The Christmas countdown is ON, and it’s time to get those last-minute activities checked off your list, like doing some holiday baking that’s also kid-friendly. You might be planning a party for the neighborhood tots and need crave-able dessert ideas or are wracking your brain (and your Pinterest feed) trying to find the perfect edible gifts, or you just want to do something special for your own little one. Whatever the case may be, these 17 festive treats are the holiday recipe ideas your kids are sure to go crazy for.
1. Snowman Grahams: These super cute snacks are easy enough for you to whip up ahead of time, but also make a great craft for older kids to do during your Christmas party. Pre-assemble the snowmen and set out a few different colors of piping gel and let the kiddos do the decorating. (via Frugal Coupon Living)
2. Rudolph Christmas Cookies: The Oreos are at it again. Simple to make and fun to eat, these reindeer cookie pops are a quick way to dress up your dessert table. Just push the pretzel antlers right into the cream center and add a dot of frosting to secure the red candy nose. (via The 36th Avenue)
3. Frozen Popcorn Balls: Just like rice krispie treats except made with popcorn instead of cereal, these crunchy + sweet popcorn balls are the perfect snack for a group of kids since they’re already divvied up and ready to eat. Pro tip: Grease your hands with a little coconut oil or butter to make forming the balls a breeze. (via Life Made Simple)
4. Elf Shoes: The best party food is the kind that doubles as decor. These peanut butter-filled elf shoes do just that. Creamy peanut butter is put in a pastry bag (or sandwich bag with the corner snipped off) and piped into Bugles. Dip the end of the filled cracker in white chocolate and sprinkles to finish it off. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)
5. Sparkly Vanilla Bean Macaroons: Make the macaroons yourself or dress up a batch from your local bakery. Either way, the edible glitter topping sets these apart from the rest. Brush the top of the macaroons with simple syrup before adding the glitter to make sure it sticks. (via Kevin and Amanda)
6. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trees: If you’re going to give your kids a cookie, you might as well hide a strawberry on top to balance it out. Dip the strawberry in green candy melts, add sprinkle ornaments and let it fully harden before attaching it to the cookie with a blanket of white frosting snow. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)
7. Reindeer Crunch: Kids and adults alike will gobble up this sweet and salty snack without hesitation. The clusters of peanuts, popcorn and semi-sweet chocolate are so good, you’ll probably want to make extra just in case. (via Framed Cooks)
8. Pizza Stockings: Your cookie cutters aren’t just for dessert. Dig through your stash and use a few different shapes to see what you can come up with. A red candy cane with white cheese stripes would be a big hit with the little ones. (via Pillsbury)
9. Cranberry Christmas Cookies: You can make the cookie dough in this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to save you some time during the Christmas rush. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out of the freezer, arrange on a baking sheet and 14 minutes later you’ll be enjoying warm cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies. (via Brit + Co)
10. Reindeer Sandwiches: Lunch needs some love too during the holidays. PB+J is a classic kid favorite, especially when in the shape of a reindeer. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on the bread and a tiny bit of peanut butter to secure the eyes and nose. (via And Everything Sweet)
11. Baked Cheddar Crackers: Your kiddos will go crazy for these savory star crackers. Made with shredded cheddar cheese and baked until crunchy and golden brown, it’s a recipe worth making over and over again. This is one snack you can feel good about your kids munching on. (via Winter Monroe)
12. Christmas Cookie Trees: Okay, so this is more of a hack than a recipe. Various store-bought cookies like Nila Wafers, golden Oreos and shortbread cookies are stacked according to size and held together with green piping gel. Edible pearl ornaments and a white chocolate chip star tie the whole thing together. (via Brit + Co)
13. Gingerbread Hot Cocoa: Dress up your family’s usual hot chocolate recipe by infusing it with delicious gingerbread flavors. The gingerbread syrup is the key to success, and since it only calls for five ingredients, it’s a cinch to make too. Use it right away or transfer to a heat-proof container and store in the fridge until you’re ready. (via Bakingdom)
14. Donut Tree: Sometimes it’s all about the display. Powdered sugar donut holes are attached to a foil-wrapped styrofoam cone with toothpicks to make a dessert so eye-catching and easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. Create a few trees in different sizes and place them along the back of your buffet table for a dramatic (and delicious) backdrop. (via Catch My Party)
15. Peppermint Cheesecake Dip: A tasty dip is the epitome of party food, and the subtle peppermint flavor in this one will please all your little guests. Dunk anything from chocolate covered pretzels to fresh fruit. (via A Pumpkin and a Princess)
16. Christmas Tree Fruit Platter: Instead of just dumping all the fruit in a big bowl, spend a few extra minutes arranging it in a festive pattern. Not only will it look nice, but hopefully it’ll also entice the kids to eat it all up. (via The First Year Blog)
17. Funfetti Christmas Popcorn: Tender white popcorn is covered with melted white chocolate, pretzels, candy and sprinkles — could it get any better? Try different variations, like adding peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate. (via Cooking Classy)
