5 Simple Recipes Using Plain Flour For Beginners

Let's dive into the world of simple baking with plain flour! Whether you're just starting your baking journey or looking for easy recipes that yield delightful results, these five basic recipes using plain flour will be perfect for you. Get ready to tie your apron and preheat your oven – baking is not only therapeutic but also incredibly rewarding, especially when it involves only a few ingredients you likely already have at home.

Bread Rolls 🍞

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=bread rolls" alt="Image of freshly baked bread rolls"> </div>

The Basics:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Proof the yeast: Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.

3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the yeast mixture and oil into the flour. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

6. Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, divide into 8 pieces, shape into rolls, place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

<p class="pro-note">🍞 Note: Keep your dough lightly floured when kneading to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth texture.</p>

Cookies 🍪

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=chocolate chip cookies" alt="Chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack"> </div>

The Basics:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then beat in egg and vanilla.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Form Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.

<p class="pro-note">🍪 Note: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent the cookies from spreading too much.</p>

Flatbread 🫓

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=flatbread" alt="Flatbread being cooked on a griddle"> </div>

The Basics:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • Optional herbs and garlic

Steps:

1. Prepare Dough: Mix flour and salt, then add olive oil and warm water. Mix to form a soft dough.

2. Knead: On a floured surface, knead for about 5 minutes.

3. Rest the Dough: Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

4. Roll and Cook: Divide into pieces, roll out, and cook on a hot skillet or griddle until it bubbles, then flip to cook the other side.

<p class="pro-note">🫓 Note: For extra flavor, brush the flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs or garlic powder before cooking.</p>

Pancakes 🥞

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=stack of pancakes" alt="A tall stack of fluffy pancakes with syrup"> </div>

The Basics:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Steps:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until just combined.

3. Cook: Pour batter onto a hot griddle or pan. Flip when bubbles form on the surface.

<p class="pro-note">🥞 Note: Buttermilk can make pancakes extra fluffy, but regular milk works fine if you don't have it.</p>

Sponge Cake 🍰

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=sponge cake" alt="Simple sponge cake on a decorative plate"> </div>

The Basics:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: To 350°F (175°C).

2. Separate Eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks.

3. Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.

4. Cream Yolks and Sugar: Beat yolks with sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla extract.

5. Fold in Flour: Sift flour over yolk mixture and fold gently.

6. Combine: Fold a third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture, then gently fold in the rest.

7. Bake: Pour into a greased cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Baking with plain flour isn't just about simplicity; it's about creating delicious treats with minimal fuss. Whether you're making bread rolls, cookies, flatbread, pancakes, or a simple sponge cake, these recipes show you don't need fancy ingredients to bake something wonderful. Each recipe offers a straightforward approach, enabling even the newest bakers to achieve impressive results. Enjoy the process, embrace the outcome, and most importantly, share the joy of your homemade creations with friends and family!

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I substitute self-raising flour for plain flour in these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If you use self-raising flour, omit the baking soda or powder in the recipe, as self-raising flour already contains leavening agents.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is my sponge cake dense instead of fluffy?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>A dense sponge cake might result from overmixing the batter, which can deflate the egg whites, or not beating the egg whites to stiff peaks.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze the bread rolls?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze bread rolls. Wrap them well to avoid freezer burn and they can be thawed at room temperature or reheated when ready to eat.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store cookies made from this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>