One of my favorite holiday traditions is to bake homemade cookies for our family and friends. When I was little, my grandma taught me how to mix, roll and cut the dough. After waiting patiently for the cookies to bake, cool and finally ice (in kid time that was millions of years), it was time to indulge on these heavenly treats. The tradition continues with my daughter and me. But first, I found the best kid friendly and affordable cookware at IKEA to create our holiday recipes. And those one-of-a-kind gifts to help your child begin their cooking/baking traditions!
Located in West Chester, IKEA has a newly renovated Cookware section; and finding your items is fast and easy. Plus, IKEA has all the essential cookware to fill your kitchen without breaking the bank. Since it has been almost 13 years since my wedding shower, I was in need of new bakeware/cookware. It had been a good year since I was last in IKEA, and I was really impressed with the bright and organized Cookware section. Plus, the friendly and knowledgeable staff showed me the latest cookware technology and kid-friendly devices (the mess-free Allehanda mixing bowls with lids are a must-have: $9.99-$11.99).
After an hour of reviewing products, I had a cart full of brand-new cookware for under $200 — and the quality is excellent. And I found some great gifts for your child: Children’s Chefs Hat & Apron – $6.99, Smabit Knife & Peeler Set – $5.99, Duktig 7-Piece Toy Baking Set – $9.99 and Jamforlig Handheld Wisk – $12.99). Also, I shopped IKEA’s Marketplace and found pre-made muffin mixes that will be sure to please the family. Why would you ever shop anywhere else?!
Then it was time to head home and start baking! My daughter and I began by preparing Grandma’s Holiday Sugar Cookie dough.
This recipe is fantastic for those traditional iced holiday cookies, and requires lots of teamwork. The recipe was easy for my little miss to follow; and, after the dough was prepped, it was placed in the refrigerator until we rolled, cut and baked the cookies. Once cooled, the cookies were iced and of course enjoyed with lots of milk. I made a double-batch; and the leftover dough is great frozen for another time.
Grandma’s Holiday Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- *1 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- *1 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- *2 Eggs
- *1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- *3 1/2 cups Flour
- *1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- *1/2 teaspoon Salt
Directions:
- 1. Cream the butter and sugar together.
- 2. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
- 3. In a separate bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.
- 4. Add those slowly to the egg mixture and mix well until dough forms up.
- 5. Turn the dough out onto plastic wrap and chill at LEAST 3hours.
- 6. Flour a board or counter top LIBERALLY and roll out your cookies.
- 7. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
- 8. Sit for a minute or two to set up on the hot tray before transferring them to a rack to cool.
- 9. Icing: Whisk 1 1/2 cups of powered sugar with a tablespoon of milk and food coloring to get a thick consistency.
Then we baked Grinch Cookies (again I made a double batch). These wonderful (and green) crinkle cookies will make everyone’s heart “grow three sizes!”
Grinch cookies have simple ingredients and easy directions for your beginner baker. Plus, who doesn’t love the Grinch?!?!
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients:
- *1 box French vanilla cake mix
- *1/2 cup vegetable oil
- *2 eggs
- *Green food coloring, 1 drop
- *Confectioners (powdered) sugar for dusting
- *Sprinkles or candies, large heart-shaped (purchased from Etsy)
Directions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
- 2. In the bowl of your mixer cream together cake mix, food coloring, oil, and eggs.
- 3. Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes.
- 4. Drop by tablespoon into powered-sugar and roll into balls.
- 5. Place on baking sheet and press 1 large heart candy/sprinkle.
- 6. Bake for 8 minutes.
- 7. Let cool 2 minutes on pan before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
My new IKEA cookware created some excellent holiday goodies, including lemon muffins in the new pink non-stick baking cups. Plus, clean up was easy and many items were dishwasher safe.
For all your holiday baking needs, some visit IKEA’s Cookware department. And possibly finish up your holiday gift list!
Disclosure: Ainslie received products from IKEA for use in this article; all opinions are her own.
About Ainslie:
Ainslie Gordon is a St. Louis, Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri’s Journalism School. Her career has focused on advertising, public relations and event planning. In 2011, Ainslie and her family moved to Cincinnati; and she became a stay-at-mom and founder of the blog, Modhousewife.
Additionally, she was a fashion/trends contributor on Fox 19 and Fox 2. Currently, Ainslie is the Marketing Director for Game On! Fitness. She is also a Girl Scout leader and enjoys volunteering throughout the community.
She lives with her husband and daughter in West Chester and loves all things Disney. You can find Ainslie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
