Expressions such as "wind up' and "bait" have a stronger meaning than you need.
Both words suggest that you want to get the other person angry.
Goad, harass and pester also have a negative association.
Parents, in a friendly way, would KID or TEASE their children.
They might say, "I'm just kidding you" or "I'm just teasing you".
Some other expressions might be, "I'm just poking fun" or "I'm just horsing around".
Hope this helps