Kids, Cookies and Making Memories

I think a lot of dads are overwhelmed by the idea of baking. Grilling? No problem: men love fire and meat. Mixology? Ain't no thing. But cookies? Ummm, yeah.

 

Dads see a long list of ingredients, imagine flour flying all over the kitchen, and burning the house down with half-baked chocolate chip cookies. Dads: take a deep breath and calm down. We got you. In fact, we have a cookie recipe so easy, you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right this second. And your kids are going to love helping to make these delicious five ingredient bites of happy.

 

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

1 cup Natural Peanut Butter (either smooth or chunky is fine)

1 cup Sugar

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

1 Egg

1/2 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips (we used semi sweet)

 

 

 

 

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer, or mix by hand

 

 

 

 
 

 

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Use either a cookie dough scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the cookie sheet leaving approx. 1/2 inch between each scoop.
 

 

 

Press each ball of dough with the prongs of a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for at least 2 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

 

 

Place on cooling rack, and allow to cool completely before placing in a storage container (if there are any left to place in the container!)

Test Kitchen Notes

 

You know the maturity of your little one, so allow them to preform the cooking tasks that you feel most comfortable with; while allowing them to expand their experience base. When I made my 1st batch with my 4-year-old I measured everything out and allowed him to dump each ingredient into the bowl. When I made my 2nd batch with my 7-year-old niece, I allowed her to measure out the peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate chips. Each helper did assist in scooping the batter onto the cookie sheet and making the criss cross pattern on the cookies. Kids just enjoy assisting and helping grown-ups cook in the kitchen.

Weekend Kids Memories

 

With my brother-in-law in town over the weekend, we took all three kids (my one and his two) to Lowe's on Saturday morning for the kids Build and Grow Workshop; where the kids learned how to build a fire truck. While the kids enjoy being able to use a hammer; they are actually learning valuable skills like how to complete a do-it-yourself project, and how to read instructions. The workshops also instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. At the end of the workshop, each child takes home their project, and an apron: just like a Lowe's employee!

 

After taking my Little Dude to so many of these, I recommend writing the date of the project on the bottom of each created piece.  My Little Dude is always so proud of the project he builds; he takes extra care with these crafts. As a matter of fact, he had to clean the tires of his fire truck twice while we were still at Lowe's, because they got dirty. Every time he sees Granddad, Meemaw or Grandpops (Pappa) he can't wait to show them off!

Time that I am able to spend with the Little Dude, and work on projects are special times for both of us. Home Depot and Lowe's both have workshops for kids; Home Depot is always the 1st Saturday of the month from 9am- 12 noon and Lowe's is the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am - 11am. Note: at Lowe's you do have to pre-register and sign a waiver before being able to work on their projects.

 

 

Let us know some special projects you enjoy working on with your little ones!
Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew