The wintertime can be brutal. Cold and inclement weather can get the better of us and force us to stay indoors. And it’s not just the adults who get a little stir crazy. Kids get a bit frantic and wish for new activities to entertain them. Baking is the perfect hobby for children on those too-cold to bear winter days. Kids will love participating in an activity that is fun and rewarding, the reward being delicious desserts. Open up your pantry and see what you have available and get baking!

Nutella Banana Bread

The kids will love mashing the bananas and adding in the Nutella!

Image Source: bromabakery.com

Ingredients:

3 extremely ripe (even brown) bananas, mashed
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 eggs, room temperature
6 ounces Chobani plain, non-fat greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup Nutella

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring to combine. Mix in the eggs, greek yogurt, and vanilla. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet.
3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Melt Nutella in microwave for 20 seconds. Drizzle half of Nutella over batter, gently swirling the batter with a knife to form ribbons of Nutella. Pour the second half of the batter on top and repeat with remaining Nutella. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing from loaf pan.

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfect for kids just learning to bake!

Image Source: allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine peanut butter, white sugar, and egg. Combine well.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Try not to overbake them, they are best a bit soft.

Vanilla Cupcakes

A classic recipe that can be paired with tons of flavors!

Image Source: browneyedbaker.com

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar (feel free to add a little more if you like it extra sweet)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F and line muffin pan with papers.
2. Combine the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add a bit of flour and milk at a time, alternating and beating well. Then stir in the vanilla.
4. Divide evenly among the cupcake papers and bake for 18 minutes. Then let cool in the pan. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake

The kids will love to make this recipe because of it’s chocolate-y goodness!

Image Source: tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 2/3 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cup milk
Confectioners’ sugar or favorite frosting

Directions:

1. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition.
2. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating between the flour mixture and the milk, beating until smooth after each new addition.
3. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 in. pan.
4. Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. When cool, either dust with confectioners’ sugar or frost with your favorite frosting. Enjoy!

Enjoy these recipes with your children on a cold winter day when you’re feeling a bit stir crazy. Or just try these recipes out by yourself if you’re interested in simple recipes with delicious results. Either way, these desserts will hit the spot! Happy baking!