Baking cookies with kids is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and teach valuable life skills. From measuring ingredients to decorating the final product, baking cookies offers a fun, hands-on learning experience. This guide will provide you with simple, kid-friendly cookie recipes and helpful tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable baking adventure for everyone involved. Ready to get started? Let’s turn your kitchen into a cookie wonderland!
Table Of Contents
After gathering your ingredients, the first step is always to wash your hands! This is very important for food safety and will set the stage for a clean baking experience. Similarly to [How to make no-bake cookies with peanut butter](https://bestbaking.recipes/how-to-make-no-bake-cookies-with-peanut butter/), the process starts with getting everything ready. Remember, even little hands can make a big mess, so preparing your workspace is key.
Simple Sugar Cookies: A Classic for a Reason
These simple sugar cookies are a perfect starting point for young bakers. The dough is easy to handle and the decorating possibilities are endless!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Think of it like making clouds of sweetness!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kids Making Sugar Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Everyone’s Favorite
Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for little hands to help with. If you’re looking to avoid flour, check out How to make peanut butter cookies without flour. You might be surprised how delicious flourless cookies can be!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Healthy Twist
These oatmeal raisin cookies are a delicious and healthier option. For those looking for even more nutritional boosts, How to make protein-packed cookies offers some excellent ideas. Who says cookies can’t be good for you?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the rolled oats and raisins.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Cooling
Decorating Fun: Let Your Creativity Shine
Once your cookies have cooled, the real fun begins! Gather your favorite frosting, sprinkles, candies, and let your imagination run wild. Baking with kids, especially during the holidays, can be incredibly rewarding. Check out our New Year’s Eve cookie recipe and Easter cookie recipe for some festive inspiration. These recipes will help you create unforgettable holiday treats that everyone will love.
Decorated Cookies by Kids
Baking cookies for kids, or even better, baking cookies with kids, is more than just making treats; it’s about building memories and nurturing creativity. So, gather your ingredients, little helpers, and get ready to bake some delicious memories!
