5 Quick and Easy Christmas Treats to Make with Your Children
The holiday season is a magical period filled with joy, togetherness, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. While this time of year can often disrupt healthy eating routines, it doesn’t have to be this way. A bit of planning and creativity can take you a long way, enabling you to savor your cherished Christmas treats without going overboard.
Here, you’ll find some quick, straightforward, and healthier Christmas recipes perfect for involving your children in the kitchen. Baking and cooking with your kids provides an opportunity for spending quality time together, imparting valuable skills, and establishing new family traditions. Moreover, engaging your children in culinary activities can foster their willingness to embrace nutritious foods.
Festive Fruit Skewers
Elevate your fruit game with these enjoyable and uncomplicated skewers. They serve as a delightful appetizer or dessert for any festive gathering. You and your children can assemble the skewers together and get imaginative with various fruit combinations. Aim for a mix of colors and textures to maximize nutritional value. Consider using grapes, berries, pineapple, apple slices, orange segments, kiwi, and more. Present the skewers on a platter for a visually stunning display. Children will eagerly reach for a skewer to relish a healthy sweet treat.
Ingredients:
• Wooden skewers
• Assorted fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, orange slices, etc.
Instructions:
1. Prior to preparation, wash all the fruit. Cut larger fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Let the kids thread different fruits onto the skewers in their preferred order.
3. Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve them chilled.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Craft these peanut butter cookies that are not only incredibly simple to make but also taste like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Children will have a great time adorning each cookie with Hershey’s chocolate kisses. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can bake these peanut butter kiss cookies in just 30 minutes. They are naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. Involve the kids in mixing, scooping, and decorating for a fun edible project.
Ingredients:
• 3⁄4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1⁄2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, blend the peanut butter, sugar, salt, and butter until a creamy texture forms. Gradually add the egg and vanilla, and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the flour and baking soda until a dough forms.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly browned.
5. Promptly press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. (The cookies may crack, and that’s perfectly fine!)
6. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Start your Christmas morning with these cozy apple cinnamon pancakes. They’re ready in just 20 minutes and have no added sugar. Applesauce and cinnamon give them a delightful flavor that kids adore. Make it a fun family activity by letting the kids measure and mix the ingredients. Top them with Greek yogurt and maple syrup for an extra protein kick. These fluffy pancakes will become a new holiday breakfast tradition!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1⁄2 cup applesauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined (avoid overmixing).
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease it with coconut oil or cooking spray.
5. Use a 1⁄4 cup measure to scoop the batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, approximately 2 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve the pancakes warm, topped with Greek yogurt and maple syrup.
Gingerbread Granola Bars
These gingerbread granola bars are chewy, crispy, and filled with holiday spices that kids are sure to enjoy. They come together in just 30 minutes and make a delicious on-the-go breakfast or snack. Involve the kids in measuring out the oats, seeds, and spices for an interactive cooking lesson. If you have any leftover granola mixture, use it to add extra crunch to oatmeal or yogurt. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1⁄2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1⁄4 cup chia seeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1⁄2 tsp allspice
• 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
• 1⁄4 tsp cloves
• 1⁄3 cup maple syrup
• 1⁄4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1⁄3 cup raisins or chopped dates
Instructions:
1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, seeds, spices, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir well.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using your hands or a spatula.
4. In a small bowl, combine raisins with 2 tbsp water and microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
5. Spread the raisin mixture evenly over the pressed granola base.
6. Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm.
7. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
This homemade hot cocoa mix is a thoughtful gift and a fun project for kids to put together. Let them decorate the jars and create custom labels. Simply layer the dry ingredients in a jar, attach the recipe, and gift it to teachers, neighbors, or family. Make a big batch to give to the whole class! When ready to drink, just mix it with hot milk for a luxurious winter treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup dry cocoa powder
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Layer the ingredients attractively in a 1-pint glass jar in the following order: cocoa powder, white sugar, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes (if using).
2. Attach a gift tag with the following directions:
3. To prepare, mix 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk. Stir until the chocolate melts. Top with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Creating healthy holiday treats with kids helps strengthen your bond in the kitchen and teaches them valuable cooking skills. They’ll eagerly bake delightful goodies like gingerbread protein bars and decorate peanut butter kiss cookies.
With a touch of creativity and teamwork, you and your kids can whip up festive treats that the entire family will adore. This year, focus on creating lasting kitchen memories together that you’ll cherish for years to come.
