Baking With Kids + Double Chocolate Drop Cookies

Get your kids excited about baking this summer. Start with this super fun recipe for double chocolate drop cookies that are just perfect with a tall glass of cold milk!

Now that school is out for summer, are you looking for fun ways to keep the little ones entertained? If our DS had his way, he would just spend his day playing Mario or watching Netflix. Playing outside can be out of the question on hot 100-plus Texan summer afternoons. So we have found the perfect way to while away the hot summer days – baking!

It is never too early to get your little one hooked on to cooking and baking. Our little guy has always been interested in the workings of the kitchen. When he was a baby, his favorite toys were my whisks, ladles, cookie sheets and pans. He’s always snatching up chunks of cookie dough and the cake batter spatula to lick.

To get your one little darlings excited in baking, keep these simple tips in mind.

1. Remember that it is never too early or too late to start. Even when kids are in pre-school or younger, let them pretend to whisk and stir with a spoon and an empty bowl. This will also help in developing their fine motor skills.
2. When you feel they are old enough, you can graduate them to a real baking recipe. Pick a simple recipe that needs just a bowl and whisk. These one-bowl strawberry muffins and funfetti mug cake are great beginner recipes.
3. Let your kids pick out a set of simple implements to help in baking. Having their own baking set will get them excited to use them more often. Target has several options to choose from (3-piece spoonula set, large whisk, colorful mixing bowl set, measuring set, and cookie sheet)
4. Do not be afraid of messes. Messes are a fun way of learning!
5. Read the recipes fully before starting. There is nothing worse than finding out that you need additional ingredients or extra prep time halfway through the recipe. Kids are not exactly known for being patient.
6.  For older kids, baking is a wonderful opportunity to introduce math and measurement concepts. Is there a better way to learn that two half cups equal one cup, other than when measuring out sugar for cookies?
7. The oven can be really hot and dangerous, so make sure there is an adult around to supervise at all times.
8.  Be genuinely excited to try their baked goods and be lavish with your praise! Be sure to show-off their creations online and tag us @targetmademedoit

In no time at all, you will have a junior Masterchef at home!

This easy, one-bowl Double Chocolate Drop Cookie recipe is a great beginner recipe for kids. These cookies are soft and chewy with an intense chocolate flavor in every bite. There is cocoa powder in the dough and a smattering of white chocolate chunks as well.

The biggest advantage of this recipe is that unlike many cookie recipes, there is no chilling time, rolling or cutting involved. You can enjoy a warm cookie with a glass of milk almost as soon as you crave one.

Ingredients:

• Butter – 6 tbsp, softened
• Sugar – 1/2 cup
• Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
• Egg – 1, large
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Cocoa powder – 1/3 cup (use unsweetened)
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Baking soda – 1/2 tsp
• White chocolate chips or chunks – 1/2 cup

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Using a whisk or an electric beater, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beat to combine.
4. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a bowl until no lumps remain. Tip into the creamed batter and mix to combine.
5. Mix in the chocolate chips or chunks.
6. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop little dough balls onto the cookie sheet. Space the cookies to allow space to expand.
7. Bake for 9-10 minutes or until the cookie edges are crisp but centers are still soft.
8. Remove from oven and rest cookies in pan for 5 minutes. Carefully remove cookies to a wire rack to cool.
9. Enjoy warm cookies with a glass of milk. Store the cooled leftover cookies in an airtight container.

I hope you enjoyed my tips to bake with kids this summer, as well as this easy recipe for double chocolate drop cookies. I hope this will get your little ones interested to bake.

Head over to my blog for more such delightful recipes. You can also stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter . See you there!