Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats! Involving kids in holiday baking and making special treats can create lasting memories while also satisfying their sweet tooth. Here’s a list of 27 delightful Christmas treats that are perfect for kids to make and enjoy during the festive season. Each treat is not only fun to create but also a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays together.
1. Christmas Sugar Cookies
Why: These classic cookies are a holiday staple. Kids love to roll out the dough, use cookie cutters to make festive shapes, and decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles.
How: Use a simple sugar cookie recipe, roll out the dough, and cut out shapes like Christmas trees, stars, and snowmen. Allow kids to decorate with icing, candies, and sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch and share some with neighbors or friends!
2. Reindeer Brownies
Why: Brownies are always a hit, and turning them into reindeer adds a fun holiday twist. Kids will enjoy decorating these fudgy treats.
How: Bake a batch of brownies and cut them into squares. Use pretzels for antlers, M&M’s for eyes, and a red candy for the nose.
Pro Tip: Let kids personalize their reindeer with different colored candies!
3. Peppermint Bark
Why: This simple treat is both festive and delicious. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday flavor that kids love.
How: Melt white and dark chocolate, layer them, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let it cool and break into pieces.
Pro Tip: Package it in festive bags to give as gifts!
4. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Why: Cupcakes are always a favorite, and turning them into Christmas trees is a fun way for kids to get creative.
How: Bake your favorite cupcakes and decorate them with green frosting, using a star-shaped tip to create tree shapes. Top with edible glitter or candy ornaments.
Pro Tip: Use mini chocolate chips for “ornaments” on the trees!
5. Snowman Cheese Balls
Why: These savory treats are perfect for a holiday party. They add a fun and festive twist to cheese platters.
How: Shape cream cheese into snowman forms and use olives for buttons, carrots for noses, and pretzels for arms.
Pro Tip: Serve with a variety of crackers and vegetables for dipping.
6. Gingerbread Men
Why: Gingerbread men are a holiday tradition that kids love to decorate. They offer a mix of baking and creative expression.
How: Make a gingerbread cookie dough, roll it out, and cut out gingerbread men shapes. Once baked, let kids decorate with icing and candies.
Pro Tip: Host a gingerbread decorating party for extra fun!
7. Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops
Why: These easy-to-make treats are perfect for kids to enjoy or give as gifts. They’re also a great way to use up leftover candy canes.
How: Dip marshmallows in melted chocolate, then roll in crushed candy canes. Insert a stick for easy eating.
Pro Tip: Use different types of chocolate for variety!
8. Elf Hat Cupcakes
Why: These whimsical cupcakes are festive and fun to decorate. They are sure to delight kids of all ages.
How: Bake cupcakes and top with green frosting. Use a red candy or fruit roll-up to create the elf hat, and finish with a gold star candy.
Pro Tip: Let kids design their own elf hats with different toppings!
9. Santa Fruit Cups
Why: These healthy treats are a great way to balance out the sweets during the holidays. Kids can help assemble these fun fruit creations.
How: Use strawberries for Santa’s hat and bananas for his face. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a marshmallow for the pom-pom.
Pro Tip: Use different fruits to create a festive fruit platter!
10. Christmas M&M Pretzel Bites
Why: These sweet and salty treats are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re great for holiday parties.
How: Place pretzels on a baking sheet, top with chocolate kisses, and melt them in the oven. Press an M&M on top once melted.
Pro Tip: Use different colored M&Ms to match holiday themes!
11. Snowman Pancakes
Why: Start Christmas morning with fun and festive pancakes! Kids will love creating their own snowman stacks.
How: Stack pancakes to create snowmen, using fruit and chocolate for eyes, noses, and buttons.
Pro Tip: Add whipped cream for a snowy effect!
12. Christmas Jello Cups
Why: These colorful cups are a fun, festive treat that’s easy to make. Kids will love the wobbling jello!
How: Layer red and green jello in clear cups, adding whipped cream on top for a snowy effect.
Pro Tip: Include gummy candy trees or snowmen for extra fun!
13. Nutty Reindeer
Why: This is a healthy and fun snack that kids can assemble themselves. It’s a great way to include some nutrition amidst the sweets.
