Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s the beginning of the holiday season which includes lots of F words: fun, festivities, family and food. (C’mon guys, what other F words would there be during the holidays!?)
This time of year involves all the best things in life.
I love seeing all the pictures of moms baking cookies and other sweet treats with their kids. I’m not a big baker, mostly because I don’t want the temptation of devouring the creations after they’re made. But, I decided it’s time to bake some festive cookies with my kiddos.
Pinterest doesn’t show you the reality behind all those tasty treats they encourage you to bake. But the boys and my experience was so beautiful, not to mention the masterpiece that was our Halloween cookies; so of course, I had to share it with you.
Every one knows in order to be a good mom during this time of year, you have to create picture perfect moments and exquisitely decorated treats with your children.
Allow me to show you how.
Before you do anything, be sure to promise your kids you’ll bake cookies with them after their nap prior to being sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Once you’ve made such a promise, get your super mom @$$ into the kitchen and check for at least the basics. You can improvise on the details as long as you have an egg, some type of flour and sugar somewhere.
Once you’ve established you do in fact have most of what you need, go ahead and put your brain somewhere else so that you don’t lose it in the baking and bonding process. Baking cookies with your kids is a sweet experience; but its not logical or clean or organized. If these are things you need in order to stay sane while baking cookies, this is your exit point. Just put the kids to bed, bake the cookies yourself in your very organized, clean, Martha Stewart fashion, then get the awesome mom points in the morning when they wake up to fresh baked cookies.
If you’re up for some nerve testing quality time with your babies, however, go ahead and proceed to the next steps.
If you have a baby who can’t exactly participate in the cookie baking and would likely only end up wearing a bag of flour, strap him onto your body for the safety of everyone involved.
Now Google, “easy sugar cookies.” If you want to be a fancy pants, head over to Pinterest, but if you really want to get it right, just Google the easiest recipe you can find.
Next it’s time to get out your ingredients. I suggest laying them all out on the counter so you can grab what you need fast. The attention span of 2 year olds is limited folks.
Now, plop your kids up on the counter top so they can be the stars of the show. This is a crucial step. After all, the whole experience is fun for the kids and memories for yourself. Remember, if your goal was to make pinnable cookies, you’d do this alone. Or hire someone else to do it. Better, yet, head to the store and buy the pre made stuff.
Next, take a selfie to document the event. Obviously.
Then, allow your kids to eat as many sprinkles as their tiny hands can hold. This keeps their motivation up.
The next steps are a breeze. Simply follow the easy steps laid out by Google. Pretend like you’re going to let the kids do the work, but in reality, you do most of it while allowing them to gorge on sprinkles. When feasible, let the kids pour things into the bowl and help you stir in between redirecting them away from trying to crack the egg, lest you scream and ruin the baking adventure for everyone. Be sure to manage the rabid koala bear you have strapped to your back who keeps jumping, screaming, and clawing his way out of your baby wearing device as you hum your way through this sweet event.
Now, let the kids lick the beaters. This is absolutely essential. It helps the cleaning process along and is a crucial memory for your kids.
Once you have added all the proper ingredients in the proper order (never mind the fact that you put in 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder rather than 1/2 teaspoon), add in your food coloring to make the cookies orange. After all, we are being festive and these are Halloween cookies. Negotiate with your children over what color to put in because while this experience is all about them, Halloween cookies must be orange, not mauve from adding in all the colors. (Your inner Martha Stewart has to make an appearance somewhere along the way.)
Then, take a look at your cookie dough and wonder why it has separated into tiny balls of dough. Hope it’s alright and squeeze it together with your hands to be sure.
Give it a taste test. It’s good. Proceed on.
Now let your kids in on squeezing the dough and have them help you stick it back together. They will think it’s play dough but that’s ok. They’re doing some great kneading. Then, encourage them to take a bite of it and see how yummy their creation is going to be.
Now it’s time to ball the dough onto the pan into perfectly round cookie sized mounds. Be sure you measure the scoops appropriately so that your cookies will look just like the ones on Pinterest.
Then, let your kids help you put sprinkles on the cookies because let’s face it, sprinkles is the best you can do for decorations. (You considered making icing but when you looked up the ingredients and discovered it requires a pan, confectioners sugar and corn syrup, you decided you’re already about as awesome as it gets and enough is enough for one baking episode.)
Assist the children in the sprinkling but put your controlling, obsessive compulsive nature aside for the sake of good times. Remember how we discussed putting your mind somewhere else ahead of time so you don’t lose it? This is when you’ll be glad you did that.
Ooh and Aah with your babies about what you have just created and slap that masterpiece in the oven.
After 8 minutes and 45 seconds, and lots of yummy smells, take the cookies out. Remind your inner fat girl to not eat them all and present them to your sons. Beam with them in pride over what you have created together.
Let them cool for 32 seconds and then let each child choose the cookie they want to devour.
Congratulations! You’re a boss! Pinterest ain’t got nothing on you and you are the Halloween cookie baking queen. Plus, you’ve just won mom of the day and your precious kids are happy. Mission accomplished! Enjoy!
Don’t forget to vote! ☺
One click=One vote!
Three Boys and a Mom 
Hehehehehe love this!!!! When it comes to baking I have all these talented friends that make all these fancy cakes and cookies… and my daughter and I… It usually ends up being funfetti or fondant because those are kiddie proof 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well you’re still way better than me. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with fondant… Box confetti I could probably handle though haha!
