessions.
10. Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and crumbly, shortbread is made from just flour, butter, and sugar. No eggs, no mixer, and no problem. Mix until the dough holds together, press into a pan, and bake. Slice while warm for that perfect texture.
Tips to Bake Without a Mixer
Even though a mixer helps with speed and aeration, most Cookies & Baked Good’s don’t need one. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use room temperature or melted ingredients. This makes mixing easier.
- Stir gently once flour is added. Over mixing can make baked goods dense.
- Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Both are great for folding and scraping.
- Choose recipes that don’t require whipping egg whites or cream. Those typically need electric help.
Baking by hand keeps things simple, saves electricity, and brings back the joy of traditional kitchen work. It’s also a great way to include kids or make spontaneous treats with what you already have.
Wrap-Up
You don’t need high-end appliances to bake something special. With just a few basic tools and the right recipes, you can make warm, homemade Cookies & Baked Goodss any day of the week. From chewy brownies to golden biscuits, these ten options are proof that less really can be more in the kitchen.
So grab a bowl, preheat the oven, and start stirring. You might be surprised how much joy (and flavor) you can create—no mixer required.