As the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, I can’t help but smile at the joyous chaos in my kitchen. With the holiday season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to create festive memories with my kids, and what better way to do that than whipping up delightful Christmas snacks for kids? These simple, yet utterly charming cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a canvas for creativity. The moment my little ones add a sprinkle of color, their laughter echoes through the house, turning a regular afternoon into a joyful celebration.
One of the best parts about these cookies is just how quick and easy they are to make—perfect for busy parents and a fun activity for all ages. Gathering the ingredients together takes just minutes, and before you know it, you’ll have 24 delightful snacks ready for stockings or parties. So, let’s dive into this recipe that promises to bring sweetness to your holiday gatherings and help create memories that will last a lifetime.
Why are Christmas Snacks for Kids a Must-Make?
Delightful flavors and vibrant colors make these cookies the ultimate festive treat!
Quick and Easy to whip up, you’re just 27 minutes away from cozy holiday magic.
Family Fun awaits as kids unleash their creativity while decorating with sprinkles and icing.
Perfect for Sharing, this recipe yields 24 delicious snacks—great for parties or gift-giving.
Nostalgic Memories are created as you bake together, making this a cherished holiday tradition.
Christmas Snacks for Kids Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats!
For the Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – A staple for creating a sturdy base for your cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness that kids adore!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together for a perfect dough.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Ensures your cookies rise to a fluffy perfection.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the cookies’ appeal.
For Decorating
- 1 cup decorating sprinkles – The colorful touch that transforms your cookies into festive delights!
How to Make Christmas Snacks for Kids
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking these delightful cookies. This warmth helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge!
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Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to achieving a light texture in your cookies.
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Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and the batter is fluffy. The batter should double in size and look airy!
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Whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding until everything is fully blended—no flour streaks should remain!
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Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and drop it onto lined baking sheets, ensuring to leave space between each for spreading. This keeps your cookies from merging into one giant cookie!
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The center will look slightly soft; that’s perfect as they will firm up while cooling.
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Cool your cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for the icing and sprinkles to adhere properly!
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Decorate your cooled cookies with icing and a generous sprinkle of colorful decorations. Let your kids enjoy this fun and creative part of the process—it’s where the joy comes alive!
Optional: Serve with a glass of milk for a classic treat pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Snacks for Kids Variations
Let your creativity shine with these fun twists on the classic holiday treat!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
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Add Chocolate: Incorporate 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise within each cookie!
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Nutty Flavor: Mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and delicious nutty flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Add zest from an orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens up the flavor.
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Fun Flavorings: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to infuse unique flavors into your cookies.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free egg substitute for a tasty vegan version.
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Dried Fruits: Toss in ½ cup of your favorite dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, to create a chewy texture and a fruity twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that feels extra festive during the holidays.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Snacks for Kids are perfect for meal prep during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also helps the flavors meld beautifully. Once you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough, place it on lined baking sheets, and bake as directed. For a festive touch, feel free to prepare the icing and sprinkles a day ahead, storing the icing in the fridge. Your cookies will turn out just as delightful while being a breeze to finish off on a busy day!
Expert Tips for Christmas Snacks for Kids
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Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, resulting in a perfectly fluffy cookie.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that for their Christmas snacks for kids!
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Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before scooping. This prevents spreading and gives a better shape during baking.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
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Creative Decorating: Encourage kids to get imaginative by using assorted sprinkles, chocolates, or edible glitter. It’s the perfect way to personalize each cookie!
What to Serve with Christmas Snacks for Kids?
Nothing brings the holiday spirit to life like a cheerful table spread accompanied by these delightful treats!
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Hot Chocolate: The rich, velvety warmth of hot chocolate pairs perfectly, making each bite of cookie even more indulgent. A sprinkle of marshmallows floating on top would make it a festive hit!
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Fruit Platter: Bright and fresh, a colorful fruit platter provides a refreshing contrast to the sugary cookies. Seasonal fruits like clementines or pomegranates add a lovely burst of color to your holiday table.
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Festive Milkshakes: Creamy milkshakes, especially those made with candy canes, are a sweet way to enjoy your cookies. Their thick, luscious texture complements the crunch and sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
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Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy treats are a delightful option for adults wanting a sophisticated pairing. Dipping them in coffee or hot cocoa creates a cozy moment that balances the sweetness of your cookies.
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Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Elevate the fruit experience by drizzling chocolate over strawberries or bananas, combining freshness with added decadence that complements the cookies.
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Spiced Cider: A warm cup of spiced cider fills any room with inviting aromas, making it a heartwarming pairing that enhances the cozy feel of your festive snacks.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes offer a touch of creamy delight. Their subtle sweetness contrasts nicely with the sugary cookies, making it an elegant yet fun dessert option for holiday gatherings.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Snacks for Kids
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them thaw naturally on the counter for a few hours.
Christmas Snacks for Kids Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
I recommend using all-purpose flour, as specified in the recipe. This type of flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness for your cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may vary slightly.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Absolutely! Store these Christmas snacks for kids in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, putting them in the fridge will extend their life for about a week, just remember to seal them properly to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out what you need and either let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
My cookies spread too much while baking. What went wrong?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to softened butter that was too warm or not enough flour in the dough. Be sure your butter is softened at room temperature, not melted. If the dough seems too soft before shaping, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can help maintain their shape while baking.
Are there any allergen considerations for these cookies?
Great question! This recipe contains common allergens like butter and eggs, so if you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using vegan butter and a flaxseed meal solution (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) as an egg replacement. Always double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs!
Joyful Christmas Snacks for Kids: Easy & Festive Treats to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking these delightful cookies.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and the batter is fluffy.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and drop it onto lined baking sheets, ensuring to leave space between each.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
- Cool your cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Decorate your cooled cookies with icing and a generous sprinkle of colorful decorations.
