Getting kids involved in the kitchen can be a great way to spend quality time together and teach them important life skills. Baking is a fun and creative activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. Plus, the end result is always delicious! Here are five fun and easy baking recipes to try with your kids.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Is there anything more classic than a chocolate chip cookie? This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and definitely a favorite among kids. Here's what you need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add it to the batter along with the salt. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans and bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges are nicely browned.
Banana Bread
Banana bread is a tasty and healthy treat that's great for breakfast or snack time. Here's a simple recipe your kids will love helping with.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and butter a loaf pan. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour. Pour the batter into the buttered loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Easy-Peasy Pizza
Pizza is a favorite among children, and making it at home can be a fun activity. Here's an easy recipe for homemade pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Various toppings of your choice
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 2 hours. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Roll out the dough, spread the tomato sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and add your toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast staple that's easy and fun to make. Here's a simple recipe your kids will love.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.
Cupcakes
Baking cupcakes can be a fun and creative activity for kids. Here's a basic recipe for vanilla cupcakes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared liners. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
