Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and you know what makes it even more special? Creating fun and festive treats with the kids! There’s just something magical about turning simple ingredients into delicious shapes that bring smiles to little faces. I remember the joy in my kitchen as my niece and nephew helped me mix, mold, and decorate these adorable Thanksgiving treats. They loved choosing cookie cutter shapes, and I loved watching them get creative with the orange frosting! Trust me, these kids’ Thanksgiving treats are not only delightful to eat, but they also make for unforgettable memories. So, let’s dive into this easy and exciting recipe that you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 2 cups of rice cereal
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of orange frosting
How to Prepare Kids Thanksgiving Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large bowl and combine the 1 cup of pumpkin puree with 2 cups of rice cereal. Mix them together until the cereal is fully coated. It’s so much fun watching the colors come together!
- Next, fold in the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This is where things get really gooey and delicious! Make sure everything is evenly mixed. You might want to let the kids take a turn stirring — it’s a great way for them to get involved!
- Once you’ve got a nice mixture, spread it evenly into a greased pan. This will be the base for your treats, so make sure it’s packed down well. I like to use the back of a spatula to smooth it out and make it nice and flat!
- Now, here comes the hard part — let it cool for about 30 minutes. This is a perfect time to clean up a little or start planning how you want to decorate them later!
- After it’s cooled, take your cookie cutters and cut the mixture into fun shapes. I love using turkeys, leaves, and pumpkins to keep with the Thanksgiving theme! You can even let the kids pick their favorite shapes — they’ll have a blast!
- Finally, it’s time to get creative! Decorate your treats with the 1/4 cup of orange frosting. You can drizzle it, pipe it, or even let the kids have fun using their fingers. The more colorful and messy, the better!
Tips for Success
Making these kids Thanksgiving treats is a breeze, but a few extra tips can help you achieve the best results and keep things fun! Here’s what I’ve learned from my own kitchen adventures:
- Cookie Cutter Choices: Get creative with your cookie cutters! You can use classic Thanksgiving shapes like turkeys and pumpkins, but don’t be afraid to throw in some fun, non-traditional shapes too—stars or hearts can be great for a little extra flair!
- Mix It Up: Want to add a twist? Try swapping out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips. You could also replace some rice cereal with crushed graham crackers for a different texture. The kids will love the surprise!
- Storing Your Treats: These treats can be a bit sticky, so I recommend storing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll last for about 3–4 days, but trust me, they’ll be devoured long before that!
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time on Thanksgiving Day, feel free to make these treats a day ahead! Just keep them stored properly, and they’ll be ready to go when it’s time to celebrate.
With these tips, you’re all set to create some delightful, memorable treats that will have the kids (and adults!) coming back for more. Enjoy the process and the smiles that come with it!
Nutritional Information
Before you indulge in these delightful kids Thanksgiving treats, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per treat, based on typical ingredient usage:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
These values are estimates, so keep that in mind as you whip up these fun treats! Enjoy the sweetness and the smiles they bring!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, making these kids Thanksgiving treats is one of the best ways to bring joy into your kitchen! Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and no baking involved, you can whip these up in no time!
- Fun for the Whole Family: Get the kids involved! They’ll love mixing, cutting, and decorating, turning this into a memorable family activity.
- Creative Outlet: Let everyone’s imagination run wild! From cookie cutter shapes to frosting designs, there’s no wrong way to make these treats special.
- Festive Vibes: The bright colors and fun shapes are perfect for Thanksgiving, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday celebrations.
- Deliciously Sweet: Who can resist the combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips? These treats are not just cute; they’re a tasty delight!
So gather those little helpers and get ready to create a festive treat that everyone will love!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these kids Thanksgiving treats? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my answers:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just cook and puree it until smooth. It’ll add a lovely homemade touch to your treats!
What if my mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture feels too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra rice cereal into the mix until it reaches a workable consistency. It’s all about getting that perfect balance!
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just swap out the rice cereal for a gluten-free variety. There are plenty of options available that will work just as well!
How do I get my kids involved in the decorating?
Let them go wild with the frosting! Set up a little decorating station with various toppings like sprinkles, candies, and extra chocolate chips. It’ll be a fun and creative experience for them!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days, but I bet they won’t last long!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your kids Thanksgiving treats is super easy, and it helps keep them fresh and delightful for days! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. I like to add a layer of parchment paper between the treats to prevent them from sticking together—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
These treats will stay fresh for about 3–4 days at room temperature, but if you’re looking to keep them for a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge. Just know that they might get a little firmer in the cold, but they’ll still taste amazing!
As for reheating, there’s really no need! These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so just let them sit out for a bit before serving. But if you really want a warm treat, you can microwave them for just a few seconds—keep a close eye on them, though, so they don’t get too melty. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Kids Thanksgiving Treats That Spark Joy and Memories
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and festive treats for kids to enjoy during Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 2 cups of rice cereal
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of orange frosting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree and rice cereal.
- Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, mixing well.
- Spread mixture into a greased pan.
- Let it cool for 30 minutes.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Decorate with orange frosting.
Notes
- Use different cookie cutter shapes for variety.
- Store in an airtight container.
- These treats can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kids thanksgiving treats
