Baking with your little ones isn’t just about delicious treats, it gives you an opportunity to bond and have fun. Whether you bake all the time or a novice in the kitchen, involving children gives the opportunity for a delightful adventure. In this blog, we’ll explore easy recipes, share helpful tips and offer advice on making your baking experience with children enjoyable and educational.
Easy Recipes For Little Bakers
Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Baking Essentials
Rainbow Cupcakes:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Water, oil, and eggs (as per the cake mix instructions)
- Food coloring (assorted colors)
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter into separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl, creating a variety of vibrant colors.
- Layer the colored batter into cupcake liners.
- Bake according to the package instructions
Tips and Advice
- Safety First
Ensure that the kitchen space is a safe place for littles ones, supervise closely especially dealing with sharp tools.
2. Simplify The Steps
Break down the recipe in simple steps to make it easier for your children to understand and contribute. Assign age appropriate tasks to keep them engaged.
3. Creativity
After the baking is complete and the cookies or cupcakes are cooked, encourage your child to decorate. Provide various toppings such as sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter.
4. Learning Opportunities
Baking is a great way to teach your little ones basic skills like measurement, following instructions and counting.
6. Patience is Key
Understand that baking with kids may take longer but enjoy the memories you are making. It’s worth the extra time. Embrace the mess and enjoy the process!
Decoration Ideas
Rainbow Frosting:
– Prepare vanilla frosting and divide it into bowls.
– Add different food colors to each bowl, creating a rainbow of frosting.
– Let the kids pipe the colorful frosting on cupcakes using pastry bags.
Candy Land Toppings:
– Set up a variety of candies, such as gummy bears, M&M’s, and jelly beans.
Animal Faces:
– Frost cupcakes with a base color.
– Use candies, marshmallows, and chocolate chips to create cute animal faces like bears, cats, or dogs.
Letter and Number Decorations:
– Use letter-shaped or number-shaped cookie cutters to create personalized decorations with fondant or colored icing.
Themed Toppers:
– Purchase or make themed cake toppers (cartoon characters, animals, or shapes) for an easy way to add a festive touch.
Chocolate Drizzle:
– Melt chocolate and drizzle it over cookies or cupcakes using a spoon or a piping bag for an elegant finish.
Just Get Started!
Baking with children is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and instill a love for cooking. By keeping it simple, safe and fostering creativity you can turn your kitchen into a magical space. Happy Baking!
