Baking with kids is a great way to spend quality time together, while teaching them important skills like measuring, mixing, and patience. And who doesn’t love the thrill of creating something delicious and sharing it with family and friends? To make baking even more enjoyable for your little ones, we’ve gathered 18 fun and easy recipes that are sure to bring a smile to their faces. From classic treats like cupcakes and cookies to creative concoctions like pumpkin spice whoopie pies and strawberry shortcake bars, these recipes are perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels. So put on your aprons, preheat those ovens, and get ready to have some sweet fun with your mini-me’s!
Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes
Brighten up your day with these colorful treats that are as easy to make as they are to enjoy! Moist vanilla cake, topped with a swirl of rainbow-colored buttercream and sprinkles, is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Rainbow sprinkles (assorted colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with sprinkles (in small handfuls), beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich, chewy center and crispy edges, these mini cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into prepared muffin tin.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Bread Muffins
Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
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Satisfy your craving for warm, comforting treats with these moist and delicious Banana Bread Muffins. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of spice, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Vanilla Fairy Cakes
These bite-sized treats are a classic British delight, perfect for a sweet indulgence or as a special treat for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic shortcake dessert, these strawberry bars are perfect for a summer treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and granulated sugar.
3. Add softened butter and confectioners’ sugar; mix until crumbly.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow bars to cool completely before topping with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and vanilla extract.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies: A twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, these thumbprints incorporate a surprise jelly filling for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Jelly of your choice (e.g., grape, strawberry, or apricot)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined.
4. Beat in the egg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter). Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
7. Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
8. Spoon a small amount of jelly into each indentation.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Turnovers
Warm up with a delicious twist on the classic apple turnover! These sweet treats are perfect for a cozy evening or a breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spoon the apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the pastry. Fold the other half of the pastry over the apples and press the edges to seal.
6. Place turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day. With the warmth of oatmeal and sweetness of raisins, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in raisins.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
These moist and flavorful pies are the perfect treat for fall festivities, filled with warm pumpkin spice flavors and topped with a creamy marshmallow frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– Marshmallow frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk and an egg. Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are firm to the touch.
6. Allow pies to cool completely before filling with marshmallow frosting.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Drizzle Loaf
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Drizzle Loaf, perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Start your day with a delicious and healthy twist on traditional muffins. These blueberry yogurt muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, packed with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and tanginess from Greek yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
Moist zucchini adds natural sweetness and texture to these decadent brownies, while dark chocolate chips provide an intense cocoa flavor. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence or as a unique dessert offering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium-sized)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa solids)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add zucchini, vanilla extract, and the flour mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Funfetti Cake Pops
Add a pop of fun to your baking with these colorful and delicious cake pops, perfect for parties or special treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz)
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of funfetti sprinkles
– 12-16 ounces of white chocolate chips
– Lollipop sticks or cake pop sticks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, using milk and butter.
2. Fold in vanilla extract and funfetti sprinkles into the batter.
3. Pour mixture into a lined baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cake to cool completely before crumbly it into fine crumbs.
5. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Roll cake crumbs into small balls (about 1 inch). Dip each ball into melted white chocolate and place on parchment paper.
7. Insert lollipop stick or cake pop stick into each cake pop.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes (including baking time).
Carrot Cake Bites
A delightful twist on traditional carrot cake, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a dessert to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine carrots, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bites to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Cheesecake Bites
Sweet and creamy mini cheesecakes that are perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until combined. Press mixture into each liner.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into each lined muffin tin. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Homemade Graham Crackers
Classic graham crackers are a staple in many bakeries and homes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own delicious homemade graham crackers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cracker.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 crackers
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
These soft-baked peanut butter cookies are a classic favorite, filled with the warmth of chocolate and the crunch of peanuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
– Hershey’s Kisses or other chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in egg until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Stir in chopped peanuts.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
Raspberry Swirl Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies infused with the sweetness of raspberries and a pop of color from the raspberry swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 2 cups sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Fold in the raspberries.
7. Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the raspberry layer.
8. Use a knife or spatula to create a swirly design.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Let cool completely in pan before cutting into squares and dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get your little bakers excited with these 18 fun and easy recipes perfect for kids! From sweet treats like Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes, Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Strawberry Shortcake Bars to savory bites like Apple Cinnamon Turnovers and Homemade Graham Crackers, there’s something for every young chef. Plus, many of these recipes are customizable to suit your child’s tastes and dietary needs. So gather the family and get baking with these creative and delicious ideas!
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