by Veronica Spettmann


At this time of year, our nieces and nephews want to feel like they are contributing to the festivities.  They are into the season and want to help in any way they can.  Why not let them help you with your holiday baking? Kids love sinking their hands into food, and there are some recipes out there that are so easy, your nieces and nephews can do them without (much) help!

Gingerbread cookies are on almost every Auntie’s holiday baking list. This cookie is actually perfect to make with nieces and nephews of all ages. Here’s what you’ll need:

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For later, you’ll need:
Icing
sprinkles
food coloring

This is a great chance to help young nieces and nephews to learn how to measure. If they are old enough, show them the right size measuring cup, and show them what they will be measuring. This will help them with their math skills, just as baking will help with their science skills.

Have them measure all of the dry ingredients into one bowl and all of the wet ingredients and brown sugar into another bowl. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Separate the dough into 3, 1.5 inch thick pieces and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.  (This is the perfect opportunity to make dinner with your nieces and nephews!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Have your nieces and nephews lightly flour your surface (you may want to emphasize lightly for them). Then, let them roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. You may need to help them with this, but they’ll appreciate that you’re letting them try. Rolling pins are fascinating to kids.

Then let your nieces and nephews cut the dough with fun, holiday-shaped cookie cutters (Santas, dreidels, stars, and regular people shapes are all fun options).

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies look dry but are soft to touch. When the cookies are cook, you can set your nieces and nephews loose! Set them up with icings of different colors.  To make it easy, scoop the different colors into the corners of plastic baggies and cut the tiniest hole in that corner.  This will allow them to draw pretty much whatever they want in icing.  Show them where to find the sprinkles, then let them have at it!

They’ll love showing off their holiday cookie creations to the family, you’ll have made cookies for everyone to enjoy, and you’ll have had some valuable bonding time with your nieces and nephews.  Your house may even end up looking like a winter wonderland (remember, flour LIGHTLY)!


Image Courtesy: Veronica Spettmann
Published: December 14, 2011