Jeff and Ellie were hungry for a cookie yesterday. But, I was busy working and didn’t want to stop right then to make cookies.
Then I realized that they could both read. You know what that means? They can cook from a recipe!
But, I didn’t have a cookie recipe that was easy for my early readers to safely make. So I created one quickly, changing up a favorite family recipe to make it easier both to read and to prepare.
And yes, as I was in the middle of creating this, I realized it may have been faster just to make the cookies myself. Except that really won’t help me in the long-run, and teaching kids to bake their own cookies will.
Because now that the recipe is made and the kids know they can do it, I anticipate them making cookies again and again.
Which might not be great for my waistline, but at least I won’t be eating the cookie dough this way!
Early Reader Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Turn oven on to 350 degrees.
Mix in a big bowl:
• 1 cup melted butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
Stir in:
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 ½ cup flour
• ½ tsp salt
Mix in
• 2 cups chocolate chips
Roll into small balls and put on baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes.
How I Walked the Kids Through It the First Time
Since Jeff and Ellie were working together, I had them each read me the recipe aloud before allowing them to begin. I wanted to make sure they could read everything, and walk them through any problem areas.
After they read it, we talked about what tsp meant. I asked them to go find the measuring materials they needed.
Once they brought out the measuring items, I helped them find the difference between the tablespoon and the teaspoon, and ensured they knew which one they needed. We also talked about safety and using pot holders. This was a review for them since they’ve been helping in the kitchen for years.
This recipe doesn’t need mixed with a mixer, so I asked them to get out a wooden spoon and the bowl they thought they needed.
After they gathered their supplies, I moved my computer to the table so I could keep an eye on the kitchen while I worked. Then I told them to get baking.
They had so much fun making the cookies! It really was a good way for them to put their reading skills into practice.
I enjoyed listening to them work together, and eating the cookies when they were done. They did a great job!
I think I’m going to have to make some more early reader recipes for them to tackle.
Do Your Kids Enjoy Cooking Too?
I’d love to hear what recipes your kids enjoy following.
Photo credit: Erol Ahmed via Unsplash
