The smell of cookies baking fills the air, and kids laugh as they decorate. These moments make the holidays special. Baking Christmas cookies with my kids is a cherished memory. It’s a time when we bond over making something tasty together.
We’ll look at nine easy Christmas cookie recipes for kids. These include classic sugar cookies and fun gingerbread people. They’re perfect for kids to have fun and learn in the kitchen. Let’s start making Christmas cookies and enjoy every batch!
Key Takeaways
- Baking Christmas cookies with kids creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.
- Children can learn important skills like measuring, mixing, and decorating through cookie-making activities.
- These easy-to-follow recipes are perfect for little hands and budding bakers.
- Festive cookie designs and decorating ideas will bring the holiday spirit to life in your kitchen.
- Baking cookies together is a great way to spend quality time with your children and make cherished traditions.
Why Baking Christmas Cookies with Kids Creates Lasting Memories
The holiday season is filled with family traditions and special moments. Baking Christmas cookies together is a great way to bond with your kids. It strengthens family ties and helps children develop important skills.
Benefits of Family Baking Activities
Baking Christmas cookies with kids is a rewarding experience. It helps families bond as they work together, sharing laughs and making memories. Kids also learn math, reading, and fine motor skills through the process.
Skills Children Learn While Baking
- Measuring and following recipes
- Sequencing and following multi-step instructions
- Developing creativity through cookie decorating
- Practicing patience and perseverance
- Strengthening hand-eye coordination
Safety Tips for Kitchen Activities with Kids
To ensure a safe baking experience, follow clear kitchen safety guidelines. Always supervise kids, teach them about hot surfaces, and show them how to handle tools. Encourage them to wash their hands often and keep long hair tied back. This way, baking becomes a fun and educational activity for everyone.
Baking Christmas cookies with your kids is a great way to make lasting memories. It strengthens family bonds and helps children develop valuable skills. By following safety tips and enjoying the process, you create a holiday tradition that will be loved for years to come.
Essential Baking Tools and Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Making
Getting ready for a fun baking session with kids? Make sure you have the right baking equipment, pantry staples, and kid-friendly utensils. With the right measuring tools, you’ll be all set to make tasty Christmas cookies everyone will enjoy.
First, get the basics: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. These pantry staples are key for most cookie recipes. Also, remember to have baking soda, baking powder, and salt for extra flavor and texture.
For baking equipment, you’ll need a few important items:
- A set of mixing bowls in various sizes
- A handheld or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar
- A rolling pin for shaping cookie dough
- Cookie sheets or baking pans
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
For kid-friendly utensils, choose tools with soft handles. Kids can easily hold and use them. Get plastic or silicone measuring cups and spoons, a small rolling pin, and fun holiday cookie cutters. These measuring tools will make baking fun and exciting for your kids.
“Baking with kids is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and teach valuable life skills. With the right tools and ingredients on hand, the process can be both fun and rewarding.”
With the right baking equipment, pantry staples, kid-friendly utensils, and measuring tools, you’re ready for a fun Christmas cookie-making adventure with your kids.
Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe Perfect for Little Hands
Baking sugar cookies with kids is a holiday tradition that makes memories last. This easy recipe is great for kids to help with. It only needs a few ingredients to make tasty cookies for the whole family.
Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the freezer) to firm up the dough.
- Roll and Cut:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes, etc.) to cut out shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Keep your dough cold for easy rolling and clean shapes.
- Add a little almond extract for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Decorating Tips for Sugar Cookies
Decorating sugar cookies is lots of fun! Encourage kids to use holiday shapes and icing techniques. Start with shapes like stars and trees, then let them get creative. Use royal icing in many colors and lots of sprinkles and candies.
Cookie Cutter Selection Guide
- Classic holiday shapes like trees, stockings, and bells
- Fun, whimsical shapes like reindeer, gingerbread men, and snowmen
- Simple geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles
- Cookie cutters in a variety of sizes to suit different ages and skill levels
Royal Icing Basics
Learning to use royal icing is key for decorating easy sugar cookies well. This glaze dries shiny, perfect for designs or covering the whole cookie. Start with a basic recipe, then try different colors and techniques. Soon, your cookies will look like they came from a bakery!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | 4 cups |
| Meringue Powder | 3 tbsp |
| Water | 5-7 tbsp |
“Baking cookies with my kids is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create something delicious they can be proud of.”
No-Bake Christmas Cookie Balls for Beginners
Baking Christmas cookies is fun for kids, but it can be tough for beginners. That’s why I’m excited to share a simple, no-bake cookie ball recipe. It’s perfect for little hands and big creativity!
These no-bake cookies need just a few ingredients and no oven. They’re great for easy desserts, kid-friendly recipes, and holiday treats. With basic pantry items, you and your kids can make these delightful cookie balls quickly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for rolling the cookie balls)
Instructions:
- Start by gathering your ingredients: crushed graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sweetened condensed milk until well blended.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut, mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Finish by rolling the balls in your desired toppings, such as sprinkles or crushed candy canes, to add a pop of holiday cheer.
