Tried & Tested Toddler-Approved Bread Recipe

Makes approximately 12-24 mini-muffin size rolls. 

Premeasure all ingredients first, as seen in this photo.

Premeasure all ingredients first, as seen in this photo.

Ingredients

1 packet yeast
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup oats
3.5 cups flour* (plus extra for kneading)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoon salt
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon dried herbs, optional (rosemary, basil, oregano, etc.)
1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

*based on natural toddler spillage, you may need more or less of any particular item during the process, especially the flour.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (these cook very well in a toaster oven too).

  2. Sift flour.

  3. Stir in oats & herbs, set aside.

  4. Mix yeast with water and whisk until slightly bubbly - this activates the yeast.

  5. Add butter, salt, sugar & honey and whisk again.

  6. Add wet mixture to flour and oats and stir until fully combined.

  7. Place damp towel over bowl and let rise for approximately 45 minutes.

  8. Knead dough for approximately 10 minutes.

  9. Form into small, walnut size balls and bake in mini muffin pans for 10-15 minutes.

Prep-Work
Baking is a science, and so is the art of cooking with a toddler. This recipe is designed to work regardless of steps followed, though do try to activate that yeast.

Pre-measure your ingredients and place into individual containers.
As your child gets older, begin to introduce measurements.

Tips For Success
This is about the process, not the product. While this recipe is foolproof in the sense that toddlers love to eat it no matter what, it may not always look the prettiest. That’s okay! Refrain from “fixing” the dough. Rather, “help” with the process.

Language Examples:

  • “Is that hard to stir? May I try? Wow, that is hard! Here, you give it a go again.” (while saying this, get the dough all combined, your child never knowing the wiser.)

  • “We have a lot more dough left, shall we add it to the small dough balls you’ve made to make big ones or keep them small?”

The trail of a baker...

The trail of a baker...

Baking with young children is a messy process! The success of involvement in cleanup is dependent on you. Be sure to have ready aprons, a dust pan and broom, spray bottle, etc. 

ENJOY!