Secrets to Baking the Best Homemade Cookies

 

Beyond the Bag: Baking Secrets to Heavenly Homemade Cookies

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, homemade cookie. But achieving that perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich flavor can sometimes feel like a mystery. Fear not, fellow bakers! With a few simple tips and tricks, your homemade cookies will be the star of the show.

Master the Ingredients

• Temperature Matters: Most recipes call for room temperature butter and eggs. This ensures even creaming and prevents a greasy mess.
• Measure Precisely: A kitchen scale is your best friend for accurate flour measurement. Scooping flour directly from the bag compacts it, leading to dry, dense cookies.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Use pure vanilla extract, real butter, and fresh ingredients whenever possible. You'll taste the difference!

Mixing Magic

• Creaming is Key: For those melt-in-your-mouth cookies, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which leads to a rise and a delightful texture.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Once you've added the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Chill Out: Many cookie doughs benefit from a rest in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Baking Brilliance

• Sheet Pan Savvy: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Leave space between cookies to allow for spreading.
• Rotate for Uniformity: For even browning, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
• The Golden Rule: Don't overbake! Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center.

Bonus Tip: Feeling adventurous? Play with add-ins! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and even pretzels can take your cookies to the next level.

With these tips in your arsenal, you're well on your way to becoming a homemade cookie champion. So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite recipe, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

Find my favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores

Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

Deck the Halls with Fun! Craft a Merry Christmas with Your Kids

There's something truly magical about Christmas. The twinkle lights, the delicious treats, and the joy of giving all come together to create a season unlike any other. But perhaps the most heartwarming part of the holidays is spending quality time with loved ones.

This year, why not make some of that quality time extra creative? Crafting with your kids is a fantastic way to embrace the festive spirit and build lasting memories together. Here are just a few reasons to get crafty this Christmas:

• Spark Creativity and Imagination: Crafting allows kids to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. As they cut, glue, and assemble, their imaginations take flight!
• Boost Fine Motor Skills: Many Christmas crafts involve activities like tearing paper, threading beads, and using scissors. These motions help develop the small muscles in their hands and wrists, which are important for tasks like writing and dressing.
• Build Confidence: When kids complete a craft project, they get a huge sense of accomplishment. Seeing their creation come to life builds their confidence and self-esteem.
• Bonding Time: Crafting provides a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for parents and kids to connect. It's a chance to chat, laugh, and work together on a fun project.
• Personalized Decorations: There's nothing more special than a homemade Christmas decoration. These one-of-a-kind ornaments will be cherished for years to come, and become treasured keepsakes.

Here are some ideas for crafting with the kids. Click thru the links to view the full tutorials.

Pretzel Christmas Trees by Oh My Creative

Salt Dough Christmas Tree Ornaments by Messy Little Monster

3D Paper Trees by The Printables Fairy

Christmas Tree Lacing by Little Bins for Little Hands

Tissue Paper Trees by DIY and Fun

Sequin Trees by Sum of Their Stories

Pointillism Trees by Coffee and Carpool

Pasta Trees by Mimosas and Motherhood

Paper Bag Christmas Trees by Simple Everyday Mom

Cardboard Christmas Trees by Kids Activities Blog

Process Art Christmas Trees by Sweet Silly Sara

Paper Plate Christmas Trees by Red Ted Art

Christmas Tree Bookmarks by My Joy Filled Life

Christmas Tree Cones by Mom Brite

Edible Christmas Trees by Our Wabi Sabi Life 

Crafting for All Ages!

The beauty of Christmas crafts is that there's something for everyone. Here's a sneak peek at some fun ideas suitable for a variety of ages:

• For Toddlers: Little ones will love exploring textures and colors with handprint ornaments, play dough creations, or simple collages.
• For Preschoolers: Preschoolers can get creative with yarn wrapping, decorating pre-cut paper ornaments, or making their own construction paper Christmas trees.
• For School-Aged Kids: Older kids can tackle more intricate crafts like pipe cleaner snowflakes, Popsicle stick reindeer, or decorating their own miniature Christmas trees.

So gather your supplies, grab your little elves, and get ready to craft a Christmas season to remember!

In the upcoming posts of this blog series, we'll be sharing a variety of fun and festive Christmas crafts that you can make with your kids. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are some additional tips for a successful crafting session:

• Set Up a Crafting Station: Designate a space for crafting that's well-ventilated and easy to clean up.
• Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need before you start, so your little ones don't get frustrated.
• Lay Down the Ground Rules: Set some basic expectations for handling materials and cleaning up.
• Embrace the Mess: Crafting can get a little messy, so relax and have fun!
• Most Importantly, Have Fun! This is a time to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. So crank up the Christmas tunes, sip on some hot cocoa, and get ready to craft a magical Christmas together!

