In this blog, we’ll share cookie recipes and practical tips on how MBF Sitters can make holiday baking a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Why Bake with MBF Sitters?
The kitchen often becomes the center of activity during the holidays, filled with laughter, flour, and sticky fingers. However, managing children in a busy kitchen requires focus and patience. MBF Sitters provide the support needed to ensure the baking process is both safe and productive.
Sitters assist with age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients, rolling dough, and decorating cookies. They also maintain a clean workspace, giving parents peace of mind. By involving sitters in this tradition, parents can step back and enjoy the moment, knowing everything is under control.
Recipe 1: Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
6. Roll dough into balls; flatten slightly.
7. Bake on a lined baking sheet for 8–10 minutes.
Decorating is where kids shine. Sitters can organize icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations, ensuring every child has their own space to work. While kids focus on creating designs, the sitter keeps things tidy, helping younger children when needed.
Recipe 2: Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic treat. Their spicy aroma fills the house with a festive feeling.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients; chill dough for 1 hour.
6. Roll out dough, cut shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool before decorating
Recipe 3: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are both delicious and easy to make, making them perfect for young bakers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Steps:
1. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients; chill dough for 2 hours.
5. Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Children enjoy rolling dough and dusting it in sugar. Sitters can oversee the process, teaching kids how to handle the sticky texture. This hands-on recipe is simple, allowing children to focus while exploring their senses.
Recipe 4: Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are ideal for kids because they involve simple steps and allow for customization.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup jam (any flavor)
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla.
4. Gradually add flour and salt until dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place on a baking sheet.
6. Press a thumb into each ball to create a small well.
7. Fill each well with jam.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden.
Making the Process Educational
Baking with MBF Sitters goes beyond fun. It offers opportunities for children to learn practical skills. Measuring ingredients teaches math, mixing dough demonstrates science concepts, and decorating cookies inspires creativity. Sitters engage children in conversations about these processes, fostering curiosity.
Additionally, sitters can introduce lessons on sharing and gratitude by encouraging kids to package cookies as gifts for family or neighbors. These small acts instill values and make the experience more meaningful.
Tips for a Smooth Baking Day
1. Prepare Ingredients in Advance: MBF Sitters can organize the kitchen by measuring ingredients and setting up stations. This reduces stress and allows children to focus on the activity.
2. Keep Tasks Age-Appropriate: Younger kids can help with mixing and decorating, while older ones might enjoy rolling dough or using the oven under supervision.
3. Create a Cleanup Plan: Sitters manage spills and organize tools as they go, keeping the workspace tidy and making cleanup quick.
4. Take Breaks When Needed: Baking can be tiring, especially for little ones. Sitters ensure breaks happen at natural points, like when cookies are baking.
Expanding the Experience
Cookie baking doesn’t have to end in the kitchen. MBF Sitters can turn this activity into a full holiday event by helping kids design packaging for their cookies. Homemade labels, gift boxes, or paper bags with festive drawings add a personal touch to the treats.
Sitters also encourage storytelling by having children name or describe their cookie creations. These simple activities extend the fun and give kids a sense of pride in their work.
How MBF Sitters Reduce Holiday Stress
The holidays can be busy, with parents juggling work, shopping, and events. Baking is just one item on a long to-do list. MBF Sitters offer more than a helping hand—they bring structure and patience, turning potential chaos into an organized activity.
Parents can use the time saved to focus on other holiday tasks or relax and enjoy watching their children create. MBF Sitters create a balance between fun and function, making them an essential part of holiday traditions. This holiday season, let baking with MBF Sitters become part of your family’s celebrations. The memories created in the kitchen will last long after the cookies are gone.