There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to making *kids Christmas treats*! I remember the joy on my children’s faces as we whipped up these colorful cookies together, their little hands covered in flour and sprinkles. It’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s about creating memories, laughter, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit in every bite. These treats are so vibrant and fun, with red and green sprinkles that scream festive cheer! Trust me, the kitchen fills with the most delightful aroma, making it impossible not to smile. So, gather the kiddos, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some tasty magic together this Christmas! They’ll love the hands-on fun, and you’ll be left with a tray of sweet delights to share (or not share!) with family and friends.
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful *kids Christmas treats*, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup of softened butter – this is going to make your cookies rich and creamy.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar – for that sweet touch we all love!
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie magic.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – because everything is better with a hint of vanilla!
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder – to give those cookies a little lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt – to balance out the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar – for a fun, sweet dusting at the end.
- Red and green sprinkles – the festive stars of the show!
Gather these goodies, and you’re ready to create some holiday cheer in your kitchen!
How to Prepare *Kids Christmas Treats*
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Making these *kids Christmas treats* is super easy, and I promise it’ll be a blast. Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want those cookies to bake evenly and come out just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer, but a wooden spoon works just fine if you’re feeling a bit old-school!
- Once that’s creamy and dreamy, mix in the vanilla extract. Oh, the smell is heavenly already!
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure everything mixes evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
- Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a tablespoon) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your palm, then sprinkle those vibrant red and green sprinkles on top. You can never have too many sprinkles, right?
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a bit different!
- Finally, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious, festive treats ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore these *kids Christmas treats* for so many reasons! Here’s why they’ll become a holiday favorite in your home:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive Fun: The vibrant red and green sprinkles add a splash of color, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
- Family Bonding: Involving your kids in the baking process creates cherished memories and lots of giggles in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the sprinkles or add different flavors, making every batch unique and exciting.
- Deliciously Sweet: Every bite is a perfect blend of buttery goodness and sweetness that will have everyone reaching for more!
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a holiday staple you look forward to every year!
Tips for Success
To make your *kids Christmas treats* absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips that will help you along the way:
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake! Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking them at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be golden, but the centers should still be soft.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just a bit, making them easier to handle.
- Storage: Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last longer (which they probably won’t!), you can freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Decoration Ideas: Feel free to get creative! Drizzle some melted chocolate on top or use colorful icing to write fun holiday messages. The kids will love personalizing their own cookies!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up some delightful holiday magic!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your *kids Christmas treats*, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Here are a few variations to try:
- Sprinkle Swaps: Instead of the classic red and green sprinkles, why not try using holiday-themed sprinkles like snowflakes or candy canes? They’ll add a festive flair that’s sure to impress!
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in some chocolate chips or even white chocolate chunks for a deliciously sweet surprise in every bite. Kids love that little extra treat!
- Flavor Infusion: Experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, to give your cookies a unique twist. Just a teaspoon can transform the whole flavor profile!
- Nutty Addition: If your family enjoys nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch!
- Frosted Delights: Once your cookies are cool, top them with a simple glaze or icing for an extra sweet touch. You can even let the kids decorate them with their favorite toppings!
Get creative and have fun with these variations—every batch can be a new holiday adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that the nutritional information for these *kids Christmas treats* can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I’ve provided some general estimates, it’s important to remember that these numbers are not exact. If you’re watching your intake for dietary reasons, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and let the festive fun begin!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making these delightful *kids Christmas treats*, so let’s tackle some common ones!
How should I store the cookies?
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them with parchment paper and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be perfect for future cravings!
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! You can experiment with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or even coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
What can I use for icing?
A simple icing can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the cookies for an extra festive touch. The kids will love decorating them!
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes! If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just make sure it’s in a softened form for easy mixing.
What if I want to make these gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Serving Suggestions
These *kids Christmas treats* are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a couple of delightful ideas! Pair them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder—talk about a cozy treat! You can also create a festive snack platter with some fresh fruit, like strawberries or apple slices, and maybe even some cheese cubes for a fun sweet-and-savory combo. The kids will love digging into a colorful spread while enjoying their cookies, making it an extra special holiday moment!
Print
Kids Christmas Treats: 7 Magical Recipes for Joyful Moments
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fun treats for kids during Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and add sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These treats can be decorated with icing.
- Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: kids christmas treats, holiday cookies, festive snacks
