Fun and Easy Baking Recipes to Make with the Family

Baking is a well-loved tradition for many families. From simple cookies to fancy cakes and pastries, the kitchen can be a great place for bonding and creating lasting memories with young relatives. 

Keep reading to discover our four favourite recipes for kids. Plus, discover tips to make baking with the littles ones in your family an unforgettable experience.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
6. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. On a floured surface, roll out one ball of dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, it’s time for the fun part – decorating!

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Method:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half and flatten each half into a disk. Then, wrap them in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.

Ingredients for the filling:

• Fresh seasonal fruits (e.g., apples, berries, peaches, etc.), sliced or chopped
• 1/2 – 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on fruit sweetness)
• 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
• Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced/chopped fruits with sugar, cornstarch/flour, lemon juice, and spices if using. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes to release juices.
2. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit your pie or tart pan.
3. Gently place the rolled-out dough into the pan, pressing it into the edges.
4. Spoon the prepared fruit filling into the crust.
5. Roll out the second disk of dough and either create a full crust covering the pie/tart or cut strips to make a lattice pattern.
6. Encourage the kids to use cookie cutters or small knives to create shapes or patterns on the top crust.

Baking method:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the pie/tart for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Let it cool before serving.

Method:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
3. Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. Stir until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s soft, smooth, and springs back when touched.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Creating shaping ideas:

• Braided loaf: Divide the dough into three equal portions, roll each portion into long ropes, then braid them together before placing them in a loaf pan to rise and bake.
• Animal or flower-shaped rolls: Let the kids shape smaller portions of dough into animals, flowers, or any fun shapes they like. Use additional dough pieces for ears, tails, petals, etc.
• Pretzel shapes: Roll out portions of dough and let the kids shape them into traditional pretzel shapes or even create their own unique twists.
• Stuffed rolls: Roll out small portions of dough, place a filling (like cheese, veggies, or chocolate chips) in the centre, then seal the dough and shape it into a ball.

Baking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for most bread types.
2. Bake the shaped bread for around 20-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Key takeaways

Baking with children is a heartwarming and rewarding experience. It goes beyond the delicious treats, creating lasting memories, passing down traditions, and strengthening the bond between generations. So, roll up your sleeves, don your aprons, and embark on a baking adventure with the children in your family. After all, the fondest memories are often made in the kitchen.

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