Children love to cook and bake in the family kitchen. They also enjoy using the same tools that mom and dad use to make the family meals. That is why cookies and sweets are usually a favorite for children to make. The recipes are yummy as well as easy to follow.

Children love to cook, and baking with children has countless benefits for the whole family. First and foremost, it brings the family together and fosters strong relationships while making memories. Simple math skills are developed while cooking and baking during this fun activity, Adding skills are learned by measuring, counting, and reading,  Most importantly, showing children that math skills are used in everyday life while following a recipe is a valuable lesson.

To make the most out of this family activity, find a recipe of a food that your child likes to eat. Make sure it is simple, easy, and fun to make.  Read the entire recipe out loud for all to hear. Next, gather the ingredients and measure them in bowls. Have your child count and measure all the ingredients of the recipe. Comprehension is another benefit of learning how to bake with a recipe.  The children will read or have the recipe read to them, follow directions, put it together, and taste the product. Doing all the steps will help the children understand the recipe while using all five senses.

In the past, I have baked cookies with my preschoolers. I have found that a favorite of theirs is sugar cookies that they can cut out and decorate.  The recipe is as follows.

Sugar Cookie Recipe

• 1 cup softened butter or margarine
• 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 egg
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla
• 2½ cups all-purpose flower
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Mix ingredients together. Then, roll out the cookie dough and use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes.

When the cookies are cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles

For even more information on the subject, I recommend Kids a Cookin’ website. The site is filled with recipes, tips, and information on how to cook with children.