I want to have my 2 nieces, ages 10 and 6, over to make some holiday cookies. I don’t really want to do the cut-out routine until I’ve baked with them to see how they do! lol. But I want them to have fun and stay interested during the bake-day.
Any ideas out there for cookies that would be fun for kids to do, and easy for me to deal with?
Thanks,
Carol B
If they’re 10 and 6 years old, you don’t have to worry too much. I started making Christmas cookies for Santa (on Christmas Eve day) with my daughter when she was 2 years old. The mess wasn’t that grand and the look of delight on her face was well worth it! This tradition continued every year until she was about 9 (she had better things to do! LOL). She would sit in her small chair near the oven to watch the cookies bake! Some years, she would have a friend with her. My hubby made them their own “chef’s hat” with their name on it. They were so cute! I have pictures of her doing this every year. Knowing that she made Santa’s cookies herself, gave her so much pride! And excitement!
As long as you’re organized, the mess won’t be that big. Remember, it’s only once a year and it’s worth it. It’s something they’ll remember for a long time. You can even buy small rolling pins at the dollar store or WalMart.
Each child should have their own work station, so that there’s no fighting. Their own containers of cinnamon hearts, sprinkles, etc. And cookie sheet! (so they don’t argue, that’s my cookie!!!) LOL
If you’re making sugar cookies, instead of using flour for rolling, use a mixture of sugar/flour, or just sugar. If not, remember to use a DRY paper towel first to wipe the flour off the counter/table, then use your wet cloth to wipe clean. A lot of people make the mistake of using a wet cloth to wipe up flour off the counter/table, which makes it difficult to clean - the flour sticks even more to the surface. Using a dry paper towel makes clean up so much easier!
If you’re not sure which recipe to make, just buy them each a package of Betty Crocker gingerbread or sugar cookie mix. Since they’re 10 and 6, they can even mix their own batter by hand, according to package directions. Having them roll out their own dough and cutting shapes is a great start to teaching them how to bake! And they’ll always remember making Christmas cookies with Auntie!!!
Good luck!
Aline
If they’re 10 and 6 years old, you don’t have to worry too much. I started making Christmas cookies for Santa (on Christmas Eve day) with my daughter when she was 2 years old. The mess wasn’t that grand and the look of delight on her face was well worth it! This tradition continued every year until she was about 9 (she had better things to do! LOL). She would sit in her small chair near the oven to watch the cookies bake! Some years, she would have a friend with her. My hubby made them their own “chef’s hat” with their name on it. They were so cute! I have pictures of her doing this every year. Knowing that she made Santa’s cookies herself, gave her so much pride! And excitement!
As long as you’re organized, the mess won’t be that big. Remember, it’s only once a year and it’s worth it. It’s something they’ll remember for a long time. You can even buy small rolling pins at the dollar store or WalMart.
Each child should have their own work station, so that there’s no fighting. Their own containers of cinnamon hearts, sprinkles, etc. And cookie sheet! (so they don’t argue, that’s my cookie!!!) LOL
If you’re making sugar cookies, instead of using flour for rolling, use a mixture of sugar/flour, or just sugar. If not, remember to use a DRY paper towel first to wipe the flour off the counter/table, then use your wet cloth to wipe clean. A lot of people make the mistake of using a wet cloth to wipe up flour off the counter/table, which makes it difficult to clean - the flour sticks even more to the surface. Using a dry paper towel makes clean up so much easier!
If you’re not sure which recipe to make, just buy them each a package of Betty Crocker gingerbread or sugar cookie mix. Since they’re 10 and 6, they can even mix their own batter by hand, according to package directions. Having them roll out their own dough and cutting shapes is a great start to teaching them how to bake! And they’ll always remember making Christmas cookies with Auntie!!! The memory itself is a great gift to give them!
From experience, at least from my end, if a child feels that he/she didn’t contribute that much in the making of something, he/she feels that it’s no big deal. You did most of the work, so it’s not his/her accomplishment. It’s yours. He/she just “helped” out a bit.
You said, “I don’t really want to do the cut-out routine until I’ve baked with them to see how they do!” How are they going to learn if you don’t try it? LOL I know it’s scary, LOL, but as long as you show/tell them how to do it right the first time, no problem! They see it more as an art project than the opportunity of making a big mess. LOL
Good luck!
Aline
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
1 c. sugar 1 c. peanut butter 1 egg
Mix all together and drop by teaspoonful on baking sheet. Make crisscrosses using a fork dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.
I have posted this recipe before but posted again because this is one of the quickest , easiest , tastiest cookie recipes I know. All 4 of our kids and now 2 grandkids enjoyed making and eating them!
Anther Boxed Cake Recipe that I tried today that was sooo easy and yet so good, almost like mini brownies!
1 box of Devils Food Cake Mix
2 Tbs. water
1/2 stick softened butter
1 egg
1/2 C. Powdered sugar
Combine all the ingredients except the powdered sugar, place that in a separate bowl. mix the rest at low sped till moistened. Using a teaspoon pinch off a portion of the “dough” and roll between your palms to create a ball and place in the bowl of the powdered sugar and coat well. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet for 9 and a half minutes at 350 degrees.
These are even better with chopped walnuts! Who knew these would be so easy! Next year these are on my cookie list! :mrgreen: