When Cooking Becomes Play – A Weekend Project for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun weekend idea that keeps little hands busy (and hearts happy), head straight to the kitchen.

Cooking with kids isn’t just about baking — it’s about learning, laughing, and creating something delicious together.
And let’s be honest: when the reward smells like cookies, everyone’s on board. 😄

🎯 Turn It into a Mini “Event”

Instead of the usual “let’s bake cookies,” make it a kitchen experience:

• 📏 Measuring becomes science – give your child their own cup and spoon.

• 🎨 Decorating becomes art – let them pick the shapes, colours, sprinkles, or jam.

• 🏅 Chef of the Week – print a simple certificate with their name for extra pride.

When cooking has its own storyline, it becomes more than just baking — it’s a memory in the making, filled with smells, smiles, and tiny victories.

🧁 Weekend “Play Kitchen” Ideas

• Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
  (simple, classic, and always a hit)

• Homemade Granola in Jars
  (everyone makes their own custom mix)

• Fruit Skewer Challenge
  (add at least five colours on each stick)

• Mini Cupcakes or Muffins
  (kids get full decorating control — berries, chocolate, coconut…)

🍓 Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Makes 25–30 cookies | Prep: 15 min + 12 min bake

Ingredients:

• 250 g flour

• 125 g butter (room temperature)

• 80 g powdered sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

• strawberry or apricot jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add the yolk, then gradually add flour and salt.

3. Form small balls (walnut-sized) and place them on the tray.

4. Press a thumb (or spoon handle) into each to make an indent.

5. Fill each hollow with half a teaspoon of jam.

6. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

💡 Tip: Turn it into a “tasting event” — give each jam flavour a funny name (like Sunny Apricot or Ruby Dream) and let kids vote for their favourite!

When cooking becomes play, kids learn naturally.
They discover flavours, build confidence, and experience the joy of creating something real.
And you? You get a moment of quiet — and a warm cookie to celebrate it. 🍪

👉 Explore more

• 30-minute meals • Taraggon Potica • Stuffed Pumpkin Balls • Donuts