Spreading Christmas Cheer with Delicious Christmas Treats Kids Can Help Make
The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and of course, delicious Christmas treats. Engaging kids in the kitchen can make this festive time even more special. Here are some fun and easy Christmas treats that your children can help create, ensuring a merry and tasty Christmas.
21+ Delicious Christmas Treats Kids Can Help Make
1. Festive Christmas Cookies
A classic Christmas treat, cookies are a perfect project for little hands. From rolling dough for sugar cookies to decorating gingerbread cookies, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Use cookie cutters to shape them into Christmas trees or Santa Claus figures, and let the kids unleash their creativity with icing and candy decorations. Remember, Christmas cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a craft activity too!
2. Chocolate Extravaganza
What’s a Christmas treat without a generous dose of chocolate? Kids love working with chocolate, and there are numerous recipes to choose from.
You can make everything from simple chocolate-covered pretzels to more elaborate chocolate cupcakes. Don’t miss out on creating Christmas tree-shaped treats using melted chocolate and candy cane pieces for an extra festive touch.
3. Crafting with Candy Canes
Candy canes are synonymous with Christmas. Incorporate these into various treats like peppermint hot chocolate or crushed candy cane toppings on cupcakes.
You can even create candy cane-shaped cookies for a fun baking project. Their bright red and white colors add a festive flair to any Christmas treat.
4. Peanut Butter Wonders
Peanut butter is a versatile ingredient for most delicious Christmas treats kids can help make. Whether it’s peanut butter cookies or chocolate-peanut butter fudge, these are easy Christmas treats that kids will love to make.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible and perfect for the holiday season.
5. Healthy Christmas Treat Options
Looking for a healthy and delicious Christmas treats kids can help make? Try making fruit-based snacks like watermelon Christmas trees or strawberry Santas.
These are not only delicious but also add a nutritious twist to your Christmas treat lineup.
6. Snow-Themed Delights
Snowman cupcakes or marshmallow snowmen are perfect for bringing the magic of a white Christmas indoors. These cute treats are a blast to assemble and are as much a decorative piece as they are a yummy snack.
7. Christmas Eve Specials
As Christmas Eve rolls around, gather the family for delicious Christmas treats kids can help make. Perhaps a batch of Christmas tree brownies or a gingerbread house that everyone can decorate together.
This not only creates delicious treats but also lasting memories.
8. Easy and Fun Christmas Recipes
Remember, the best Christmas treats are those that are easy and fun to make. From rice Krispie treat creations to Christmas Chex mix, there are countless recipes that kids can help with.
These treats not only add to the festive cheer but also give children a sense of accomplishment.
Delicious Christmas treats kids can help make is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s not just about the treat itself but the joy and memories created in the process.
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this Christmas the tastiest and merriest one yet.
Easy Christmas Treats for Kids
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods: Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive decorations.
- Candy Cane Hearts: Shape candy canes into hearts and fill them with melted white chocolate, topped with holiday sprinkles.
- Mini Santa Strawberries: Slice strawberries and top with whipped cream to create cute mini Santas.
- Christmas Tree Fruit Platter: Arrange sliced kiwis in a tree shape, using strawberries as ornaments and a banana slice as the star.
- Gingerbread Houses: Pre-baked gingerbread house kits can be easily assembled and decorated with a variety of candies and icing.
Simple Christmas Treat Recipes for Kids
- Snowball Cookies: Simple buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs.
- Peppermint Bark: Layer melted dark and white chocolate, sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies.
- Rice Krispie Christmas Wreaths: Shape green-tinted, marshmallow-coated Rice Krispies into wreaths, adding red candies as holly berries.
- Easy Chocolate Fudge: A simple recipe using chocolate chips, condensed milk, and vanilla extract, set in the fridge.
- Cinnamon Roll Reindeer: Use pre-made cinnamon rolls and decorate them with pretzels for antlers and red candies for noses.
Quick Christmas Treats for Kids to Make
- Oreo Truffles: Crush Oreos, mix with cream cheese, form into balls, and dip in chocolate.
- Christmas M&M Pretzel Hugs: Place M&Ms on pretzels with a Hershey’s Kiss and melt slightly in the oven.
- Peanut Butter Snowballs: Combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter, roll into balls, and coat with white chocolate.
- Cereal Garland: String cheerios or fruit loops onto string to make an edible garland.
- Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops: Slice bananas, insert sticks, dip in chocolate, and freeze.
Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids
- Thumbprint Cookies: Easy buttery cookies with a thumbprint indentation filled with jam.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite that can be made festive with the addition of red and green M&M’s.
- Snickerdoodles: Soft cinnamon-sugar cookies that are simple and fun to make.
- Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs: Kids can use Christmas-themed cutters and have fun decorating.
- No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths: Combine marshmallows with green food coloring and cornflakes, then form into wreath shapes.
No-Bake Christmas Treats for Kids
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter, then dip in chocolate.
- Graham Cracker Houses: Like gingerbread houses, but simpler, using graham crackers, icing, and candy decorations.
- Chocolate-Covered Raisin Clusters: Mix raisins in melted chocolate and spoon out small clusters onto wax paper.
- Marshmallow Rice Krispie Trees: Shape Rice Krispie treats into tree shapes and decorate with icing and candies.
- Chocolate-Covered Cherry Mice: Use maraschino cherries, Hershey’s kisses, and almond slices to create cute mice shapes.
Fun Christmas Treats for Kids to Make
- Jello Jigglers: Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut festive shapes out of Jello.
- Hot Chocolate Spoons: Dip spoons in chocolate and decorate with marshmallows and sprinkles, perfect for stirring into hot milk.
- Fruit Candy Canes: Arrange sliced bananas and strawberries in the shape of candy canes.
- Pretzel and Cheese Broomsticks: Use string cheese and pretzel sticks to make witch broomsticks.
- Cupcake Decorating Party: Bake cupcakes in advance and let kids decorate with various frostings, sprinkles, and toppings in Christmas themes.
Easy Christmas Treat Ingredients for Kids
- Pre-Made Cookie Dough: A time-saver for making various cookies without the hassle of mixing and measuring.
- Chocolate Chips: Ideal for melting, baking, or as a topping.
- Marshmallows: Great for Rice Krispie treats, hot chocolate, or snowman decorations.
- Candy Canes: Perfect for crushing and using as toppings or whole for decorations.
- Sprinkles: In various colors and shapes, these add a festive touch to any treat.
Kid-Friendly Christmas Treat Ingredients
- Graham Crackers: Used for easy gingerbread houses or as a base for no-bake treats.
- Pretzel Sticks: Great for making reindeer antlers or edible Christmas tree decorations.
- Nutella or Peanut Butter: Spreads easily and adds a delicious flavor to sandwiches or cookies.
- Fruit: Strawberries, bananas, and grapes can be used to make healthy and fun Christmas treats.
- Ready-to-Spread Frosting: Comes in various colors and flavors, making it perfect for decorating.
Simple Christmas Treat Ingredients for Kids to Use
- Rice Krispies: Essential for making Rice Krispie treats, which are simple and fun to prepare.
- Powdered Sugar: Useful for dusting or making icing.
- Mini M&Ms or Chocolate Candies: Small enough for little hands to decorate with and add a pop of color.
- Cream Cheese: Useful in no-bake recipes and pairs well with fruit or cookies.
- Vanilla Wafers: Serve as a base for mini desserts or as an ingredient in no-bake recipes.
Christmas Treat Decorating Supplies for Kids
- Assorted Sprinkles and Edible Glitters: Allow for creative and colorful decorations.
- Icing Tubes and Bags: Pre-filled tubes or bags with different nozzles for intricate icing work.
- Edible Markers: Kids can draw directly on cookies or fondant.
- Cookie Cutters: In various Christmas shapes like trees, stars, and bells for shaping cookies and sandwiches.
- Cupcake Liners: Festive designs add a special touch to cupcakes and muffins.
Using these ingredients and supplies, kids can easily participate in the holiday baking and treat-making process, creating not only delicious goodies but also memorable holiday experiences.
Christmas Dessert Recipes that Kids Can Help Make
Here are some delicious and easy Christmas dessert recipes that kids can help make:
1. Reindeer Peanut Butter Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup melted chocolate chips
- Pretzel sticks
- Red M&Ms
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, oats, and powdered sugar until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball in melted chocolate, then insert 2 pretzel sticks for antlers and a red M&M for the nose.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
2. Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag marshmallows
- 2 cups melting chocolate chips
- Sprinkles or nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Line a tray with parchment paper.
- Dip each marshmallow in melted chocolate, then roll in sprinkles or nuts if desired.
- Place on the prepared tray and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
3. Rice Krispies Christmas Trees:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons green food coloring
- M&Ms or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, melt the marshmallows in the microwave.
- Stir in the green food coloring until well combined.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into Christmas tree shapes using your hands or cookie cutters.
- Decorate with M&Ms or sprinkles if desired.
4. Snowman Cupcakes:
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- White frosting
- Pretzel sticks
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Bake cupcakes according to package directions.
- Frost each cupcake with white frosting.
- Insert 2 pretzel sticks for arms.
- Place a mini marshmallow on top for the head.
- Add chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth.
5. Gingerbread Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out gingerbread shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the cookies with royal icing or frosting if desired.
