5 Sweet Treats for Children That They Will Love Assisting With and Enjoy Eating

It does not take much to please a child, these simple desserts will make their day and bring a smile to their faces. Use your creativity for the presentation, et voila you have a delightful creation, ready to be served

When preparing desserts for kids, it's important to keep things simple but fun. Consider the flavors and ingredients they usually enjoy, like chocolate, fruits, cookies, or vanilla. Opt for single-ingredient treats, if possible, over complicated multi-step recipes.

Presentation is also key; make desserts that are visually appealing by using decorative plates, sprinkles, colorful fillings, and frosting. If the kids ask to be involved in the dessert-making process, allow them to assist you with the simple, safe tasks like stirring the batter, sprinkling toppings, or adding measured ingredients. Involving them fosters creativity and makes desserts more fun.

Cut foods into bite-sized pieces that are easy for small mouths to eat. Avoid risky ingredients that might cause an upset stomach and smaller, more solid decorations that might be a choking hazard for them.

1. Cookies

Makes 2 dozen

Ingredients:

• 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1/2 cup ghee or butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
• In a large bowl, add ghee, and sugar and whisk them until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla and whisk again.
• Gradually stir in the maida, while continuously beating the mixture. This will slowly form a dough.
• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until light golden brown.
• Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to another container to completely cool.

2. Cupcakes

Makes 1 dozen

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups maida
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup ghee, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup ghee, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the maida, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, add the ghee and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time.
• Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients alternately with the milk. Stir in the vanilla.
• Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
• To make frosting, whisk ghee, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Frost the cooled cupcakes.

3. Doughnuts

Makes 1 dozen

Ingredients:

• 3 cups maida
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ghee, melted
• Oil for frying

Toppings:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Jam or chocolate sauce for the filling

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the maida, sugar, yeast and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk, egg, and melted ghee.
• Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and keep aside for 1 hour.
• Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cups to cut out rings.
• Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
• In a deep bottom utensil, heat oil to 175°C. Working in batches, fry doughnuts until golden brown, 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Dust with powdered sugar or fill with jam while warm. Enjoy!

4. Cake Pops

Cake Pops:

Makes 2 dozen

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crumbled cake
• 1/2 cup frosting
• 2 dozen lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles for decorating

Instructions:

• Crumble the cake into a large bowl. Add frosting and mix until a dough forms.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each ball.
• Place pops on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour, or until firm.
• Dip pops in melted chocolate or add frosting to them. Decorate with sprinkles while still wet.
• Return to the baking sheet and freeze until set, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

5. Parfaits

Makes 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 cup granola
• 1 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, mulberries)
• 1/2 cup honey
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

• In small glasses, layer yogurt, granola, and berries.
• Drizzle honey over each parfait.
• Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.