Baking with your child is a fantastic way to bond, teach valuable life skills, and create delicious memories together. It’s an activity that combines fun, learning, and creativity, making it perfect for a family day in the kitchen. Here are five delightful baking recipes from this prep school in Surrey that are simple enough for children to help with, yet tasty enough to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gradually blend into the butter mixture.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are nicely browned.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Measuring and mixing ingredients.
• Dropping dough onto baking sheets.
• Sneaking a few chocolate chips.

2. Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Additional sprinkles for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
6. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Frost the cooled cupcakes and top with additional sprinkles.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Mixing in colourful sprinkles.
• Decorating with frosting and extra sprinkles.
• Licking the spoon.

3. Cheesy Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet.
3. Brush the dough with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into strips.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Spreading the cheese and seasonings.
• Slicing the dough into breadsticks.
• Enjoying a cheesy, savoury treat.

4. Fruit-Filled Hand Pies

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles.
3. In a bowl, mix the berries, sugar, and cornstarch.
4. Spoon a small amount of the berry mixture onto the centre of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
7. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Cutting out dough circles.
• Spoon on the fruit filling.
• Sealing the pies with a fork.

5. Simple Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why Kids Will Love It:

• Mashing the bananas.
• Mix the batter.
• Enjoying a warm slice of homemade banana bread.

Baking with your child is not only a fun and educational activity but also a wonderful way to create lasting memories. These five recipes are easy to follow and perfect for introducing your little ones to the joys of baking. So, gather your ingredients, put on your aprons, and enjoy some quality time in the kitchen with your child. Happy baking!

This is a collaborative post.