No-Bake Christmas Treats Kids Can Help Make
No-bake Christmas treats are a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen and create delicious treats without the hassle of turning on the oven. Here are some easy and fun recipes that kids will love to help make:
Reindeer Peanut Butter Balls:
These adorable reindeer-shaped treats are a classic for a reason. They’re easy to make, no-bake, and perfect for little hands to roll and decorate.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup melted chocolate chips
- Pretzel sticks
- Red M&Ms
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, oats, and powdered sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball in melted chocolate, covering it completely.
- Insert two pretzel sticks for antlers and a red M&M for the nose.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
2. Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows:
These simple yet delightful treats are a crowd-pleaser. The creamy marshmallows dipped in rich chocolate are always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag marshmallows
- 2 cups melting chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip each marshmallow in melted chocolate, coating it completely.
- Place the marshmallows on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
- For a festive touch, decorate the marshmallows with sprinkles or nuts before refrigerating.
Rice Krispies Christmas Trees:
These fun and festive treats are perfect for kids to help make with their hands. The sticky Rice Krispies mixture is easy to mold into Christmas tree shapes.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons green food coloring
- M&Ms or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, melt the marshmallows in the microwave.
- Stir in the green food coloring until well combined.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into Christmas tree shapes using your hands or cookie cutters.
- Decorate with M&Ms or sprinkles if desired.
Pretzel Stick Snowmen:
These adorable pretzel stick snowmen are a fun and creative treat that kids will love to make.
Ingredients:
- Pretzel sticks
- Marshmallows
- White frosting
- Chocolate chips
- Mini candy eyes
Instructions:
- Break the pretzel sticks into three pieces: two for the arms and one for the body.
- Attach the two pretzel stick arms to the marshmallow body using frosting.
- Place another marshmallow on top of the body for the head.
- Add chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth.
- Stick mini candy eyes onto the marshmallow head.
- Use frosting to draw a scarf or hat on the snowman.
Santa Fruit Pops:
These refreshing and healthy treats are a festive way to enjoy fruit during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries or bananas
- Melted chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips for the Santa beard
Instructions:
- Dip strawberries or bananas in melted chocolate, coating them completely.
- Place the chocolate-covered fruit on a lined baking sheet.
- Use melted white chocolate chips to draw a Santa beard on the strawberries or bananas.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
Enjoy these simple and delicious no-bake Christmas treats with your family and friends this holiday season!
Christmas Treat Cooking Lessons for Kids
The holiday season is a wonderful time to bond with family and friends, and what better way to do that than by cooking together? Involving kids in the kitchen will teach them valuable life skills, encourage creativity, and create lasting memories.
Here are some tips for teaching kids to make Christmas treats:
Choose Age-Appropriate Recipes
Select recipes that are simple enough for kids to follow and that don’t require too much supervision. For younger children, focus on tasks like mixing ingredients, stirring batter, and decorating. As they get older, they can take on more complex tasks, such as measuring ingredients, using kitchen tools, and handling hot surfaces.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help avoid any last-minute scrambling and ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Set Up a Safe and Comfortable Workspace
Clear a workspace in the kitchen that is child-friendly and easy to clean up. Ensure that kids have access to a step stool if needed to reach the countertop safely.
Start with Simple Recipes and Gradually Increase Complexity
Begin with simple recipes that kids can easily master, and gradually introduce more challenging ones as their skills and confidence grow. This approach will help them develop a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to continue learning.
Make it Fun and Engaging
Cooking should be a fun and enjoyable experience for kids. Play some Christmas music, talk about holiday traditions, and let them experiment with different flavors and decorations.
Incorporate Sensory Experiences
Engage kids’ senses by letting them smell the ingredients, taste the batter, and feel the textures of different foods. This will help them connect with the cooking process and make the experience more memorable.
Encourage Creativity
Allow kids to express their creativity by letting them decorate the treats in their own unique way. This will foster their individuality and make the treats even more special.
Practice Safety in the Kitchen
Teach kids basic kitchen safety rules, such as washing their hands thoroughly before and after handling food, using knives safely, and being cautious around hot surfaces.
Clean Up Together
Make cleaning up a part of the cooking experience. This will teach kids the importance of responsibility and teamwork.
Here are some additional tips for teaching kids to make Christmas treats:
- Use visual aids such as pictures or videos to help kids understand the recipe steps.
- Break down complex tasks into smaller, easier-to-manage steps.
- Use child-friendly measuring tools and equipment.
- Encourage kids to ask questions and seek help when needed.
- Praise their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments.
Teaching kids to make Christmas treats is a rewarding experience that can bring families together and create lasting memories. With a little planning and preparation, you can make cooking a fun, engaging, and educational activity for the whole family.
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