The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, love, and of course, delicious treats! One of the best things about this time of year is the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones, especially with the little ones in your life. What better way to bond with your kids than by creating festive and fun holiday treats together? Not only is it a great way to make memories, but it’s also a chance to teach them valuable skills in the kitchen. So, gather your little chefs and get ready to whip up some tasty and festive holiday treats that are sure to delight everyone!
1. Holiday Sugar Cookies
One of the most classic holiday treats to make with kids is sugar cookies. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a blank canvas for creativity. Let your kids have fun decorating the cookies with festive sprinkles, icing, and candy. You can even use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the cookies into festive designs like snowflakes, gingerbread men, and candy canes.
2. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a simple yet delicious holiday treat that kids will love to make. All you need is white chocolate, milk chocolate, and crushed candy canes. Melt the chocolates separately, pour them into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and swirl them together. Then, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and let it set in the fridge. Once it’s hardened, break the bark into pieces and enjoy!
3. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a favorite among kids, and adding a festive twist with reindeer decorations makes them even more fun to make. Simply make a batch of Rice Krispie treats, cut them into squares, and decorate them with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M for the nose. Your kids will love bringing these adorable reindeer treats to life!
4. Hot Cocoa Bombs
Hot cocoa bombs have become a popular holiday treat in recent years, and they are a fun and interactive treat to make with kids. Simply fill half of a chocolate sphere with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and any other toppings you like. Then, melt the edges of the other half and press it onto the filled half to seal it. Let it set in the fridge, and when you’re ready to enjoy, pour hot milk over the bomb and watch it explode with chocolatey goodness!
5. Christmas Tree Brownies
Brownies are a classic dessert that kids love, and adding a festive touch by decorating them like Christmas trees is sure to be a hit. Bake a batch of brownies in a square pan, cut them into triangles, and decorate them with green icing, sprinkles, and candy ornaments. You can even use pretzel sticks as the tree trunk for an extra festive touch.
6. Snowman Pancakes
Who says holiday treats have to be sweet? Snowman pancakes are a fun and festive option for a holiday breakfast that kids will love to make. Simply make pancakes in various sizes (small, medium, large) and stack them on top of each other to create a snowman. Use whipped cream for the snow and raisins or chocolate chips for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Not only are these pancakes adorable, but they are also delicious!
7. Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are a holiday tradition that never goes out of style. While making gingerbread from scratch can be time-consuming, you can easily use graham crackers to create a simpler version that is just as fun. Gather an assortment of candies, icing, and decorations to let your kids get creative with their gingerbread house designs. Not only will they have a blast building and decorating their houses, but they’ll also have a sweet treat to enjoy afterward.
8. Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops
Marshmallow pops are a fun and easy treat to make with kids, and adding a candy cane stick and festive decorations makes them perfect for the holidays. Simply skewer marshmallows onto candy cane sticks, dip them in melted chocolate, and sprinkle them with crushed candy canes or sprinkles. Let them set in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious and festive treat that kids will love to eat.
9. Grinch Popcorn
Popcorn is a simple and delicious snack that can easily be transformed into a festive treat for the holidays. Grinch popcorn is a fun and colorful treat that kids will enjoy making and eating. Simply melt green candy melts and mix them with popcorn, mini marshmallows, and red and green candies. Let the mixture set, and you’ll have a sweet and crunchy snack that is perfect for movie nights or holiday gatherings.
10. Santa Hat Pretzel Bites
Santa hat pretzel bites are a cute and tasty treat that kids will love to make and share with their friends. Simply dip mini pretzel twists in white chocolate, place a mini marshmallow on top, and finish it off with a red M&M to create the Santa hat effect. Not only are these pretzel bites adorable, but they are also a sweet and salty treat that is perfect for holiday parties or as a homemade gift.
In conclusion, making holiday treats with kids is a wonderful way to bond, create memories, and teach valuable skills in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking cookies, decorating brownies, or crafting hot cocoa bombs, there are endless possibilities for festive and fun treats to make with your little ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create delicious and memorable treats that will spread joy and cheer this holiday season. Happy baking!
