If ever there was a time to get messy with your kids, it’s during the holidays. Tie on an apron, pull out your favourite recipes and get ready to bake up a storm.
Holiday baking can sometimes feel like a chore—all that mixing, measuring and decorating. Bringing your kids into the mix can actually be fun and can take away some of the pressure to create perfect results. Here, we share our best tips for baking with kids without losing your cool.
Read the recipe together
If your little ones are just starting to read, recipes are an inspiring and exciting way to keep them learning and engaged. If your apprentice is a better listener, read instructions aloud so they feel part of the process.
Dress the part
Make or buy them their own mini aprons, chef hats and pint-sized baking tools like whisks and spatulas. They’ll be pleased to look the part.
Prep ahead
If baking with younger kids, pre-measure ingredients to help stick to the recipe.
Keep things fun
During the holidays, cookie cutters shaped like Santa, reindeer and menorahs make decorating extra festive.
Rock out!
Whether it’s Disney princess songs or your favourite holiday soundtrack, keep the tunes pumping as you mix. Dance parties while the oven preheats are highly encouraged.
Snack as you go
If you don’t want your little one dipping their finger into raw dough, try having a few safe treats on hand, like chocolate chips or small candies to keep their hunger at bay until the cookies have finished baking.
Keep calm
Baking with kids is messy and sometimes chaotic. Roll with the spills and slip-ups.
Accept imperfection
Sometimes baking is more about the process than the final product. Even if you don’t end up with Pinterest-worthy treats in the end, smudged snowflakes and single-antlered chocolate reindeer are sure to put a smile on your face throughout the holiday season
Here are five of our favourite yummy recipe ideas for the holidays:
1. Chocolate-mint candy cane thumbprint cookies
Photo: Carmen Cheung
Mwah! Are you ready for the holiday cookie swap? These mint-kissed treats are oh-so sweet. Get the recipe: Chocolate-mint candy cane thumbprint cookies
2. Christmas icebox cookies
Photo: Erik Putz
This make-ahead dough will be your holiday savour. Prepare the dough now and then freeze it until that holiday bake sale or unexpected guest pops up. Get the recipe: Christmas icebox cookies
3. Pink almond-coconut snowballs
Photo: Erik Putz
Treat them to something extra sweet this holiday season with millennial pink snowball cookies. Not only are they tasty, but they make for great gifts. Get the recipe: Pink almond-coconut snowballs
4. Turtle fudge
Photo: Erik Putz
Chocolate + caramel + pecans (with a dash of salt) = holiday baking perfection. Make a big batch, so you can wrap up the leftovers as gifts. Get the recipe: Turtle fudge
5. DIY holiday candy bar
Photo: Erik Putz
Looking for something to do on a snowy Saturday? Grab some sprinkles and get the kids involved in decorating these festive candy bars. Get the recipe: DIY holiday candy bar