How to Get Your Little One into Baking

Baking is one of the best hobbies you can share with your child. Not only does it teach them patience, math skills, and food science, but it also gives you both a chance to bond over something delicious and fun. If you’re ready to bake some unique creations and make a mess of your kitchen, here’s how to get your little one into baking.

Let them Decorate

In the beginning, your little one will probably be most excited about the decorating stage, so let them take control of it. You could even split a batch of cookies for you to decorate one half while they decorate the other! By letting them make something they’re proud of, they’ll be more likely to want to do it again in the future.

Over time, start introducing new equipment to decorate with. While you might start with simple icing sugar with a spoon, you could later develop toward piping bags and even letter stencils for a beautiful finish.

Make it a Weekly Tradition

Traditions as children become a beloved memory as an adult, so get into the habit of baking with your little one weekly. Don’t worry – it doesn’t always have to be intense or expensive baked goods; simple rice Krispie treats will do the trick on a lazy day.

Buy Them Their Own Equipment

Baking is great fun for kids, but it’s easier for them to use equipment that suits their smaller hands. Plus, by getting them their own equipment, they can choose designs that appeal to them, making them more likely to want to use it! Have a look around for kid-friendly baking equipment to ensure they stay safe in the kitchen.

Keep it Simple (at First)

Even if you’re a skilled baker, you don’t want to overwhelm your child with too much technical information at first. After all, they have years to learn! In the beginning, teach them the simplest basics, such as mixing, using measuring spoons, and trying not to spill too much frosting. Once they’ve nailed the basics, then they can move onto the slightly more difficult areas.

Start When They’re Young

The best way to get your child engaged with baking is to start them as young as possible. Even a toddler can help with mixing a small bowl! If they start young, they’ll be more interested in baking as they grow older, and you’ll find that they’re the ones nagging you to help them bake cookies in the kitchen.

Bake the Food They Love

You won’t get a child interested in baking if you’re always making foods they don’t particularly like. While you might be an expert sourdough baker, your little one probably isn’t interested in a slow fermentation. Instead, bake the foods they love, such as chocolate cupcakes, sugar cookies, blueberry muffins, and funfetti cake.

A kid who loves baking grows into an adult with a knack for layered cakes and bread kneading. You never know; they might just end up writing a baking cookbook when they’re older!