Parenting Corner: Baking with Children

The idea of baking with toddlers or young children may feel daunting. We know they want to help, but how? Many Montessori classrooms have baking activities set up for the children in the morning, and a lot of times the baking can even be done in a toaster oven! The key to “helping them do it by themselves” is often just a matter of pre-measuring and prepping ingredients.

You can sort of think of this like you are preparing to be on your very own cooking show. Have your dry ingredients already measured out in small dishes so they are easy to dump into a big bowl. Wet ingredients can be prepared the same way.

This recipe from The Baker Mama is the perfect one-bowl muffin recipe in which you can add whatever mix-ins you would like!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Add-in options: blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries, chopped banana, chocolate chips, sprinkles, cinnamon-sugar, etc.

  Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Whisk to combine.

• Make a space in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg and milk. Whisk until just combined. Gently whisk in the melted butter until the batter is well combined.

• Scoop batter evenly among prepared mini muffin cups, filling each one a little over halfway full.

• Press a few add-ins down into the muffin batter of each muffin cup with the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick and then gently press a few more into the top of the muffin batter so they’re still sticking out a bit. If you’re adding cinnamon-sugar, sprinkles or another dry add-in, just spoon a little on top and use the end of the spoon or chopstick to swirl it down into the batter.

• Bake for 15-18 minutes or until muffins have risen and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Happy baking!