Kid-Friendly Holiday Recipes: Delicious and Easy-to-Make Treats for the Whole Family

Discover the joy of family bonding in the kitchen with our kid-friendly holiday recipes! From classic gingerbread cookies to adorable Santa Hat Brownie Bites, these delicious and easy-to-make treats are perfect for creating festive memories. Explore our collection and make this holiday season extra special for the whole family.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by whipping up some delightful, kid-friendly treats that the whole family can enjoy together? Cooking with kids not only creates delicious memories but also fosters a love for the culinary arts. In this article, we’ve curated a collection of simple and tasty holiday recipes that are perfect for making with your little ones. From classic gingerbread cookies to festive hot cocoa, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and warmth to your hearts.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

Nothing says holiday cheer like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafting through the house. This classic recipe is not only delicious, but also easy enough for kids to actively participate in every step. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, beating well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: Let your kids get creative with the cookie decorations using icing, sprinkles, and other festive toppings.

2. Homemade Hot Cocoa

Warm up those chilly winter nights with a cup of homemade hot cocoa. This recipe is not only delicious but also allows for some customization, making it a perfect activity for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt until smooth.
2. Add the milk to the saucepan and heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.

Tip: Let the kids customize their hot cocoa with a variety of toppings for a fun and personalized experience.

3. Festive Fruit Kabobs

Add a touch of healthiness to your holiday treats with these festive fruit kabobs. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also make for a refreshing snack during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, and melon work well)
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers in a colorful and festive pattern.
3. Arrange the fruit kabobs on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tip: Consider serving these fruit kabobs with a yogurt dip or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

4. Snowman Cheese Ball

Transform your cheese platter into a whimsical winter wonderland with this adorable snowman cheese ball. It’s a savory treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pretzel sticks
• Assorted vegetable sticks for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into three balls of varying sizes, stacking them on top of each other on a serving platter to create a snowman shape.
3. Use pretzel sticks to create arms and buttons for the snowman.
4. Refrigerate the snowman cheese ball for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Surround the snowman with vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tip: Encourage your kids to get creative by adding additional decorations to the snowman, such as olive eyes or a carrot nose.

5. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Turn a classic treat into a festive masterpiece with these adorable reindeer Rice Krispie treats. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Chocolate-covered pretzels
• Red M&M candies
• Candy eyes

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
3. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and let it cool.
4. Once cooled, cut the Rice Krispie treats into rectangular shapes.
5. Use melted chocolate to attach chocolate-covered pretzels as antlers, red M&M candies as noses, and candy eyes to create the reindeer faces.

Tip: Get the whole family involved in decorating these reindeer treats, and watch as each one takes on its own unique personality. You can also try our Christmas Lights or Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats.

6. Santa Hat Brownie Bites

Add a sweet touch to your holiday dessert table with these adorable Santa Hat Brownie Bites. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also easy for little hands to assemble.

Ingredients:

• Brownie bites (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare or purchase brownie bites according to your preference.
2. Wash and hull the strawberries, ensuring they have a flat bottom.
3. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie bite.
4. Invert a strawberry onto the whipped cream to create the appearance of Santa’s hat.

Tip: Allow the kids to take charge of assembling the Santa Hat Brownie Bites, and watch as they bring a festive spirit to your holiday gatherings.

7. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Give the classic oatmeal cookie a holiday twist with the addition of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate. These cookies are perfect for baking together and enjoying as a family.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: These cookies can be packaged in festive boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

8. Christmas Tree Veggie Platter

Balance out the sweet treats with a healthy and visually appealing Christmas Tree Veggie Platter. This colorful and nutritious snack is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red, yellow, and orange bell pepper strips
• Baby carrots
• Hummus or ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions:

1. Arrange the broccoli florets at the base of a large platter to form the tree’s base.
2. Place rows of cherry tomatoes above the broccoli to create the tree’s ornaments.
3. Alternate rows of bell pepper strips and baby carrots form the tree’s branches.
4. Use additional vegetables to create a trunk at the bottom of the tree.
5. Serve with a side of hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tip: Let the kids get involved in assembling the Christmas Tree Veggie Platter and encourage them to come up with creative arrangements.

In Conclusion

As you embark on the culinary journey of creating these delightful and easy-to-make holiday treats, remember that the true joy lies in the process of making memories together. Whether you’re decorating gingerbread cookies, assembling Santa Hat Brownie Bites, or enjoying the vibrant colors of the Christmas Tree Veggie Platter, these moments will become cherished traditions for years to come.

Make the most of this holiday season by embracing the warmth of the kitchen, the laughter of your loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating delicious treats as a family. From our kitchen to yours, may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and the delightful aroma of festive goodies baking in the oven. Happy cooking and happy holidays!