It’s that time of year again – the holiday season has officially kicked off, and it’s time to get creative with your little ones in the kitchen! Whether you’re looking for fun and easy breakfast ideas or sweet treats to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 festive Christmas recipes that are perfect for kids to help with – from Santa hat pancakes to gingerbread house cookies, and even some fun and healthy options too!
Santa Hat Pancakes
Start your holiday morning off right with these adorable Santa hat pancakes! Made with a simple batter and decorated with whipped cream and chocolate chips, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Whipped cream and chocolate chips for decorating
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Decorate with whipped cream and chocolate chips to resemble a Santa hat.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Christmas Tree Veggie Tray
Add a pop of color and freshness to your holiday gathering with this festive veggie tray, shaped like a Christmas tree! It’s an easy and healthy snack that’s perfect for parties or as a fun side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large carrot, peeled
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the carrot into a tree shape, using a small cookie cutter or a knife to create the trunk and branches.
2. Arrange the bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes around the carrot “tree” to resemble ornaments.
3. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme to add a pop of green.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats! Perfect for snacking or as a fun addition to your holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 12 oz white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Red and brown food coloring (optional)
– Edible eyes and antlers (for decoration)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the white chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
4. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until well coated.
5. Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let cool slightly.
6. Use food coloring to create red and brown hues for the reindeer’s nose and antlers (if using).
7. Decorate with edible eyes and antlers.
Cooking Time: None! These treats are ready in about 10-15 minutes from start to finish.
Snowman Pizza Bagels
Create adorable snowmen-themed bagels that are perfect for a fun and tasty snack or meal. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for eyes
– Red pepper flakes for a “carrot nose”
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 6-8 bagel shapes.
3. Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread a small amount of tomato sauce on each bagel, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Top with chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Use sesame seeds or poppy seeds to create eyes and red pepper flakes for the nose.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Gingerbread House Cookies
Create a festive and delicious holiday treat with these gingerbread house cookies that are perfect for snacking or decorating.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Add water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Combine the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate with this simple recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Bark. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (peppermint)
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Allow to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
6. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Spread the melted semisweet chocolate over the white chocolate layer.
8. Refrigerate until hardened, about 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Elf Donut Holes
These bite-sized donut holes are perfect for holiday parties or as a special treat for your loved ones. With their fluffy interior and sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Powdered sugar glaze (see below)
Powdered Sugar Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) and drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Hot Cocoa Reindeer Cookies
Get ready to deck the halls with these adorable and delicious Hot Cocoa Reindeer Cookies! Soft, chewy cookies infused with the warmth of hot cocoa mix and topped with a marshmallow “nose” make for a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup marshmallows (mini or regular)
– Red and black frosting for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and hot cocoa mix.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out shapes (reindeer noses and antlers).
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with marshmallow “noses” and optional red and black frosting.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Christmas wreath cupcakes! Moist vanilla cake is topped with a fluffy buttercream frosting and decorated to resemble a festive holly wreath.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Buttercream frosting (recipe below)
– Red and green gel or piped icing for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Top cooled cupcakes with buttercream frosting (recipe below).
7. Decorate with red and green gel or piped icing to resemble a holly wreath.
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Candy Cane Popcorn Balls
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable and tasty treats! These Candy Cane Popcorn Balls are a fun twist on traditional popcorn balls, adding a sweet and salty flavor to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Place over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
5. Add popcorn to the saucepan; stir until well coated.
6. Pour into prepared baking sheet; let cool and set, about 30 minutes.
7. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
8. Stir crushed candy canes into melted white chocolate.
9. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form popcorn mixture into balls.
10. Dip each ball into the white chocolate-candy cane mixture; place on prepared baking sheet.
11. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Create delicate and elegant sugar cookies with a snowflake design, perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. This recipe yields a batch of tender and flavorful treats that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Snowflake cookie cutter (approx. 2-3 inches in diameter)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut out snowflakes using the cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Christmas Tree Pizzas
These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties or as a fun snack for the family. Mini Christmas tree pizzas combine the classic flavors of pizza with a festive twist, making them a must-have at any winter gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mini pizza crusts (about 12-15 crusts)
– 1 cup of pizza sauce
– 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out each mini pizza crust into a small tree shape.
3. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Top with chopped parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fruit Santa Skewers
Add a touch of festive fun to your holiday gatherings with these colorful and delicious Fruit Santa Skewers! Made with fresh fruit, marshmallows, and a bit of creativity, they’re an easy and impressive treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed grapes (red and green)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Thread a grape, followed by a marshmallow, and finishing with a pineapple chunk onto each skewer.
2. Repeat the pattern until all ingredients are used, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
3. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the fruit to set.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply serve and enjoy.
Grinch Kabobs with Marshmallows
Add a touch of Whoville whimsy to your holiday gatherings with these easy-to-make Grinch Kabobs. Featuring juicy pineapple, tart cranberries, and gooey marshmallows, these sweet and savory treats are sure to bring joy to both kids and adults!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup cranberries
– 1 cup large marshmallows
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thread a piece of pineapple, a few cranberries, and a marshmallow onto each skewer.
3. If using honey, drizzle a small amount over the fruit and marshmallows on each kabob.
4. Place kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted to your liking.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Christmas Pudding Pops
Get into the holiday spirit with these bite-sized treats that capture the essence of traditional Christmas pudding.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Christmas pudding flavor extract or a few drops of orange extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and salt. Whip until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans (if using).
5. Stir in the Christmas pudding flavor extract or orange extract.
6. Pour the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Pipe small balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These pops are no-bake and ready in just a few hours.
Frosted Gingerbread Men
Bring a touch of holiday magic to your gathering with these adorable Frosted Gingerbread Men. Soft, chewy gingerbread is paired with a sweet and tangy frosting for a treat that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Royal icing (store-bought or homemade), for frosting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
6. Place cut-out cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting with royal icing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Rudolph Pancakes with Banana Slices
Get ready to start your day off right with these adorable Rudolph Pancakes, topped with sweet and crunchy banana slices. Perfect for a fun breakfast or brunch with the family!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Red food coloring (optional)
– Banana slices (for topping)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to give your pancakes a Rudolph-red hue!
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve with sliced bananas and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Sweet and salty, these pretzels are perfect for a holiday treat or as a unique gift. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and infused with peppermint and chocolate goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of pretzel rods
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
– Crushed candy canes or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
5. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate mixture, coating about half of each pretzel.
6. Place the dipped pretzels back on the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and chilling time included)
Christmas Star Sandwich Cookies
A classic holiday treat that shines bright with festive flavors and a star-studded design.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Colored sprinkles or star-shaped cookie cutters for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into star shapes or use sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. Place stars on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before sandwiching with frosting and decorating.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Festive Holiday Fruit Salad
Brighten up your holiday gatherings with this vibrant and refreshing fruit salad, bursting with the flavors of the season!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1 cup diced pineapple
– 1 cup diced strawberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, pineapple, and strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and orange juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-orange mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled.
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these fun and easy Christmas recipes for kids! From sweet treats like Santa Hat Pancakes and Gingerbread House Cookies to savory snacks like Mini Christmas Tree Pizzas and Grinch Kabobs with Marshmallows, there’s something for everyone. Plus, creative ideas like Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats and Snowman Pizza Bagels will bring joy to your little ones’ faces. With these festive recipes, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab some ingredients and get baking – it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
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