8 Must-Know Tips for Baking with Kids: Make Family Baking Fun and Stress-Free

Having five kids has taught me so much—not just about parenting, but about each of my children and even about myself. One of my favorite parts of cooking and baking with my kids is the time we spend together—talking about why we bake certain cookies, trying new recipes, and listening to their opinions on what tastes good.

For me, it’s never about making the prettiest instagramable cookies or cranking out dozens of treats like it’s a last minute bake sale. It’s about baking what my kids will enjoy and creating memories along the way. Now that my older two both adult and teen, it’s especially rewarding to see them pass along what they’ve learned to their younger siblings. If you’re just starting out in parenting, I can assure you: baking with kids is more than a fun activity—it’s an experience. Not only will they remember forever, but they will continue the tradition. Especially if you make it joyful and lighthearted.

Disclosure: These tips are suggestions based on my experience with my own five children. Every child is different, so adjust as needed. You know your kids best.

CHEERS 🥂 JENN

1. Plan Ahead

Deciding and planning what you plan to bake makes a huge difference. I like to talk with the kids and choose a weekend in advance. Ask them what treats they want to make—it builds excitement and ensures everyone is invested.

2. Keep It Simple

Don’t feel like you need to bake a dozen different cookies or a five-layer cake decorated like a unicorn. ou’re not in a baking competition! Limit your baking projects—especially during the holidays—to a few choices. For example, we often stick to two or three cookies a weekend or a batch of cupcakes instead of an extravagant cake. Less stress equals more fun for everyone.

3. Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Think about what your child can safely handle. Younger kids might decorate cookies or help stir, while older kids can measure ingredients or even make a batch on their own. Setting clear expectations before you start helps everything go smoothly.

My youngest putting an almond slice on a cookie when she was a baby

One of my daughters slowly adding flour to the wet ingredients in my stand mixer.

Baking is more than mixing ingredients. Talk about your favorite recipes and why they’re special. Explain how ingredients work (a little science is always a bonus!). Baking is a fun way to slip in a lesson about chemistry or math. As well as a lesson on adjustments, mistakes, and how to problem solve. My husband likes to call them “teachable moments”.

5. Expect It to Take Longer

Baking with kids is slower, especially with toddlers or early elementary ages. Patience is key. Teens or kids who have been baking with you for years will be faster, but the goal isn’t speed—it’s connection, learning, and fun.

6. Let Kids Do Things Independently

Encourage independence where safe—cracking eggs, mixing, or rolling dough. Even if it gets messy, giving kids control builds confidence and teaches them essential skills. Use extra-large bowls or separate bowls for eggs to help them succeed.

Jenn’s Kitchen Tips:

Got stray eggshells in your bowl? Grab a larger piece of shell—it magically attracts the tiny shards, making cleanup a breeze!

7. Forget Perfection

Cookies don’t have to be perfectly shaped to taste delicious. Set up decorating stations buy using baking sheets with rims to catch rouge sprinkles. Put cookines on small plates, sprinkles and frosting in separate small ramekins, or use squeeze bottles with royal icing. Let creativity shine, and don’t stress about the mess—it’s all part of the fun.

A rimmed baking sheet with a plat of cookies, a small square dish with sprinkles and an oval ramekin with frosting.

8. Instill Good Kitchen Habits

Teach kids why hygiene and cleanup matter, even in small ways. Show them how to wash hands before even starting to bake. Explain why we wash our hands after handling eggs. Have them clean up spills, and put away ingredients as you go. Over time, this becomes second nature, and they’ll naturally pitch in during kitchen prep and cleanup.

Helping one of my girls with a plastic cookie cutter

Ready to Start Baking?

Try These Recipes!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share a picture or two and tag me on Instagram or Facebook using @cheersjennsmith or Pinterest with #cheersjennsmith. Seeing families come together over food and traditions makes my day.