LikeLike
Funfetti**
LikeLike
I actually slapped my knee laughing. The whole way through is was saying “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! And Yes!” You need nap time to prep. You need to remind yourself while doing this, there is no need to feel stressed, this was your idea in the first place and they are having fun. You can absolutely look at Pinterest, but Google is what you’ll actually use. Ahhhh such a good post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hahaha Alana exactly!!!! Thanks love! 😍 it was fun!!
LikeLike
I love it – the reality of parenthood! I am a baker and our daughter loves to participate. It’s a challenge trying to have her “help” while still getting it done.. and attempting anything Pinterest-worthy. What matters is the memories of time spent together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree 100%. As a baker, I’m sure your stuff is amazing regardless of the “help.” much better than my mess…but it did taste pretty good nonetheless haha
LikeLike
This is too cute! My mom can make super fancy cookies like the ones in the top. We decided we wanted her to help us make them for our wedding favors. Yeahhh, she ended up kicking us out as we were trying to “help” to make them herself (and we are adults). I think when you bake with kids it’s more about the experience then getting them pinterest perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha that’s funny! Yes I agree…it’s all about the experience and memories. That what I care about so the goal was reached…and the cookies were good. Bonus! 😉
LikeLike
All I have to say is… Props to you! Baking is a feat that you should seriously get a merit badge for. And you are so hilarious! Your writing can totally get me laughing! 🙂 Cute and yummy looking cookies! I’m glad I’m sitting on my couch and not in your kitchen or else they would be tempting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha Marla, Thank you!!! I’m glad it made you laugh! We are down to 2 cookies, and I won’t admit how many I ate. ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have plenty of cookie on my Pinterest board but always seem to end up Googling easy sugar, oatmeal and chocolate chip. They may not be fancy but they taste good. I think your cookies turned out awesome. What cute helpers you have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww Thanks Melissa. They were pretty awesome helpers!! And the cookies were yummy even if they weren’t pinterest perfect ☺
LikeLike
Yup, you are the boss and these are some awesome cookies! Good job Mom 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh you’re so sweet, thank you!!!
LikeLike
You’re such a fun mama!! I think you should add your creations to Pinterest! They’re perfect!! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thank you! That made my day 😍 xoxo
LikeLike
Love this so much! You are so funny! I’ve been cooking a lot with Zoe lately and I have to take a few deep breaths throughout. And those pretty cookies above with the perfect icing? Yeah, Royal icing is for suckers! Did it once, never freaking again!
LikeLike
Haha Tarynn, you’re a brave soul!!! I would’t even try. At least not with kids anywhere near by. I’ve never claimed or tried to be a baking pro. If it has easy in the title, that’s my jam lol! I love that you cook with Zoe so much. It’s precious, and her future husband will thank you some day 🙂 And hey, maybe sometime she will start cooking for you and you can sit down and relax! 🙂
LikeLike
That’s the plan! She’s my future chef and she’ll cook way better than me, (not too difficult.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great plan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They look delicious, now I have no excuse not to bake anymore with my kids! Why must you show everyone it is possible when I insist it is not? I want one or two of those myself. Bravo!
LikeLike
Lol, that made me smile. Thank you!! It’s possible if you keep your expectations low and your sanity at bay. It was very fun though…and the treats at the end make it worth it 🙂
LikeLike
I love it … pinterest ain’t got nothing on you! 🙂
LikeLike
Hahaha, thank you Kim! ❤
LikeLike
LOVED this post and patients! I’ve always thought it was important to make those memories each day.
LikeLike
Thank you, I agree with you 100%
LikeLike
Awesome! My MIL does a nice, easy frosting with confectioner’s suger, milk, and food coloring. I’d put a little extract in there, too, if you have it. The boys can even do the mixing on that one, frost the cookies, and then add sprinkles!
LikeLike
Oh, that sounds easy enough. Maybe next time I’ll try that and get fancy with it haha 🙂
LikeLike
I love that you’re baking with your boys, too. Some of my greatest memories with my mom were baking cookies together, though I was old enough to realize I wasn’t doing a great job mixing, and she was remixing stuff. It was a lot of fun!
Another of my fondest memories is my dad dressing up with me on halloween. If you guys do trick or treating and can afford a costume for yourself, I think they’ll like it a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww that’s so sweet. Thank you! Yes we Sid trick or treat and I made them homemade skunk costumes, they were ridiculously cute!!! I didn’t dress up this year but have in the past years and plan t i in the future too because I agree…it’s so fun for both me and them! Great memories in those moments. ❤
LikeLike
I love this post, had me laughing a lot!! My cooking never turns out like pinterest, I swear they must be all professionals!!
LikeLike
Haha Alison, I completely agree. Those can’t be real moms with their real kids around as they cook and create things. Every now and then I’ve had some pinterest successes, but mostly, if it involves kids, it’s messy and disorganized….but fun! And in my opinion, that matters more than the looks. 🙂
LikeLike
You are one brave mama who dared to do this with three kids around. The cookies look delicious though 🙂 I wish I could have one. I probably will follow your tips and try to bake some with my daughter.
LikeLike
Aw thanks Jaya! It was really fun, although moments were a little hairy haha. I say do it! Just don’t have too high of expectations for the end result lol
LikeLike
Awww, so stinking adorable!! Best cookie recipe by far!
LikeLike
Aww thank you Sasha!! It was fun…and yummy! 🙂
LikeLike
Love this! Your cookies turned out great and it looks like you all had a blast! 🙂 #manicmondays
LikeLike