Discover a simple cookie recipe that the whole family can enjoy.

Baking with our toddlers is not only a fun activity, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning. As we mix, measure, and bake together, we can introduce concepts like counting, colours, and even basic science. Today, we’re excited to share an easy cookie recipe that’s perfect for little hands and big smiles!

Recipe: Chewy Banana Oat Cookies

These banana oat cookies are a hit with toddlers and require just a few ingredients. They’re healthy, delicious, and easy to make, making them a perfect treat for our little chefs.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Spoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Before we start baking, we can preheat the oven to 175°C. This is a great opportunity to teach our toddlers about waiting for things to heat up and oven safety!
2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, we can place the ripe bananas. Give your toddlers a fork or a potato masher and encourage them to mash the bananas until they’re nice and smooth. This is a fun and tactile experience for them, and they’ll love getting their hands into the mix!
3. Mix in Oats: Once the bananas are mashed, we can add the rolled oats to the bowl. Show your toddlers how to mix the ingredients together using their hands or a spoon. They’ll enjoy the texture of the oats and the smell of the bananas coming together.
4. Add Flavour: If you choose to use cinnamon, this is the perfect time to sprinkle it in. Other options include a few drops of vanilla essence or a dash of honey or maple syrup. If your little ones are fans of chocolate, now’s the time to fold in the mini chocolate chips or raisins. This step allows them to make choices about what they want in their cookies, fostering their independence.
5. Scoop the Mixture: Using a spoon, you can help your toddler scoop the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is a fun part, as they can create different shapes and sizes for the cookies. Encourage them to space the cookies a bit apart so they have room to spread while baking.
6. Bake the Cookies: Once all the cookies are on the baking sheet, it’s time to pop them in the oven! Set a timer for about 10-12 minutes. This is a great moment to talk about patience and anticipation as they wait for their delicious treats to bake.
7. Cool and Enjoy: When the timer goes off, carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough to touch, your toddler can help taste-test their creations. The joy on their faces will be priceless!

Creating memories in the kitchen goes beyond baking. Baking these chewy banana oat cookies is not just about the end product; it’s about the time spent together in the kitchen. We’re teaching our toddlers valuable skills, from measuring ingredients to following directions, all while fostering creativity and confidence. Plus, we get to enjoy delicious cookies as a reward for their hard work! Let’s embrace the messiness and fun of baking with our toddlers. After all, these sweet moments create lasting memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. Happy baking!

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