We’re so excited that our doors are finally open again and we can welcome our Englewood, Central Park and Thornton pediatric patients back into our office. We’ve missed you over the past few weeks, but we’ve managed to find ways to keep ourselves busy. One of our favorite things to do during self-isolation? Family baking!
The team at Kids Mile High has been making the most of our time at home, trying fun new recipes that are simple enough for kids to make (with adult supervision, of course). Even though banana bread is basically the official baked good of quarantine, there are so many other kid-friendly baking recipes you can make together. The best part is you probably already have everything you need in the pantry, so there’s no need to make unnecessary trips to the grocery store.
Whether you’re still isolating at home or just want to introduce your kids to the art of baking, here are five super simple baking recipes for kids.
- Everyone’s Favorite: Chocolate Brownies
There’s nothing better than a gooey chocolate brownie, am I right? They’re a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike, and it turns out that they’re incredibly easy to make. With just eight ingredients you likely have on hand already, you can make delicious, chocolatey brownies the whole family will love.
Here’s what you need: bittersweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, salt and all purpose flour. All you have to do is melt the chocolate and butter together, then add the rest of the ingredients to make a thick batter. Then bake at 350°F for 25 minutes and you’re good to go! Get the full easy brownie recipe here.
- The Classic Baking Treat: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ready to make the chewiest, gooiest chocolate chip cookies of all time? All you need are nine simple pantry staples. It might sound like a lot but once you read the list, you’ll realize you already have everything you need. These chocolate chip cookies are also egg-free, so they’re truly a pantry-only treat!
Here’s the list of ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, chocolate chips, brown sugar, white sugar, coconut or olive oil, and water. You could easily sub in whatever kind of flour, sugar and oil you have at home. Let the kids mix up the ingredients and then all you have to do is pop them in the oven. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had. Read the full kid-friendly chocolate chip cookie recipe and get baking!
- The Easiest, Healthiest, Tastiest One-Bowl Banana Bread
No list of quarantine baking ideas would be complete without a delicious banana bread! This one requires just a handful of ingredients and only one bowl to make. Just throw everything into one bowl and mix it up to create a batter. Then pour into a parchment-lined, 9×5-inch baking dish and bake for at least an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust becomes a golden brown and begins to crack.
Using pantry items like bananas, oats, maple syrup, sugar and more, you can make kid-friendly (and naturally gluten free) banana bread in no time. Get the full healthy banana bread recipe from Minimalist Baker (and if you’re missing an ingredient or two, read the comments below the post for suggestions on substitutions!).
- Kid-Approved Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Every kid’s favorite sandwich just got an even tastier makeover. If you’ve got flour, oats, sugar, salt, baking soda, peanut butter, butter and jam on hand, you’ve got yourself the fixings for one of the best baking recipes for kids. These chewy peanut butter and jelly bars have a crumbly crust on the top and bottom that sandwiches a thick layer of strawberry jam. These bars look so delicious we’re willing to bet your kiddos will be asking for them again and again. Check out the full kid-friendly baking recipe and get ready to see your kiddos smile.
- Nutritious (and Delicious) Trail Mix Cookies
Well, you knew we had to include at least one healthy baking recipe for kids. We are pediatric dentists, after all. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition with these yummy trail mix cookies. Peanut butter, maple syrup, salt, vanilla extract, baking soda and trail mix come together for a super healthy-yet-tasty treat that even kids will love. Does your child have a peanut allergy? Simple swap out the peanut butter for any other nut or seed butter (like almond butter or tahini). This healthy cookie recipe for kids is perfect for breakfasts, picnics or as an on-the-go snack for family walks. Trust us, they’ll be a hit.
Baking is not only a super fun family activity, it can also be educational for your youngsters. They’ll learn all about fractions and measurements, and discover the magic of watching a bowl of ingredients transform into delicious baked goods. Baking is truly one of the most fun family activities for children and parents to enjoy together. What have you been baking over the last few months? Be sure to let us know at your next appointment with Kids Mile High.
