Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and indulgence, especially for kids. And nothing makes children happier during the holiday season than delectable treats.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or simply someone who wants to create some magical memories for the little ones, choosing the perfect Christmas treats can be quite a task. With so many options available, it’s essential to pick treats that are not only delicious but also safe and age-appropriate. In this article, we will explore some fantastic Christmas treat ideas that will delight children of all ages.
Festive Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a classic Christmas treat that never fails to please. They are simple to make, versatile, and can be decorated in countless ways to match the holiday theme.
Kids can have a great time cutting the cookies into fun shapes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, snowmen, or gingerbread people. Once baked, these cookies can be beautifully decorated using colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Not only do festive sugar cookies taste amazing, but they also make excellent gifts or additions to holiday parties and gatherings.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They are not only delicious but also a delightful treat to look at. A hot chocolate bomb is a hollow chocolate sphere filled with marshmallows and hot cocoa powder.
When hot milk is poured over the bomb, it explodes, releasing the flavorful mix and marshmallows, creating a rich and creamy mug of hot chocolate. Kids will adore the element of surprise and the thrill of watching the bomb dissolve to reveal a delicious drink.
Candy Cane Bark
Candy cane bark is an easy and visually stunning Christmas treat that kids will love. It is made by melting white chocolate and mixing in crushed candy canes before spreading the mixture onto a baking sheet.
Once cooled, the bark can be broken into irregular pieces, resembling tree bark. This treat not only tastes delicious but also has a delightful texture and a beautiful red-and-white marbled appearance. Candy cane bark is perfect for gifting or as a festive addition to any dessert platter or Christmas movie night.
Reindeer Popcorn
Reindeer popcorn is a sweet and savory snack that will make your little ones’ taste buds tingle with excitement. To make reindeer popcorn, you’ll need popcorn, pretzels, M&M’s, and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Simply mix all the ingredients together and let the chocolate harden. The result is a delicious mix of flavors and textures that resemble reindeer food. You can also pack reindeer popcorn in cute individual bags as party favors or gifts for classmates and friends.
Peppermint Brownies
Brownies are a perennial favorite among children, and when combined with the refreshing taste of peppermint, they become a must-have Christmas treat.
Adding crushed candy canes or peppermint extract to your favorite brownie recipe elevates its flavor and gives it a festive touch. Once baked, these brownies can be cut into small squares and sprinkled with powdered sugar or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Peppermint brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with the red and white swirls of candy cane throughout.
Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a quintessential Christmas treat that offers both a delicious treat and a fun activity.
Making a gingerbread house from scratch can be time-consuming, so it’s perfectly acceptable to use pre-made kits that are readily available during the holiday season. Kids can spend hours putting together the gingerbread pieces, decorating the house with icing, gumdrops, and other candies, and even creating a small snow-covered yard around it.
The joy and creativity involved in making a gingerbread house are unmatched, making it a perfect treat for children during the Christmas season.
Fruit Santa Hats
For a healthier yet festive treat, fruit Santa hats are an excellent option. These cute treats are made using strawberries, whipped cream, and mini marshmallows.
Simply slice off the top of each strawberry to create a flat surface, dollop a little whipped cream on top, and place a mini marshmallow on the cream for the white pompom. The result is a delicious and adorable Christmas-themed treat that kids will enjoy eating. Fruit Santa hats are ideal for school parties, after-school snacks, or even as a refreshing dessert after a rich holiday meal.
Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a classic childhood favorite, and turning them into Christmas tree shapes adds a festive twist. To make Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats, prepare the traditional Rice Krispie treat mixture and add green food coloring.
Press the mixture into a greased baking dish and let it cool. Once firm, cut out triangles from the mixture to create mini Christmas tree shapes. Kids can then decorate the trees with colorful icing, edible ornaments, and even a small dusting of edible glitter.
These treats are not only delicious but also provide a fun and edible craft activity for children.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Chocolate-dipped pretzels are a simple yet delicious treat that can easily be customized for Christmas. Kids will enjoy dipping pretzel rods into melted chocolate, and then adding festive touches like red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
These treats offer the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them an instant hit. Chocolate-dipped pretzels can be individually wrapped and placed in a decorative box or bag, making them a perfect gift for friends, family, or teachers.
Marshmallow Snowmen
No Christmas is complete without snowmen, and marshmallow snowmen are a delightful way to celebrate the season. To make marshmallow snowmen, stack three marshmallows on top of each other using toothpicks.
Decorate the marshmallows using colored icing, mini chocolate chips, and pretzel sticks for arms. Kids can get creative with different facial expressions, accessories, and even use edible markers to draw on the marshmallows. Marshmallow snowmen are a fun treat that can be enjoyed as is or added to mugs of hot chocolate for an extra whimsical touch.
In Conclusion
When it comes to choosing Christmas treats for kids, the options are endless.
From traditional favorites like sugar cookies and gingerbread houses to modern sensations like hot chocolate bombs and reindeer popcorn, there is something for every child’s taste buds. The important thing is to involve kids in the process, allowing them to help with the preparation, decoration, and even the decision-making.
This will not only increase their excitement but also create precious memories that they will cherish for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let the magic of Christmas treats bring smiles to the faces of the little ones in your life.