11 Cozy Baking Ideas for Family Nights In

Looking for the perfect way to spend quality time with your family? Baking together is a fun and rewarding way to create lasting memories while filling your home with delicious aromas. Whether you’re making sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies or savory bites like muffin tin pizzas, these recipes are easy to follow and great for family participation. Enjoy the process, share the results, and savor the moments with these cozy baking ideas.

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Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic family favorite that fills your home with a sweet, comforting aroma. The dough is soft and buttery, and as it bakes, the scent of cinnamon and sugar wafts through every room. This recipe is simple enough for the whole family to get involved, whether it’s rolling out the dough or swirling the cinnamon sugar filling.

For the dough, combine 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm milk in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Then add ¼ cup of melted butter, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 2 eggs, and mix everything until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rise for about 1 hour. While the dough rises, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with ½ cup of brown sugar to create the filling. Once the dough has risen, roll it out, spread it with melted butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix, and roll it up tightly. Slice the roll into individual pieces, place them in a baking dish, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, and finish with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. The result is a batch of golden, gooey cinnamon rolls perfect for a cozy family night in.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that feels like home. These cookies are quick to make and the perfect project for families, with everyone able to help mix, scoop, and taste-test. The warm, rich chocolate scent combined with vanilla makes for a comforting atmosphere.

To make these cookies, you’ll need 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 stick of softened butter. Cream the butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 large egg, mixing until smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, and then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges. These cookies are the perfect treat for a family to gather around, share, and enjoy.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a cozy, heartwarming dessert that gives off a delightful aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s an easy recipe for families, with everyone able to help peel and slice the apples, and mix the crumbly topping. This dessert is especially comforting during cooler months.

For the filling, peel and slice 4 large apples, then toss them in 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this oat mixture over the apples, ensuring that it covers them evenly. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. This apple crisp is perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy family treat.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a classic fall treat that fills your home with the warm, earthy scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. It’s easy for families to make together, with younger members able to help stir the batter or pour the ingredients into the pan.

To make pumpkin bread, you’ll need 1 can of pure pumpkin puree (about 15 ounces), 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Beat these ingredients together, then add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This recipe results in a soft, fragrant loaf that’s perfect for cozy family nights and makes the house smell like fall.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a simple yet beloved treat that can be decorated to your heart’s content. The sweet, buttery scent they release while baking makes them irresistible. This recipe is ideal for family nights, with plenty of opportunity for everyone to get creative with frosting or sprinkles.

Start by creaming 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar. Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually mix in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Roll the dough out on a floured surface, cut it into fun shapes, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once cooled, the fun part begins: decorate with colored icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. These sugar cookies are perfect for making family memories and enjoying sweet treats together.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a simple, comforting bake that brings together ripe bananas and warm spices to create a deliciously sweet aroma. The recipe is perfect for a family activity, with everyone helping to mash bananas or mix the batter.

For this recipe, you’ll need 3 ripe bananas, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1/3 cup of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mash the bananas and mix them with the sugar, butter, and eggs. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until smooth, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for family breakfasts or as an afternoon snack.

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a bright, zesty treat that can lift the spirits on a cozy family night in. The tangy lemon filling paired with a buttery crust creates a balanced, refreshing flavor that’s just right for a relaxing evening of baking and enjoying a sweet treat together.

To make the crust, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Add 1 stick of softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of flour, and ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice. Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until set. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares for a refreshing, tangy treat.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake muffins are a light, flavorful treat with the warm, spiced scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. These muffins are easy to prepare with the whole family, and they offer a healthier option that still feels like a treat. The smell of carrots and spices baking in the oven is a comforting experience.

To make these muffins, you’ll need 2 cups of grated carrots, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients with ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and fold in the grated carrots. Spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. These muffins are great for a cozy family breakfast or as a snack during a movie night.

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Chocolate fudge brownies are rich, indulgent, and perfect for a family night in. The deep chocolate aroma fills the kitchen as they bake, creating an irresistible smell that everyone will enjoy. These brownies are easy to make and perfect for family members of all ages to help prepare.

For this recipe, melt 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of cocoa powder in a saucepan. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool before slicing into squares. These brownies are the ultimate indulgence for a family to share and enjoy together.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a warm, inviting dessert that brings the essence of summer to a cozy family night. The sweet aroma of baked peaches and cinnamon fills the air, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy with loved ones. It’s easy for families to prepare together, with everyone involved in peeling and slicing the peaches or mixing the topping.

For the filling, slice 4-5 ripe peaches and toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. For the topping, combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix in ½ cup of milk and ¼ cup of melted butter until the batter is smooth. Pour the peach mixture into a greased baking dish and spread the topping over the peaches. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting family dessert.

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are a cozy and fruity option for a family baking night. As they bake, the blueberries burst, and the sweet, fruity aroma fills your kitchen. This easy recipe is fun for families to make together, with kids especially enjoying the task of stirring the batter or adding the berries.

To make the muffins, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir in 1 ½ cups of fresh blueberries. Spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. These muffins are soft, moist, and full of blueberry flavor, perfect for a relaxed, cozy evening with family.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.