When families cook together, the benefits to everyone make it worth more than just a great meal or tasty treat. Spending time together in the kitchen gives families moments to share, learn and work together, strengthening that family bond.
Setting aside time where the family can work together to create something in the kitchen gives everyone a chance to check-in and connect and also gives everyone time to unplug from electronics and have some face-to-face conversations.
Sometimes even just working together on food prep before the final dish makes it to the oven can be some of the most rewarding family time.
Kids can learn a range of practical skills in the kitchen, such as how to follow a recipe, measuring skills, types of cooking and different ways to prepare food. Let’s not forget about the clean up, even if it’s as simple as loading the dishwasher, perfect for when they want to explore ways to help on their own.
What if cooking isn’t your forte? YouTube has many cooking and baking tutorials that can walk you and your family through each step. This way, you can learn and develop those skills together. You can also start with a simple microwave recipe that will keep the hot burners or high temperatures at bay while teaching the young ones kitchen safety and time management skills.
With Family Day and Valentine’s right around the corner, we found the perfect sugar cookie recipe project for the whole family. Plus, decorating can allow you to add personal messages that make these perfect for a porch drop-off to family and friends you may not be able to visit.
Gather the family and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll into a flat sheet about ¼” thick, use cookie cutters or round glass to cut out shapes of cookies, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
Decorate as simple or elaborate as you like.
