Simple and Fun Recipes to Make with Your Kids This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your children, and one of the best ways to do that is through cooking and baking together. Involving your little ones in the kitchen not only teaches them valuable skills but also brings the family together over delicious treats and meals. Below, we’ve gathered a variety of simple recipes perfect for holiday treats and cozy winter meals, ensuring you can celebrate the season without breaking the bank.

Here are 12 of our favorites!

Holiday Treats

1. Festive Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Add milk as needed to make the dough workable.
5. Roll dough into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with a fork or your hands.
6. Decorate with sprinkles before baking.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool before enjoying!

2. Hot Chocolate Bombs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
• ½ cup hot cocoa mix
• Mini marshmallows
• Silicone molds

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Using a spoon, coat the inside of the silicone molds with melted chocolate. Let it set for a few minutes and repeat for a thicker shell.
3. Once set, fill half the molds with hot cocoa mix and a few mini marshmallows.
4. Top with more melted chocolate and gently press the halves together to seal. Let them cool completely.
5. To use, place a hot chocolate bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it. Watch it explode into a delicious hot chocolate!

3. Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• Green food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Open the cinnamon rolls and unroll them slightly to form a longer strip. If you’d like, you can mix in green food coloring into the icing for a fun touch.
3. Arrange the rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet, with the wider part at the bottom and narrowing at the top.
4. Bake according to package instructions.
5. Once cooled, drizzle with icing and add sprinkles for a festive look.

4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Ingredients:

• Pretzel rods or twists
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts for decoration

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds of it. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
3. Roll the chocolate-covered pretzel in sprinkles or crushed nuts.
4. Place on wax paper and let them cool until the chocolate hardens.

Cozy Winter Meals

5. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, soup, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. This dish is comforting and perfect for cold nights!

6. Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

• English muffins or pita bread
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Toppings of choice (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Split the English muffins or pita bread in half and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each half.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and add your favorite toppings.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

7. Winter Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme or basil) to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the peas at the end. Serve warm!

8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and pour into a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Sweet and Savory Snacks

9. Apple Nachos

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced
• ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
• ¼ cup granola
• Mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for topping

Instructions:

1. Arrange apple slices on a plate.
2. Drizzle with peanut butter or almond butter.
3. Sprinkle granola, chocolate chips, or dried fruit on top for added flavor and crunch.

10. Snowman Fruit Cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed fruit (bananas, grapes, strawberries)
• Mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes
• Baby carrots or pretzel sticks for arms

Instructions:

1. Arrange the fruit in the shape of a snowman on a plate or cup.
2. Use mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes and a baby carrot or pretzel stick for arms.
3. Serve as a fun and healthy holiday snack!

11. Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in baking soda and salt.
4. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Finally, stir in the flour until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60-65 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.

12. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, forming a dough.
4. Chill the dough for at least an hour.
5. Roll out and cut shapes using cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

 

Cooking and baking with your children during the holiday season is a delightful way to create lasting memories and enjoy some quality time together. The recipes listed here are simple, fun, and perfect for involving your little ones in the kitchen. By focusing on inexpensive ingredients and family-friendly meals, you can make the holidays special without spending a fortune. So gather your children, put on some festive music, and start creating delicious treats and cozy meals that your family will cherish! Happy cooking!