Baking is not only a fun and engaging activity, it also offers significant benefits for kids. Besides fostering creativity and developing essential life skills, baking also gives kids a chance to practice reading, math and problem-solving.
It also provides quality time for parents/carers and kids to connect, collaborate, and communicate. And… there’s delicious treats at the end! So, gather your little chefs, put on your aprons and embark on a kitchen adventure! Here is our list of tips for baking with kids along with ten simple recipes to try.
Our top tips for baking with kids:
- Choose age-appropriate recipes: Select recipes that are simple and suitable for your child’s skill level. Start with basic recipes like cookies or muffins before progressing to more complex ones.
- Teach safety: Emphasise the importance of kitchen safety, including proper handwashing, using oven mitts and always supervise kids around sharp utensils, ovens and hot surfaces.
- Embrace the mess: There’s going to be mess, but it’s all part of the fun. Boost your child’s confidence by letting them take charge, where appropriate, and encourage independence by involving them in the clean up process.
- Focus on the process, not just the outcome: While the end result is delicious treats, emphasize the value of the journey. Encourage your child to enjoy the process, learn from mistakes, and savor the joy of creating something with their own hands.
10 kid-friendly recipes to try
Muffins
Muffins are not only quick and easy to make, they’re also a great lunchbox filler. Start with this basic muffin mixture and then add whatever extras you prefer, or have on hand, such as banana and coconut or raspberry and white chocolate.
Scrolls
These cheesy bolognaise scrolls make a great after-school snack (if they last that long!)
Thumbprint Cookies
With only 5 ingredients and a 30 minute prep/cooking time, kids will love using their thumb to indent the top of these thumbprint cookies, before filling them with jam and baking.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Classic easy chocolate chip cookies are always a hit with kids. Tasty, simple and fun to bake, they are a great choice for beginner bakers.
Homemade Pizza
For a quick and easy homemade pizza dough, mix 1 cup of self-raising flour with 1 cup of greek yoghurt and mix into a dough. Kids can use a rolling pin to roll out to desired thickness and then choose and add the toppings. Cook in a hot oven for 15-20 minutes. They’ll love making them as much as they’ll love eating them!
Cupcakes
Simple and versatile, vanilla cupcakes allow kids to practice basic baking techniques such as mixing and frosting. Older kids or the more experienced little chefs will have a blast creating these Australian Women’s Weekly Barbie Rainbow Cupcakes.
Banana Bread
Here’s a quick and easy classic banana bread recipe. Give kids the job of mashing the bananas with a fork. Spread with cream cheese or peanut butter for a yummy and filling after-school treat.
Mini Quiches
These corn mini quiches are quick and easy to whip up and, with only two simple steps, kids can make them with little assistance. You’ll need a round cutter and a patty pan tin.
Scones
Kids can practice mixing and kneading while whipping up a batch of scones for afternoon tea. Start with a basic scone recipe and then kids can choose their add-ins, such as sultanas or dates. Serve warm with butter or jam and cream.
Packet Mixes
For home baking that’s playfully simple and almost no-fail try a packet mix. There’s heaps to choose from, including muffins, cupcakes, brownies and cookies, and they usually require only a few extra ingredients such as eggs, milk or oil. My kids are also a fan of Aunty Kath’s cookie dough, premade rolls of cookie dough that just needs to be shaped and baked.
Remember to adjust the recipes based on your dietary preferences and any potential allergies. Enjoy your baking adventures!
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Meg is a born and raised Novocastrian whose interests include gardening, reading and writing poetry. In between writing for Newy With Kids and working as a School Learning Support Officer, Meg enjoys camping and travelling with her family and exploring Newcastle and all it has to offer. Meg has two energetic kids and is passionate about kids having the opportunity to be outdoors as often as possible.