A Fun Holiday Tradition: Making Gingerbread Cookies With Kids

As Christmas approaches in Calgary, many families are looking for simple, meaningful activities to enjoy together at home. One of the most loved (and delicious!) options is making gingerbread

cookies. It’s a fun way to build holiday memories, spark creativity, and spend quality time together — and the whole house smells amazing!

Whether your child is still learning fine motor skills or confidently decorating cookies with precision, gingerbread baking offers something enjoyable for every age.

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⭐ Why Gingerbread Baking Is Great for Children

This activity is more than just a seasonal treat — it’s full of developmental benefits many parents don’t realize:

• Fine motor skill practice: Rolling dough, pressing cookie cutters, and sprinkling decorations build hand strength and coordination.

• Creativity and confidence: Kids love making choices — shapes, icing colours, designs — and seeing their finished cookie gives them a sense of accomplishment.

• Language and learning: Use the time to talk about shapes (stars, trees, circles), numbers, textures, and new vocabulary like “ginger,” “dough,” or “knead.”

• Family bonding: Shared experiences help children feel secure, connected, and valued — especially during a busy season.

For parents searching for fun winter activities, family Christmas traditions, or hands-on learning ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, gingerbread baking checks every box.

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🍪 Simple Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for Kids

This recipe is easy, soft, and perfect for rolling into fun shapes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp cloves (optional)

• 2 1/2 cups flour

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👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix butter and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix again.

4. Stir in spices, baking soda, and flour until dough forms.

5. Chill dough for 15–20 minutes (easier for kids to work with!).

6. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes — snowflakes, hearts, gingerbread people, Christmas trees, or whatever traditions your family loves.

7. Bake 8–10 minutes and let cool completely before decorating.

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🎨 Decorating Ideas (Easy & Kid-Friendly)

• Store-bought icing tubes

• Sprinkles

• Mini chocolate chips

• Caramel drizzle or white chocolate

• Small candies (Smarties, gummy candies, red cinnamon hearts)

For little ones, set everything in bowls and let them decorate freely — messy creations often make the sweetest memories!

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❤️ A Memory Worth Making

At Pathway Kids, we believe learning happens through hands-on experiences, play, and connection — whether that’s in the classroom or at home. Simple activities like baking help children build confidence, learn responsibility, and create traditions that feel special and meaningful year after year.

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✨ Looking for a Daycare in Calgary?

If you’re searching for a caring, play-based daycare in Northeast Calgary, we would love to meet your family.

📍 Located in NE Calgary

💛 Faith-based values

🎒 Play-focused learning

👶 Infant–Pre-K programs available

➡️ Book a tour today and see if Pathway Kids is the right fit for

your family.