When I first started pinning baking recipes I realized my kitchen was missing some of the baking essentials. I always thought my kitchen was well rounded with tools and appliances, I was wrong. That’s okay! It’s all a learning process.

I immediately realized my kitchen needed some new additions, both appliances and ingredients. Any time I noticed a common ingredient that was called out in a recipe I added it to my “baking basics” list. I had most of the basic tools needed to bake because we use a lot of the same ones in cooking, but I needed to pick up a couple baking specific tools that I was lacking.

I didn’t go out and spend a butt-load of money on high end products or everything all at once, but I did get what I would need to be able to whip something up out of the blue. Christmas is less than a month away after all, of course I added some baking fun to my list for Santa!

From the things I had, to the things I needed to buy, I’ve created a checklist to help other newbies in the baking world be prepared to create their next delicious treat!

ESSENTIAL BAKING TOOLS –

Measuring teaspoons and tablespoons

Measuring cups

Rolling pin

Baking sheets

Silicone baking mat

Muffin tin

Cooling racks

Mixing bowls, multiple sizes

Hand mixer (this will be enough for almost all recipes but a stand mixer would be so nice)

Whisk

Wood spoon

Spatula

Spoon & fork

BASIC BAKING INGREDIENTS –

Butter

Cream

Milk

Eggs

Four, plain & self-rising

Sugar, granulated, icing & brown

Baking powder

Baking soda

Citrus – limes, lemons, oranges

Cocoa, chocolate chips

Fruit, fresh & dried

Nuts

ESSENTIAL SPICES –

Salt & pepper

Vanilla extract

Honey

Cinnamon, ground & sticks

Cloves, ground

Cream of tartar

Ginger

Nutmeg

Poppy seed

Of course each recipe calls for specific ingredients and tools, but this list is surely enough to get you started baking immediately! Baking isn’t about the fanciest kitchen or newest tools, to me it’s about letting go of everything else allowing yourself to create something wonderful. A messy kitchen is a clear indicator of a happy stomach!