Hey there! I’m Christin and today my daughter, Charleigh, and I want to bake with you and maybe even encourage you to bake with your littles! Okay, okay, this is a *no bake* chocolate chip whipped dip, but it still counts when it’s with a toddler in my opinion. This recipe is so simple–it’s like a small starter step into baking with a toddler, so give it a try with us!

First of all, why? Why do I go through the effort to bake with my toddler? There are so many benefits to working in the kitchen with your little. Just to name a few: they learn math skills, social skills, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, following multi-step instructions, life skills, and build vocabulary. Your child might even have a more open palate when he helps make your food!

Okay…almost to the baking I promise! Here are the top 3 tips that I’ve learned as a mom of a 2 year old and as a pre-K teacher.

1. First, patience, patience, patience! There is going to be a mess…say it with me, embrace the mess. I usually like to clean as I go, however, I’ve learned that baking with Charleigh is like baking with a flour bomb. But the memories and giggles are well worth it!
2. Second, I’ve found that measuring out all the ingredients before Charleigh is involved helps so much! There are times I let her scoop and measure. But regardless she is all about pouring into the big mixing bowl!
3. Last but not least, HAVE FUN! Be creative and learn with your kids! Many times, Charleigh wants to touch, taste, and smell everything. Turn on some music and make the most of it.

Charleigh and I are currently baking our way through the alphabet and had so much fun with the letter D – dips! We made ranch dip, Mexican corn dip…but today we are making Chocolate Chip Whipped Dip! It’s a sweet treat that is super simple to make!

First gather all your ingredients: cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, mini chocolate chips, brown sugar, and whipped cream. As mentioned before, I like to measure out before inviting Charleigh into the kitchen so she can pour all of the ingredients together. Add everything to your mixer, except the chocolate chips. Mix until smooth.

Just as a note, Charleigh and I count down to turn on anything in the kitchen so that it doesn’t startle and then we watch it as the mixer spins and turns. When it’s completely mixed together, I stop the mixer, and Charleigh almost immediately shoves her hands in! In our kitchen, snacking is encouraged!

Then we add in the chocolate chips and slowly mix those in – we chose to use the electric mixer again but you could definitely just fold them in. Next, scoop into a bowl or container of some kind and grab a scooping vessel. We used animal crackers to dip with but graham crackers or fruit (such as a banana, strawberry or even grapes) work great too!

Last thing I want to say is this, use the time you’ve been given with your children to benefit the Kingdom of God. Baking and having fun in the kitchen is important and truly such a delight. Ultimately, for me at least, it’s all about the quality time in order to speak the Truth of the Gospel into her life and plant the seeds of faith into her heart and mind! So take heart momma and enjoy these everyday little moments with your children!

Christin is a pastor’s wife to Cole, and a momma to sweet Charleigh Rose. She received her Master’s in Islamic Studies from Southwestern Seminary after living in South Asia for 2 years, teaching English and loving on “the least of these.” Currently, she lives with her family in Maryland and spends her days at home with her daughter and fur-baby, Beau, enjoying a variety of activities. She has recently made the transition from stage IV cancer treatment to being a cancer thriver! On any given day you will probably find her in yoga pants with a yummy treat baking in the oven playing a podcast in the background.