I know it can be next to impossible to find time to do something relatively time-consuming, like baking cookies, this time of year, but cookies (and Christmas) are for baking! Some of my fondest memories are of spending the entire day(s) holed up in the kitchen with my quite ambitious mom who intricately tied little plaid bows around the necks of her bell-adorned reindeer. I’m not saying you need to go so far as to play dress-up with your treats, but I do think that the simple pleasures, sweet smells, floury little fingerprints, and glitter-covered countertop are well worth a couple hours around the oven.
Let the little ones help! Pull up the stool or a chair, accept there’s going to be some cleanup, and help them get their hands dirty. Measuring and counting is a great mini math lesson for all ages and scooping and piping helps develop those fine motor skills. If you manage to gift these before they end up in your belly that can be a lesson as well!
These hazelnut thumbprint cookies are totally worth going the extra mile to make the switch from the usual peanut butter. It makes the cookies feel extra special, and, if you will, teaches the kiddos a little something about how nut flours and butters are made.
[yumprint-recipe id=’7′]
