10 Simple Back to School Cookie Recipes for Kids

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

These timeless treats are always a hit. With gooey chocolate chips and a soft, chewy texture, they are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying after school.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

2. Peanut Butter Cookies

These simple peanut butter cookies are not only delicious but also require minimal ingredients. They are a great nutty treat for kids!

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These wholesome cookies are packed with oats and raisins, making them a great snack option for kids heading back to school.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

4. Sugar Cookies

Soft and sweet, sugar cookies can be customized with sprinkles or icing. They are a fantastic canvas for kids to decorate!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Roll into balls, then flatten slightly before placing on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.

5. Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cinnamon sugar-coated delights are a fun twist on the classic cookie, and kids will love their soft, chewy texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and mix well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Roll the dough into balls and combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

6. M&M Cookies

Bright and colorful, M&M cookies are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. They are chewy, sweet, and a fun addition to any lunchbox.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups M&Ms

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the M&Ms. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

7. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are a great way to use up overripe bananas, and they provide a healthy, naturally sweet treat for kids.

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.

8. Double Chocolate Cookies

For chocolate lovers, these double chocolate cookies are a dream come true. Rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate chips, they are irresistible!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

9. Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Celebrate the fall season with these delightful pumpkin spice cookies. They are warm, spicy, and perfect for a cozy after-school snack.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

10. Funfetti Cookies

Brighten up your day with these funfetti cookies, packed with colorful sprinkles! They are perfect for celebrations or just to add some joy to a regular school day.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the sprinkles. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.

These back to school cookies simple recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and of course, taste the final product!

Bonus Tips for Baking with Kids

• Set Up a Baking Station: Create a designated area for baking that includes all the tools and ingredients needed. This helps keep things organized and makes the process more enjoyable.
• Use Fun Shapes: Invest in cookie cutters in various shapes like stars, hearts, or animals. This adds an extra element of fun and creativity.
• Experiment with Flavors: Encourage kids to add their favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate. This helps them personalize their cookies.
• Make it Educational: Use baking as an opportunity to teach kids about measurements, fractions, and even the science of baking.
• Clean-Up Time: Make cleaning up part of the fun! Involve the kids in washing dishes and tidying up the workstation.

Storage Tips for Your Cookies

To keep your back to school cookies fresh, here are some storage tips:

• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
• Airtight Containers: Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness. You can separate different types of cookies with parchment paper.
• Freeze for Later: If you have a large batch, consider freezing some cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them later!

Creative Ways to Serve Cookies

Here are some fun ideas to serve your back to school cookies that will make them even more appealing to kids:

• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread frosting or peanut butter between two cookies for a delightful treat. Kids will love the added flavor and texture!
• Cookie Pops: Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each cookie before baking to create fun cookie pops. Decorate with icing and sprinkles after they cool.
• Milk and Cookie Bar: Set up a milk and cookie bar with different types of milk (regular, chocolate, almond) and a variety of cookies for a fun snack time.
• Decorate Your Own: Bake a batch of plain cookies and set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations for kids to make their own creations.

Include Healthy Options

To balance out the sweetness, consider including some healthier cookie options. Here are a few ideas:

• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Use whole-grain oats and reduce sugar for a nutritious twist. These cookies are chewy and packed with fiber.
• Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Mash ripe bananas and mix with natural peanut butter and oats for a simple, healthy cookie.
• Almond Flour Cookies: Substitute regular flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Add dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Make it a Family Tradition

Creating a back to school cookie baking tradition can be a fun way to bond as a family. Plan a baking day at the start of each school year and involve everyone in the process. This can help build excitement for the upcoming school year and create lasting memories.

Conclusion

These 10 simple back to school cookie recipes are perfect for involving kids in the kitchen while creating delicious treats that can brighten their school days. From classic chocolate chip to fun, themed cookies, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.

Encouraging children to bake not only fosters creativity but also provides memorable moments and a sense of accomplishment. So gather your ingredients and enjoy baking together!