You probably bake with your child in the kitchen already. However, instead of going through the motions, this time let us make the time together in the kitchen even more magical for our 3-5 year old. Here are simple tips and ideas to set a cozy atmosphere, keep “no” answers to a minimum, and enhance the overall experience. 

Aa is for Apple from the Letter of the Week preschool curriculum lists “Baking Apple Muffins” as an activity idea. Making baked goods with apples is a practical skill and favorite pastime. I hope out of the activities, this is one you choose. Pair with reading apple themed books before and after. Aa is for Apple has a complete book list but these are two of my favorites: Apple Cider Making Days by Ann Purmell and Apples by Gail Gibbons. If you have not checked out Aa is for Apple activities then be sure to check it out at by clicking the button below. 

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Create a magical baking experience.

Set the atmosphere.

When I want a cozy environment in my kitchen I first think of a candle. Light one or two and place them safely away from the working area, out of reach, and in sight. The main lighting is still on but the presence of a candle is simply comforting. I prefer to choose a non-scented candle during this time so that it does not compete with the baking experience.

What kind of music do you want playing in the background? Keep it low so that it only plays in the background very softly. Sing along and have impromptu dance sessions.

Keep “no” answers to a minimum.

Sometimes this seems easier said than done when talking about a 3-5 year old in a kitchen full of hot things and sharp items. But it can be done. Here are five tips to help.

• Choose a recipe that does not require eggs or substitute the egg for ingredients that can be consumed before baking.
• Cut back on using breakable measuring cups and bowls. 
• Keep kitchen towels close at hand. Embrace the inevitable mess, but still be prepared.
• Double the recipe if multiple children are helping. This should easily allow everyone to have a turn adding each ingredient.
• Have clear and firm rules that your child knows are mandatory in the kitchen. Setting new expectations takes time and practice to be successful. Once they are, the whole kitchen dynamic is one that is more positive and upbeat. 

Enhance the baking experience.

Your child will enjoy spooning in each teaspoon of baking soda and cracking an egg. However, if you spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen with your kiddo then maybe you are looking for new ways to make this even more magical than the normal routine. Here are six tips to enhance the experience.

• Call a grandparent or other loved one. Have your child ask them for a favorite recipe. Be sure to do this in advance to give the loved one time to get it to you.
• Even better, consider inviting a loved one over to make it with your child!
• Provide age appropriate aprons. These are absolutely adorable and can be personalized.
• Every time you use a seasoning, smell it and name it. Share the scent and experience with your child.
• Allow them to taste ingredients, within reason.  
• Let them check on the baked goods as often as they want by keeping the oven light on. And if they call for you to come look, be just as filled with wonder as if you were their age.
• Clean up together. They rinse the dishes while you wash.
• Continue the magic by eating your baked goods together with a cup of tea.

Read on to discover more details behind these suggestions, especially continuing the magic beyond the kitchen. Also, I share how this practically plays out with my boys.

Baking apple muffins with my three boys.

Prepare ahead of time for baking with your child.

When I bake with my younger kiddos I prefer to be prepared before we begin. This usually means having canned goods opened, cleared kitchen counters and any chopping completed.

This meant that immediately after breakfast I peeled and chopped the apples and cleaned up breakfast. Additionally, I substituted the egg for pumpkin so that I would not have to scold the boys for eating the batter. So I also opened a can of pumpkin puree.

A note on preparing the apples ahead of time. Their kid safety knives may not be sharp enough to cut through a crisp apple and they end up wrestling with it. These knives are perfect for helping with chopping mushrooms, bananas, and other soft foods. When it comes to apples, I prefer to complete it before so that I do not have to tell anyone no or cause a long pause in adding ingredients.

Before calling the boys in, I lit a candle and turned on the song suggestion for the week of Aa is for Apple, The Apple of My Eye by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I also know that this song will automatically play more light-hearted oldies on our Google speaker. The songs are perfect for baking with my boys.

On a side note, this day turned out to be a perfect one for baking. It was a gloomy, rainy day with small, occasional pockets of sunshine. I was in love with how it helped set the cozy atmosphere inside our home.

Gathering in the kitchen.

Now I was ready for the boys to join me. After finding step stools and washing hands we gathered the ingredients together. I handed them out of the pantry and the boys placed them on our kitchen island. 

I prefer to double recipes so that I can freeze a batch and have them ready to go when needed. This also helps me use up my sourdough discard! 

As the boys took turns adding ingredients we had impromptu dance sessions when a lively song would come on. Including picking up my smaller two in turn and spinning them around the kitchen.

Near the end of the recipe comes the spices and they are my favorite part. The kids love smelling each individual spice and saying, “ooh cinnamon.” I always have them repeat the spice name after me to help their memory retention.

Pro baking tip with little ones.

The first time you offer a spice, make sure they understand the difference between breathing out and in. The first time I did this with my eldest, he was two and a half, he breathed out and the cinnamon went poof. He then breathed some in and there was a bit of coughing. I try to be a little more cautious and demonstrate blowing out and in by doing it on their arm so they can feel the breath. Then have them practice on their own arm. Lastly, encourage them to only use their nose. 

The finishing touches.

Once the ingredients are all mixed, wet and dry. I allow the boys to place handfuls of apple chunks in. That way everyone gets to add the apples. To my boys it is very important.

Now it is time for the best of messes! Everyone gets to place cupcake liners in and fill them up. I help my youngest fill his liners while he mostly licks the batter off his hands. The cupcakes go in the oven and we all pitch in helping to clean up. 

The clean up after baking.

I may turn on more upbeat music to clean up if it’s a little slow.  I will also turn on the teapot to prepare for our time together after the muffins come out of the oven. Also, the boys get to choose their herbal tea flavor.

I have special mugs for the boys. There is no sentimental value to them so if one breaks, it does not break my heart. I picked the set up at a thrift store and it pictures Poinsettias. We use it year round because they are the only 5oz mugs we have. I have found that size is perfect for their small hands and the amount of tea they drink. I recommend checking out your local thrift store, otherwise consider these if you are looking for a complete set, 5 oz mugs. 

Pro baking tip with little ones.

After allowing the tea to steep, place ice cubes in each until they are lukewarm and safe for children. This will allow the tea to steep normally and cool quickly.

How to continue the magic outside the kitchen.

Once the muffins come out and have slightly cooled, we gather in the living room on a blanket. We eat our muffins, drink tea, read books, and enjoy the fruit of our labors. The candlelight flickers on our fireplace mantle and the music is soft once again, drifting from the kitchen.

I encourage you to make this time your own. Consider building a blanket tent while the muffins cool or if you have nice weather take your picnic outside under a tree. Visit the loved one who shared the recipe and partake in the goodness together. The possibilities are endless to keep the magic going. 

Let me know in the comments what your preference is for keeping things magical. I look forward to hearing your ideas and I know others will too.

Now it’s your turn.

Go make magic in the kitchen with your children by setting the atmosphere, saying “yes” more often than “no,” and savoring every experience. For more apple themed activity resources be sure to check out Aa is for Apple. Aa is for Apple is a part of a larger 26 week curriculum for preschoolers. Click the button below to learn more.