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How to Have Fun Baking with Toddlers

Last updated June 19, 2021 Leave a Comment Filed Under: Parenting

Inside: Essential tips for baking with toddlers. Minimize the mess, cut the stress, and have more fun together!

I held my breath as I took in the scene. Flour covered every surface, like a thin dusting of snow. Sticky cups and spoons lay strewn across the floor. The kids were eagerly licking gooey cookie dough off the table, their fingers – even their toes.

Hygiene fail.

Baking with my daycare kids had seemed like a great idea the night before. Plus, savoring freshly baked cookies together is the perfect rainy day activity.

When kids bake they:

  • Learn life skills
  • Practice fine motor control
  • Explore mathematical concepts
  • Engage their senses
  • Observe science in action
  • Are more willing to try new foods

But, things don’t always turn out the way we expect – especially when toddlers are involved.

One of the kids laid down on the floor and swished his arms and legs up and down.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Snow angel!” He giggled.

More like a flour angel.

How could I make baking with toddlers more manageable?

 tips for baking with toddlers

Baking with Toddlers: Less Mess, More Fun

After a lot of experimenting (and a lot of messes), I’ve learned these essential tips that make baking with toddlers fun and feasible.

Choose the Right Recipe

This isn’t the right time to try out a complicated soufflé. When you’re baking with toddlers, look for a recipe that has:

  • Few ingredients
  • Simple instructions
  • No eggs – at least until your toddler is able to keep her fingers out of her mout

Start with this simple cookie recipe. 

a toddler baking cookies

Preparation is Everything

A lot can happen while you dig through the cupboard to find the cinnamon – especially when your toddler has access to a bowl of goopy muffin batter.  

Before you start:

  • Read through the recipe
  • Collect ingredients and stash them out of your toddler’s reach
  • Find measuring cups, stirring spoons, rubber spatula – multiples if you have them!
  • Choose a large bowl to help prevent spills from exuberant stirring
  • Grab a towel, sponge, and baby wipes
  • Pull a chair up to the kitchen table or counter for your toddler
  • Wash everyone’s hands

We use the kitchen table for our workspace. I pull up a high chair so my little one can reach. The ingredients are in my reach – but not my toddler’s – on the opposite side of the table.

a toddlers stirring ingredients

Take it Step by Step

Offer one ingredient at a time to keep your toddler focused – and reduce the chances of a catastrophic mess.

  1. Read the first step of the recipe out loud.  
  2. Bring the first ingredient to the cooking area.
  3. Smell and taste the ingredient, if it’s safe to do so. “Mmmm, the peanut butter tastes salty.”
  4. Talk about the role of the ingredient. “The baking soda will make the muffins rise.”
  5. Offer as much help as your toddler needs to measure the ingredient.
  6. Return the first ingredient to its place out of reach.
  7. Read the next step.
  8. Repeat!

toddler feeding mom

Making (Tasty) Memories

Years after my first harrowing experience baking with toddlers, I love baking with my own kids. Using the tips I’ve shared with you, we keep the mess to a minimum while we make warm memories together.

And so far, no more flour angels.

What is your favorite thing to bake with your kids? Share in the comments below!


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