Looking for a great way to spend time with your family? Baking together is fun, rewarding, and fills the house with cozy smells. Whether you’re making sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies or savory quick bites like muffin tin pizzas, these recipes are easy to follow and welcome hands of all ages. Enjoy the process, share the results, and savor the time spent together.
Cinnamon rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a timeless family favorite, baking into soft, buttery spirals that scent the whole house. The dough is simple enough for everyone to help with—rolling, spreading, and slicing.
For the dough, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in 1 cup warm milk and let it get frothy. Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt, then mix in 2 eggs until a dough forms. Knead about 5 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. For the filling, mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 1/2 cup brown sugar. Roll the risen dough out, brush with melted butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar, and roll up tightly. Slice into pieces, place in a baking dish, let rise 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Drizzle a glaze of powdered sugar and milk over warm rolls.
Chocolate chip cookies
Few things smell as comforting as chocolate chip cookies. These are quick to make and great for kids to help mix, scoop, and sample.
Whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cream 1 stick softened butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until light. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 large egg, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
Apple crisp
Apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert filled with baked apple and cinnamon aromas. It’s easy for everyone to pitch in—peeling, slicing, and mixing the topping.
Peel and slice 4 large apples and toss with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Spread the oat mixture over the apples and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if you like.
Pumpkin bread
Pumpkin bread brings fall flavors into the kitchen with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s good for little helpers.
Beat together one 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Sugar cookies
Sugar cookies are a simple, buttery treat that’s perfect for decorating together. Baking releases a sweet, homey scent and decorating is half the fun.
Cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar, then add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Roll the dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake on a sheet at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Banana bread
Banana bread is an easy, comforting bake that puts ripe bananas to good use. It’s great for morning or snack time and simple enough for kids to help mash and mix.
Mash 3 ripe bananas and mix with 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 2 eggs. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring until smooth. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Lemon bars
Lemon bars are bright and refreshing, with a tangy filling over a buttery crust—perfect for lifting spirits on a cozy night in.
For the crust, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Cut in 1 stick softened butter until crumbly, press into a greased pan, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. For the filling, whisk 2 eggs with 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Pour over the warm crust and bake another 20–25 minutes, until set. Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.
Carrot cake muffins
Carrot cake muffins are lightly spiced and moist, a slightly healthier treat that still feels special. The warm spice aroma is comforting while they bake.
Mix 2 cups grated carrots with 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 eggs, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and fold in the carrots. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Chocolate fudge brownies
Chocolate fudge brownies are rich and indulgent, filling the kitchen with a deep chocolate aroma. They’re simple to make and great for sharing.
Melt 1 cup butter with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder in a saucepan, then let cool slightly. Stir in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup flour, and a pinch of salt. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Peach cobbler
Peach cobbler brings summer’s sweetness to the table with warm baked peaches and a golden topping. It’s easy to prepare and lovely with ice cream.
Slice 4–5 ripe peaches and toss with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. For the topping, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth. Place the peaches in a greased dish, spread the topping over them, and bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry muffins
Blueberry muffins are fruity and comforting, with bursts of juicy berry flavor as they bake. Kids enjoy stirring in the berries and filling the tins.
Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. These muffins are soft, moist, and full of blueberry flavor—perfect for a cozy family treat.