Baking with Toddlers: 3 Tips for a Fun and Stress-Free Experience. Plus some of my favorite recipes to make!
Baking with a toddler is a unique adventure—full of curiosity, wonder, and of course a fair share of messes. For my three-year-old son, George, who loves to do everything himself, baking time is all about independence and exploration. He puts on his apron and gets so excited!
While it can be challenging to keep your little one engaged and your kitchen intact, over the years of baking with my kids, I have found that it’s also a fantastic way to bond, teach basic skills, and enjoy some delicious treats together.
Here are my three tips to help you make the most of your baking time with your toddler.
1. Choose Simple and Quick Recipes
When baking with a toddler, especially one like George who wants to do it all, simplicity is key! I often bake muffins and cookies with my kids because they’re quick, easy, and perfect for little hands. Opt for recipes with a few ingredients and straightforward steps. Muffins you can usually make all in one bowl, like my favorite banana muffin recipe, here. Or scroll down for my list of favorite recipes! Toddlers have short attention spans, so recipes that can be completed relatively quickly are ideal. The faster they can see, touch, and taste the results, the more engaged and excited they’ll be.
Incorporating their favorite flavors or treats, like chocolate chips or sprinkles, can also keep them interested. Any time I add chocolate chips or sprinkles, I swear they love the process even more!!
And remember, it’s okay if things don’t turn out perfectly—what matters most is the experience.
2. Involve Them in Hands-On Tasks
Toddlers love to explore with their hands, so give them tasks that let them do just that. Let them pour pre-measured ingredients into the mixing bowl, stir the batter (may need some assistance), or press cookie cutters into dough. Tasks like mashing bananas for muffins or rolling cookie dough are also great for little hands!
When George was smaller and in a high chair, he was all about doing things himself but too small to get involved, so I would give him his own little bowl and spoon, so he can mix along with me. You can use a little extra of the ingredients you are using, and have them mix them together and just don’t pour into the recipe.
Now that he is older, he is doing more of it himself in the bowl I am using. I have him measure, pour and mix! Recipes that call for a wooden spoon or whisk are the best because they can mix it themselves.
3. Create a Toddler-Friendly Baking Space
To make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful, set up a baking area that’s safe and accessible for your toddler. Consider using a standing tower so they can comfortably stand at the counter and help (we have found it soooo helpful to have one!). I love putting down a paper towel down under where they are measuring and pouring. It makes for super easy clean up, you just fold up everything that spills on it and throw away! But also embrace the fact that things might get a little messy—it’s all part of the fun! I find baking ingredients relatively each to clean up (dare I say easier to clean up than painting!)
Final Thoughts
Baking with a toddler, especially ones who love to do everything themselves, can be a joyful experience, full of discovery and learning. And a lot of fun! By choosing simple recipes like my muffins and cookies, involving them in hands-on tasks, and creating a safe, accessible space, you can make baking time both enjoyable and educational.
So, grab your mini chef, pick a recipe from my blog, and get ready to make some delicious memories together!
Here are some of my favorite recipes to make with your kids!
If you make any of my recipes, be sure to share and tag me @urban.apron… I loveeee to see it!!!