UBT: Holiday Baking Ideas with the Kids

Children of all ages are sponges! And from the time they can sit up they are learning, absorbing and beginning to imitate the world and people around them. As parents, caretakers and guardians it is our responsibility to teach the children around us the foundation skills they’ll need in life. So why not start in the kitchen! Getting your little ones involved in the kitchen is a great way to bond, teach life skills and build their confidence and skill sets.

Baking is a fantastic place to start. With a delicious result for a job well done, baking with your kids has endless possibilities. Here is a few easy, fun and yummy baking ideas and tips to get you and your little ones started in the kitchen.

Rice Krispy Squares: This no bake classic is a household staple! Older Kids can enjoy stirring the marshmallows as they melt (with adult supervision and guidance) and mixing the cereal in! While younger kids can get down and greasy by buttering up their hands and shaping the Krispy mixture into the pan or even fun shapes!

Tips: Food coloring can be added into the marshmallow mixture for seasonal celebrations!



INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
OR
4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
6 cups of Rice Krispies Cereal

DIRECTIONS
1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares or make into fun holiday shapes. Best if served the same day.

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Sugar Cookies: Cookies of all types are fantastic, delicious and relatively easy to make, but sugar cookies pose a special child friendly step. The cookie cutter!  Let your little ones go to town on cutting out special and funky shapes and characters. If you don’t already have cookie cutters in your cupboard, it gives you a perfect opportunity to hit the grocery store and choose the perfect ones together!

Tips: Let your children help roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin. Don’t be afraid to get their clean hands messy! Hand mixing cookie dough is fun and efficient

INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
4.Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.