15 Rainy Day Baking Projects Kids Can Actually Help With

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are great for rainy days because everything bakes in one simple pan. Kids can help pour flour, sugar, and chocolate chips into the bowl and watch the thick dough spread across the pan. While the cookies bake, the kitchen smells warm and cozy, and everyone can look forward to cutting neat squares once they cool.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a rectangular baking pan. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 half cup white sugar, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Melt 1 cup butter, whisk it with 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla, stir into the dry ingredients, spread the batter in the pan, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden before cooling and slicing.

Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Rainbow sprinkle sugar cookies brighten a gray afternoon with cheerful color. Kids enjoy rolling dough balls and pressing the tops into a big bowl of sprinkles. The cookies puff slightly in the oven and come out looking playful and fun on any plate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar, then mix in 1 egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Stir in 2 and three quarter cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt, roll tablespoon sized balls, press into sprinkles, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Banana chocolate chip muffins are a cozy way to use ripe bananas sitting on the counter. Kids can mash the bananas with a fork, which feels fun and gives them a real job in the kitchen. The muffins bake up soft and sweet, perfect for a rainy morning or afternoon snack.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mash 3 very ripe bananas, then stir in 1 half cup melted butter, 1 half cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add 1 and a half cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, a pinch of salt, fold in 1 cup chocolate chips, divide the batter into the cups, and bake 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cheesy Mini Pizza Muffins

Cheesy mini pizza muffins give kids all the fun of pizza in an easy handheld size. The flavor feels familiar, with bits of cheese, mild toppings, and a soft muffin base. These little bites work well for a rainy lunch or a warm snack between games and movies.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 12 cup muffin tin. Stir together 1 and a half cups flour, 1 and a half teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then add 1 cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 half cup chopped mini pepperoni, 1 third cup finely chopped bell pepper, spoon into the cups, and bake 15 to 18 minutes until the tops turn golden.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Cinnamon swirl banana bread fills the house with a sweet and comforting smell while it bakes. Kids can help make the swirl by sprinkling cinnamon sugar and dragging a knife through the batter. Once sliced, the bread works well for breakfast or a snack during a rainy afternoon movie.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a standard loaf pan. Mash 3 ripe bananas and mix with 1 half cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla, then stir in 1 and three quarter cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix 1 third cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, layer batter and cinnamon sugar in the pan, swirl with a knife, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

Simple Fudgy Brownies

Fudgy brownies are a classic rainy-day treat that kids love to help stir together. The shiny, thick batter looks satisfying as it comes together in one bowl. Once baked and cooled, the brownies slice into rich squares that make movie time feel extra cozy.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8 inch square pan. Gently melt 1 half cup butter with 1 cup chocolate chips, let it cool slightly, then whisk in 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, pour into the pan, sprinkle a few extra chips on top, and bake 22 to 26 minutes until the center is just set.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Snack Bars

Peanut butter oatmeal snack bars offer a chewy, hearty bite that feels satisfying on chilly days indoors. Oats give a nice texture, while peanut butter adds richness that kids usually enjoy. The bars pack easily for next day lunches once the rain has passed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Stir together 2 cups rolled oats, 1 half cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm 1 half cup peanut butter with 1 third cup honey, mix in 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla, stir into the oats, press firmly into the pan, and bake 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.

Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Apple cinnamon hand pies feel special because each person gets a personal pastry to hold. The small pockets of fruit and spice make snack time feel like a treat from a bakery. Kids can help cut dough circles, spoon in the apples, and crimp the edges with a fork.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss 2 peeled, finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon flour. Roll out pie dough, cut 4-inch circles, add a spoonful of apple filling, fold, crimp, cut a small steam slit, brush with beaten egg, sprinkle sugar, and bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden.

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Cheesy garlic pull apart bread turns a simple loaf into a fun, shared snack. Kids will enjoy helping tuck bits of cheese into the cuts of the bread. The result is a warm, buttery loaf that pairs nicely with soup or pasta on a rainy evening.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place a round or oval loaf on a baking sheet. Cut a grid pattern into the loaf without slicing through the bottom. Mix 1 half cup melted butter with 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, spoon into the cuts with 2 cups shredded cheese, wrap loosely in foil, bake 15 minutes, open the foil, and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until the cheese melts.

Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Strawberry jam thumbprint cookies feel playful because kids can press their own little wells into each cookie. The dough is soft and easy to roll, so small hands can shape balls without much trouble. The bright red jam adds color that looks cheerful on a rainy afternoon plate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix 1 cup softened butter with 1 half cup sugar until smooth, then stir in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add 2 and a quarter cups flour and a pinch of salt, roll tablespoon sized balls, press a thumb into each center, fill the wells with a small spoonful of strawberry jam, and bake 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn light gold.

Soft Pretzel Bites

Soft pretzel bites give kids a chance to play with dough and twist it into little shapes. The pieces turn chewy on the outside and soft inside, which feels great for dipping in cheese or mustard. This project keeps little hands busy while the rain taps on the windows.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir together 1 and a half cups warm water, 2 and a quarter teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar, let sit 5 minutes, then mix in 4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to form a soft dough. Let the dough rest 10 minutes, roll into ropes, cut bite sized pieces, dip quickly in 4 cups hot water mixed with 1 quarter cup baking soda, place on the sheets, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Simple Vanilla Cupcakes with Sprinkles

Vanilla cupcakes feel like a party even when the weather is gray. Kids can help spoon batter into liners and shake sprinkles over the top before baking. The cupcakes cool quickly and can be enjoyed plain or with a light spread of frosting.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix 1 half cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar, then beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Stir in 1 and a half cups flour, 1 and a half teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 1 half cup milk, divide the batter among the liners, top with sprinkles, and bake 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

Blueberry Crumble Bars

Blueberry crumble bars bring together a buttery base, juicy fruit, and a crumbly topping that kids will enjoy sprinkling. Each square holds its shape, which makes it easy for little ones to hold while they read or watch a show. The colors from the baked berries give the bars a pretty look on any plate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Stir together 1 and three quarter cups flour, 1 half cup sugar, and a pinch of salt, then cut in 1 cup cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Press two thirds into the pan, mix 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, spread over the crust, sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top, and bake 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns light gold.

Homemade Granola Bar

Homemade granola Bar give families a crunchy snack that kids can help mix and spread. Oats, nuts, and a little sweetness come together on a baking sheet and break into chunks once cooled. The clusters store well in a jar for snacking during a long rainy spell.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, stir together 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 half cup shredded coconut, 1 half cup honey, 1 third cup melted coconut oil or butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture in an even layer, press down gently with a spatula, bake 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden, let cool completely without stirring, and then break into clusters.

S’mores Cupcake

S’mores Cupcake bring campfire flavors indoors when rain keeps everyone at home. Kids can press dough into muffin cups and add chocolate pieces and marshmallows on top. The result is a gooey, chocolatey treat that feels cozy and familiar.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Mix 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 half cup white sugar, then add 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Stir in 2 cups flour, 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt, press small balls into each muffin cup to form little shells, place a chocolate square and half a large marshmallow inside, and bake 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look golden and the marshmallows puff.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.