Making my first cookie
Christmas cookies are often prepared in hopes of Santa’s pending arrival by children who are as excited as they can possibly be. Their little heads are filled with all sorts of visions of great things to come as they dance around house. Preparing cookies during the holidays can be a great time of bonding with your little ones, but can also be a trying time if you don’t follow a few of the tips and hints list below.
If you want to make baking Christmas cookies with your little ones the very best experience for you all, make sure you do it on a day when this is the only thing on your calendar. You do not want to rush through this time of bonding with your child locking in a few precious memories of great times spent together. This is one thing that you want your children to look back on at Christmas with fondness.
You should also make sure that everyone is well rested (and well fed) before beginning the process. This is especially important now that we know more about the dangers of foods, such as raw eggs, that are included in cookie dough. You do not want to risk the health of your children through temptation over raw cookie dough.
Be sure that every child gets a turn with the fun stuff. This includes of course using the mixer and watching things spin around as well as choosing their personal favorites for the next batch of cookies. But be vigilant — you don’t want little fingers stuck in the blades, either. You should also make a few cookies that you plan to let them paint, decorate, and play with just for fun and their own personal enjoyment. This will guarantee a few smiles while also scoring a few brownie points for you.
Be patient. Expect spills and messes. If you can afford a cleaning service once a year, the day after your cookie extravaganza is the day you want to splurge. Seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff. We make little messes every day. It shouldn’t be a shock when the kids make a really big mess in one day. This is one of the reasons why you want to plan your cookie making on a day when the calendar is clear — you will need time for clean up when all is said and done.
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for each and every single recipe before you begin. This is very important, as cookie dough doesn’t wait well for that final egg and children don’t understand very well when they are interrupted from one project to run a quick errand. If you can make it through all the steps above you should be in for smooth sailing and Christmas cookie cooking.