How: Use a round cracker as the body, spread peanut butter on it, and add pretzels for antlers and candy for eyes and nose.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different spreads like almond butter or Nutella!
14. Coconut Snowballs
Why: These sweet, chewy treats resemble snowballs and are a great no-bake option for kids.
How: Combine shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Roll into balls and coat in more coconut.
Pro Tip: Dip them in white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!
15. Holiday Popcorn Mix
Why: This fun snack is perfect for movie nights or holiday parties. Kids can customize their own mix with their favorite ingredients.
How: Mix popcorn with holiday candies like M&Ms, chocolate-covered pretzels, and festive sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Use a holiday-themed container for serving!
16. Chocolate-Dipped Oranges
Why: This refreshing treat adds a fruity option to the holiday dessert table. The combination of chocolate and orange is delightful.
How: Dip orange slices in melted chocolate and let them set on wax paper.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast!
17. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Why: Rice Krispie treats are a favorite among kids, and turning them into reindeer makes them even more festive!
How: Make traditional Rice Krispie treats, shape them into reindeer heads, and use pretzels for antlers and candy for eyes and noses.
Pro Tip: Use chocolate Rice Krispies for a twist!
18. Christmas Pudding Cups
Why: These fun pudding cups can be decorated to resemble holiday puddings, making them a festive treat.
How: Layer chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos and top with whipped cream and cherries or strawberries.
Pro Tip: Use festive cups to make them extra special!
19. Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Why: These beautiful cookies are perfect for decorating during the holiday season, offering a fun artistic outlet for kids.
How: Use a snowflake cookie cutter, decorate with white icing and silver or blue sprinkles for a wintry look.
Pro Tip: Use edible glitter to give them a sparkly effect!
20. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Why: These delicious treats are not only tasty but also a fun surprise when melted in hot milk. Kids will love the magic of hot chocolate bombs.
How: Fill chocolate spheres with cocoa mix and marshmallows, then seal and decorate. Drop them into hot milk to watch them melt.
Pro Tip: Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes inside for extra flavor!
21. Frosted Gingerbread Bars
Why: These bars are easier to make than traditional gingerbread cookies and are just as delicious. Kids can help with the frosting!
How: Bake gingerbread bars and top with cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Cut them into fun shapes for extra holiday flair!
22. Holiday Fruit Kabobs
Why: These colorful fruit skewers are a healthy and fun treat that kids will love to assemble.
How: Use a variety of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and melon, and arrange them on skewers to resemble Christmas colors.
Pro Tip: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of melon or pineapple!
23. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Stars
Why: These sweet and crunchy snacks are simple to make and perfect for little hands to help with.
How: Cut tortillas into star shapes, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy.
Pro Tip: Serve with a side of fruit salsa for dipping!
24. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Why: These sweet and salty treats are easy to make and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Kids will enjoy dipping the pretzels in chocolate.
How: Dip pretzels in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
Pro Tip: Package them in festive bags as gifts for friends!
25. Eggnog Cupcakes
Why: These cupcakes bring the classic holiday flavor of eggnog to dessert. They’re a fun twist for older kids to enjoy.
How: Bake eggnog-flavored cupcakes and top with nutmeg-infused frosting.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top for a festive touch!
26. Yule Log Cake Pops
Why: These adorable cake pops resemble the traditional Yule log and are a fun treat for kids to make and decorate.
How: Make chocolate cake, crumble it, mix with frosting, and form into logs. Dip in chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or fondant.
Pro Tip: Use edible markers to draw fun faces on the logs!
27. Christmas Cookie Decorating Kits
Why: Let kids unleash their creativity with DIY cookie decorating kits. This activity is both fun and delicious!
How: Prepare baked cookies and provide various colored icing, sprinkles, and candies for decoration.
Pro Tip: Host a decorating party where kids can show off their artistic creations!
Final Thoughts
Making Christmas treats together is a wonderful way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories during the holiday season. These 27 treats offer a mix of fun, creativity, and deliciousness that everyone can enjoy. So gather your ingredients, invite the kids into the kitchen, and let the holiday baking begin! With a sprinkle of love and a dash of laughter, your Christmas treat-making will surely be a cherished tradition for years to come. Happy baking!
