Baking can be a fun way to show children how to follow a recipe, how to work together and then have a gift they can thoughtfully give away. Being kind to others is both beneficial for the giver and receiver and putting hard work into making delicious treats to give away will certainly sweeten the lucky recipients day!
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour + extra for work surface
½ cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup room temperature butter
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins:
Rainbow fairy dust (yes this is a thing! Edible dust)
Method:
Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
Slowly add in butter until it feels like course crumbs.
Stir in water and vanilla extract.
Knead mixture and form ball.
Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness.
Cut with lightly floured 2-3 inch heart shaped cookie cutter.
Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet on a tray.
Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Hear oven to 325 degrees.
Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Let cool on wire racks.
Once cooled, add rainbow fairy dust!
Task:
Place on a decorative plate and write a note.
Give away to someone who needs some extra sweetness in his or her day.
How this activity relates to social and emotional learning
- Thinking of other people
- Being kind by giving a gift of cookies
- Baking together needs communication and cooperation
- Rolling and kneading dough can be relaxing and meditative