Baking is a fantastic activity to do with kids! It’s a fun way to teach them basic kitchen skills, encourage creativity, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for simple and kid-friendly recipes, here are some great ideas to get started.
1. Simple Sugar Cookies
Kids love rolling out dough and using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles for extra fun!
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and extracts.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, adding milk as needed to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
2. No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
A quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require an oven—perfect for little hands to help with mixing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and honey together.
- Stir in oats and vanilla extract.
- Press into a lined pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
3. Mini Banana Muffins
Soft, sweet, and the perfect size for little hands!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups flour
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with liners.
- Mix mashed bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Stir in baking soda and flour until just combined.
- Spoon batter into the muffin tin and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Tips for Baking with Kids
- Let them measure and mix to make them feel involved.
- Use kid-friendly utensils like plastic mixing bowls and small rolling pins.
- Expect a mess—baking is all about fun, not perfection!
- Most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun creating delicious treats together.
Baking with kids is a great way to spend quality time together while making tasty homemade treats. Try these easy recipes and start baking with your little chefs today!