Children love to help in the kitchen and of course, they love to eat what they've baked as soon as it comes out of the oven. Try this recipe. By two and a half, toddlers can help to mash up the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon, whisk together dry ingredients (with enthusiasm, most certainly) and measure out teaspoons of baking powder, salt and baking soda. They also enjoy dropping the cookies on to the cookie sheet.
While you're baking, talk about the ingredients. Encourage tasting, smelling and feeling. Ask what ingredient your child likes the best. As you eat your cookies with a glass of milk, talk about how all of the ingredients come together to make a delicious treat.
When you make coookies again, ask your child to tell you what ingredients you have to put in. You'll be amazed at how much he'll remember!
Sugar Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey *
1/4 cup pasteurized egg product
2 cups flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of baking soda
1/4 cup milk
Cream butter, sugar and honey together. Mix in egg. Add dry ingredients and milk; mix well. Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
*If 1/2 cup sugar is substituted for honey, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.