Christmas Treats for Kids: 5 Magical Recipes to Create

November 22, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, the magic of Christmas! There’s something truly special about baking festive treats with kids during this season. I remember the joyful chaos in my kitchen when my little ones would help me roll out dough and sprinkle colorful toppings everywhere. It’s not just about the delicious cookies; it’s about making memories together! These *christmas treats for kids* are not only super fun to whip up, but they’re also easy enough for little hands to manage. Trust me, the giggles and flour-covered faces are just as important as the sweet treats that come out of the oven. So, let’s dive into this delightful holiday tradition and create something scrumptious together!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup icing sugar (for frosting)
3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t forget this step!
While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder for a fluffy treat.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—trust me, it’s worth it for that delicious texture!
Once that’s done, beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. I love the smell of vanilla wafting through the kitchen at this point!
Now it’s time to combine your dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we don’t want tough cookies!
Next, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a bit of space in between, as they will spread out while baking.
Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to look slightly golden, but don’t worry if the centers look a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is key to preventing them from breaking apart.
While the cookies cool, mix the icing sugar with the milk in a separate bowl to make your icing. Adjust the milk a little if you want it thicker or thinner. It should be smooth and spreadable!
Finally, decorate your cooled cookies with the icing and sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles. Let your kids go wild with this part; it’s all about the fun!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to these delightful *christmas treats for kids*, I like to remind everyone that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can share some typical values, keep in mind that your results may differ a bit. Here’s a general idea of what you’ll find in each treat:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Enjoy these treats without too much guilt, and remember, it’s all about the joy of making and sharing delicious memories with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
Kid-friendly and a fantastic way to involve little chefs in the kitchen
Festive and colorful, bringing holiday cheer to your dessert table
Deliciously sweet and soft, a treat everyone will enjoy
Great for making lasting memories during the Christmas season

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

When it comes to making these festive *christmas treats for kids*, there are a few swaps you might consider to suit your pantry or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re out of unsalted butter, feel free to use margarine instead—just make sure it’s softened, just like butter. It’ll work just as well!

If you want to mix things up with the icing, you can use food coloring to create vibrant hues that match your holiday decor. Just add a few drops at a time until you reach your desired color. It’s such a fun way to let the kids get creative!

And don’t hesitate to experiment with the sprinkles! You can use any festive colors or even themed shapes to make your treats extra special. The key is to keep it fun and engaging for the little ones, so they feel like they’ve truly made their own magical creations!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *christmas treats for kids* turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my best tips to keep in mind:

Dough Consistency: Your dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour. Just remember, a softer dough will yield softer cookies, which is what we want!
Baking Times: Keep an eye on those cookies as they bake! Ovens can be sneaky, so check them at the 10-minute mark. You want them to be just golden around the edges. If you bake them too long, they’ll lose that soft, chewy texture.
Cooling is Key: Letting the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is crucial. This helps them set and prevents crumbling, which is a major win when you’ve got little hands eager to decorate!
Icing Techniques: When decorating, you can use a piping bag for more control over your icing, or just a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works great too! Let the kids have fun with it—no need for perfection here!
Layering Flavors: If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive flavor. It’s a little twist that adds to the holiday spirit!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful, fun-filled baking experience with your little ones. Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best parts about these *christmas treats for kids* is how easily you can switch things up to keep it fresh and exciting! Here are some fun ideas to inspire your creativity:

Sprinkle Swaps: Instead of the classic red and green sprinkles, why not try colorful holiday-themed sprinkles? Think snowflakes, candy canes, or even edible glitter for that extra sparkle!
Flavor Infusions: Mix in some peppermint extract for a festive twist or add a dash of almond extract for a delightful flavor surprise. You can also incorporate zest from oranges or lemons for a refreshing touch!
Chocolate Lovers: If you have little chocoholics in your crew, add chocolate chips to the dough! You can use semi-sweet, white, or even dark chocolate to create a rich, delicious variation.
Holiday Icing: Get creative with your icing flavors! Consider adding cocoa powder for chocolate icing or a touch of orange zest for a citrusy frosting that’s perfect for the season.
Nutty Goodness: For a little crunch, mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough. Just be sure to check for any nut allergies if you’re sharing with friends!
Stuffed Treats: Make these cookies even more fun by sandwiching them with a layer of frosting or jam in between two cookies, creating a delightful surprise with every bite!

Feel free to experiment and let your kids suggest their favorite combinations. The more creative you get, the more fun you’ll have baking together! Happy decorating!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After all that fun and festive baking, you might be wondering about the best way to store your delicious *christmas treats for kids*. The good news is that these cookies store really well! Just make sure to let them cool completely before packing them away. I like to use an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft. They’ll last for about a week at room temperature, but if you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re so good!), you can freeze these treats too! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up a bit. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm, soft cookie right out of the microwave!

FAQ Section

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be a great substitute, but it might make your cookies a bit denser. If you want to keep them light, you can mix half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a nice balance.

What can I use instead of icing sugar?
If you don’t have icing sugar on hand, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s finely powdered. Just be sure to add a little cornstarch to prevent clumping. It works like a charm!

How should I store these treats?
For the best freshness, store your *christmas treats for kids* in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, stick them in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze them!

Can I add food coloring to the icing?
Yes, absolutely! Adding food coloring is a fantastic way to make your icing pop with festive colors. Just be sure to start with a small amount and mix until you achieve your desired shade. Let your kids have fun with this part!

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can drizzle the icing on with a spoon for a rustic look or use a piping bag for more precision. Get creative with toppings—try adding mini candies, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of coconut for a snowy effect!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.