Course Description: This fun and skill-building course introduces teens to the art of baking and cookie decorating in a safe, hands-on environment. The course teaches essential baking techniques such as proper measuring, mixing, and baking while encouraging creativity and independence in the kitchen. Students will explore different types of cookie dough, healthy alternatives, and decorating methods using icing, and piping tools. Along the way, they'll build confidence, learn to work with precision, and express their personal style through edible creations they can proudly share with family and friends.   Course Outline: Lesson 1: Kitchen Skills & Safety First

• Kitchen hygiene and safe practices for baking
• Identifying tools, ingredients, and how to handle equipment properly

• Explore ingredient ratios and mixing techniques for soft and chewy cookies
• Learn how to fold in chocolate chips and portion dough evenly
• Bake a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies + optional flavor add-ins

• Using cookie cutters, baking trays, and parchment paper
• Understanding cookie thickness, baking time, and even browning
• Bake and decorate sugar cookies with sprinkles and beginner icing techniques

• Introduction to healthier baking: natural sweeteners and whole ingredients
• Discuss benefits of oats, bananas, and reducing added sugar
• Bake soft banana-oat cookies with add-ins like raisins or dark chocolate

• Explore the difference between cookies and brownies (batter vs. dough)
• Learn chocolate melting, mixing, and marbling techniques
• : Bake fudgy brownies and swirl in flavors

• Learn edible painting techniques and how to mix icing colors
• Practice piping skills: borders, patterns, and layering
• Decorate cookies as themed edible art (animals, emojis, flowers, etc.)