Find some of our favorite Christmas crafts here:

Easy Craft Stick and Ribbon Tree Ornaments

Design Your Own Play Doh Ornaments

Mickey Mouse Bell Ornaments

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter. 

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt. 

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix. 

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
• Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
• Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.

So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies. They're sure to become a new favorite treat!

I know you will agree the chocolate and espresso flavors blend perfectly together to make a great snack!

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. You won't need any fancy ingredients, and the process is quick and straightforward.

But don't be fooled by their ease – the espresso powder adds a surprising depth of flavor that will have you reaching for another (and another).

You can find more favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

 

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Sensory Bins: A Fun Way for Kids to Learn

 Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage young learners in open-ended, creative play. These bins, filled with interesting textures and materials, provide a stimulating environment for children to explore their senses of sight, touch, and smell. But sensory bins are more than just fun – they offer a wealth of developmental benefits for children of all ages.

Why Sensory Play is Important

Sensory play allows children to learn about the world around them through their senses. As they explore the textures, sounds, and smells of the materials in a sensory bin, they are developing important cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Sensory play also helps to refine fine motor skills, those needed for tasks like grasping, pinching, and pouring.

In addition, sensory bins can be a calming and therapeutic for children. The repetitive motions of scooping, pouring, and sorting can be very soothing, and the focus required can help to improve concentration. Sensory bins can also be a great tool for promoting social interaction as children take turns playing and exploring the materials together.

Getting Started with Sensory Bins

Creating a sensory bin is easy and affordable. All you need is a bin or container, a filler material, and some objects to add variety. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Filler Materials: Dry rice, beans, pasta, crinkled paper, play dough, sand, water beads
• Objects: Scoops, cups, spoons, tongs, toy cars, figurines, buttons, pom poms

Once you have assembled your bin, let your child take the lead in exploring it. There are no right or wrong ways to play with a sensory bin. The important thing is that your child is having fun and engaging their senses.

Sensory Play Ideas

Here are a few sensory bin themes to inspire you:

• Rainbow Disc Sensory Bags: These rainbow bags are easy to make and offer a colorful yet mess free sensory play option.
• Garden: Fill the bin with crinkled paper grass and add plastic flowers, ladybugs, and gardening tools for a one of a kind, kid friendly garden sensory bin.
• Pot of Gold Sensory Bin: Make this easy sensory bin for Saint Patrick's day to offer a hands on play experience.

Sensory bins are a fun and educational way to keep your child entertained. So next time you're looking for a creative activity, consider putting together a sensory bin and letting your child's imagination run wild!

You can find more of my sensory play ideas here:

Starry Night Sensory Bags

Easy Dyed Rice

Lemonade Sensory Bin

Veggie Garden Sensory Bin

Rainbow Sorting Bin

Stars and Stripes Bin

Unicorn Fine Motor Bin

Egypt Sensory Bin

Feeding Frenzy Sensory Bags

Glow in the Dark Sky Bin

Savory Monkey Bread Recipes

Monkey Business: The Rise of Savory Monkey Bread

Move over, cinnamon sugar, there's a new star in town! Savory monkey bread is taking the appetizer world by storm, and for good reason. This playful pull-apart bread offers endless possibilities for flavor combinations, making it the perfect finger food for any occasion.

Beyond the Bunch:

We all know and love the classic sweet monkey bread. But the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Swap the sugary coating for a savory herb butter or a cheesy dip, and you've got an instant crowd-pleaser.

A Recipe for Fun:

The best part about savory monkey bread is its ease. It's a recipe that allows you to get creative. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Play with Dough: Use store-bought pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even leftover bread dough to create unique textures.
• Flavor Frenzy: Explore a world of herbs, spices, and cheeses. From garlic and parmesan to sun-dried tomatoes and feta, the flavor combinations are endless.
• The Dipping Point: Don't forget the dip! Pesto, marinara, or a simple herb butter add another layer of flavor and moisture.

Here are some of my favorite monkey bread recipes from around the web. Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe.

Spicy Cheddar Pull Apart Bread by Small Town Woman

Garlic and Herb Pull Apart Loaf by CincyShopper

Garlic Monkey Bread by My Crazy Good Life

Cheese and Herb Monkey Bread by Curry Trail

Pizza Bubble Bread by Spend with Pennies

Maple Bacon Monkey Bread by Love Bakes Good Cakes

Jalapeno Cheddar Monkey Bread by We Dish It Up

Pizza Monkey Bread by Simply Stacie

Monkey See, Monkey Do:

Savory monkey bread is perfect for:

• Game Days: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that goes perfectly with all your favorite game day eats.
• Brunches: Take your brunch game to the next level with a savory twist on a classic breakfast food.
• Potlucks: This easy-to-transport dish is sure to be a hit at any potluck gathering.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the monkey business! With a little creativity, you can turn this playful pull-apart bread into a savory masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let's Get Baking!

Now that your taste buds are tingling, it's time to get your hands dirty! Dive into our collection of savory monkey bread recipes and discover a world of flavor possibilities. From cheesy classics to herb-infused delights, we have something for everyone. Happy baking!

Find more favorite recipes here:

Baked jalapeno poppers

Beef and pickle egg rolls

Healthier Easter Treats

Spring has sprung, Easter bells are ringing, and the urge to indulge in treats is undeniably strong! But this year, ditch the sugar crash and say hello to healthy Easter delights that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.

Forget the guilt of hollow bunnies and pastel-colored overload. This collection of healthy Easter treats is all about celebrating with vibrant flavors, guilt-free indulgence, and a touch of creativity.

Whether you're hosting a festive brunch, crafting adorable snacks for the little ones, or simply craving a nibble with your morning coffee, we've got you covered. Dive into our collection of recipes and discover a whole new world of Easter treats that are kind to your body and soul. Let's hop on the path to healthier (and infinitely tastier) Easter celebrations!

So grab your apron, gather your fresh ingredients, and get ready to whip up some treats that are as good for you as they are for your taste buds. Happy and healthy Easter baking! 

Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe, and while you are there, pin the post for future holidays.

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Sugar Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

This sugar cookie recipe is allergy friendly and made with healthier ingredients to make a perfect Easter snack to share.

Prosciutto Wrapped Dates by Jam Jar Kitchen

Give your guests a well rounded easter snack that has the perfect ratio of meat to stuffed dates. These are elegant but so easy.

Gluten Free Cheese Straws by Kit’s Kitchen

This gluten free cheese straw recipe makes for the ultimate spring snack. These are so good that you might want to double the batch so everyone can grab another!

Banana Carrot Muffins by Garlic Salt and Lime

This muffin recipe is perfect for a healthy Easter snack. Not even the infamous bunny will be able to resist grabbing one of these!

Funfetti Protein Bites by Best Served Vegan

This recipe is sweet, tasty and packed with protein! If you love funfetti cake, then this recipe is going to be a favorite easy snack idea.

Bunny Rolls by Amanda’s Cookin’

Skip the sweet candies and cakes and opt for a simple yet so cute bread with these bunny style rolls. I imagine you aren’t going to be able to resist these!

Eggless Carrot Cake by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

This carrot cake has no eggs in it, and is so tasty. You can consider this cake to be health food considering it has carrots, nuts and applesauce in it.

Grapefruit Bars by A Paige of Positivity

These bars are bright, fruity and so tasty. Adding grapefruit to baked goods is such a tasty idea for an Easter snack to share.

Easter Fruit Tray by Recipes from a Pantry

Offer fresh fruits on Easter Sunday for a healthier spread that doesn’t lack sweetness! This fruit tray will appeal to everyone!

Easter Snack Mix by Cincyshopper

This snack mix has candy in it sure, but the cereal has so many vitamins and minerals, and fiber, that this makes for a healthier offering!

Carrot Cake Bunny Tails by xoxo Bella

These bunny tails are perfectly portioned for a light snack. With nuts, carrots and coconut to help fill you up, you can enjoy this easter snack without the guilt.

Homemade Banana Pudding by Maplewood Road

This simple snack is perfect for after Easter dinner. It is fruity, creamy and the entire family will love digging into this goodie!

Hummingbird Muffins by A Grateful Meal

These hummingbird muffins make for such a tasty snack option. Pop these in a lunchbox, or grab one after work for a sweet pick me up that tastes like a spring dream.

Cottage Cheese Cheesecake by Hurry the Food Up

This cheesecake is unique and so much healthier! I know you are going to love the way this turns out for a spring snack.

 

While you are here check out some of my favorite recipes:

Chocolate covered cherry cookies

No bake cheesecake recipes

Homemade play dough recipes