- Refrigerate the cookie balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.
Optional Additions:
- A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
The best part? These no-bake treats are endlessly customizable. Try swapping the graham crackers for crushed cookies or even adding a touch of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent twist. Get creative and let your little ones’ imaginations run wild!
So, gather your ingredients, put on your aprons, and get ready to create some delicious, kid-friendly Christmas cookie magic with these easy no-bake cookie balls. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the sweet memories you’ll make along the way!
Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids: Step-by-Step Guide
Baking Christmas cookies with your kids is a special tradition. It makes memories that last forever. We’ll show you how to make cookies, from start to finish, in a way that’s fun for kids. Get ready to see your kids’ creativity come to life as they make festive treats for the whole family.
Measuring and Mixing Techniques
Getting the right amounts is crucial for great baking techniques. Teach your kids to measure ingredients carefully. Use kid-sized tools like cups and spoons. Let them take turns adding ingredients to the bowl.
Mixing can be a fun experience. So, let them mix the dough with clean hands. This helps them understand how each cookie recipe part works together.
Rolling and Cutting Instructions
Rolling out dough can be hard for little hands. Give them a soft surface and a kid-friendly rolling pin. Show them how to roll the dough gently. Then, let them pick their favorite holiday baking cookie cutters.
Teach them to handle the dough carefully. This helps avoid messing up the shapes.
Decoration Methods
- Frosting or royal icing decorating: Give them colorful frostings or icing. Let them create patterns, shapes, and designs with kid-friendly instructions.
- Sprinkle decorations: Sprinkle colorful sprinkles, sanding sugar, or crushed candies on the cookies for a festive look.
- Stencil designs: Use stencils to help kids make intricate designs on their cookies.
Don’t worry about the mess. Let your little bakers’ creativity shine. The memories you make will be sweeter than any cookie!
Chocolate Chip Christmas Tree Cookies
Make your holiday baking special with these chocolate chip cookies shaped like mini Christmas trees. This recipe is fun for kids to help with, making festive baking a memorable experience.
Just use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to turn regular chocolate chip cookies into holiday shapes. They’re a great choice for parties or as gifts, thanks to their kid-friendly recipe.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the Dough:
- Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface about and use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to make tree shapes. Place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies:
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting while they cool.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze the dough for fresh cookies anytime!
Decorating Tips for Chocolate Chip Christmas Tree Cookies
After baking and shaping, decorate the cookies for a festive look. Use colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or dried fruit for “ornaments.” Top with a star-shaped cookie or royal icing for the final touch.
These chocolate chip Christmas tree cookies bring joy and make lasting memories. Their festive shape and endless decorating options make them a highlight of your holiday baking.
Festive Gingerbread People Decorating Ideas
Gingerbread cookies are a favorite holiday tradition. Decorating gingerbread people is a fun activity that brings families together. This guide will help you make unique and festive gingerbread creations that everyone will love.
Classic Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe
These gingerbread man cookies are soft, spiced, and full of festive flavor. Perfect for decorating with family during the holidays!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilled dough is easier to roll and cut.
3. Roll and Cut:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate (Optional):
- While the cookies cool, make the icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Use a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped) to pipe decorations on the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles, candies, or chocolate chips for buttons and details.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:
Store decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling and cutting shapes easier.
Adjust baking time: 8 minutes for softer cookies, 10 minutes for firmer cookies.
Creative Decorating Stations
To make decorating gingerbread people fun for kids, set up creative stations. Fill small bowls with kid-friendly decorations like colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Offer different colored royal icing in piping bags for kids to show their creativity.
Encourage kids to decorate their gingerbread people in unique ways. They can add festive outfits or quirky facial features. The possibilities are endless for personalizing these holiday treats.
The joy of decorating gingerbread cookies is in the process, not just the end result. Enjoy the mess and laughter. Cherish the memories you make with your little ones during this special time.
Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pecan snowball cookies are a holiday classic. Coated in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, making them perfect for kids to make and for gifting!
Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pecan snowball cookies are a holiday classic. Coated in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, making them perfect for festive gatherings and gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls using your hands.
- Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should not brown on the top.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar:
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
- Finely chop the pecans: A food processor works great for evenly chopped nuts.
- Double-coating the cookies in powdered sugar ensures a pretty, snowy look and sweet flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage
These pecan snowball cookies are buttery, nutty, and dusted in sugary perfection—just the right addition to your Christmas cookie platter! Pair them with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
Holiday M&M Cookie Bars
Holiday M&M Cookie Bars Recipe
Baking festive treats with your little ones is a cherished holiday tradition. This year, why not try your hand at creating delightful M&M cookie bars that are both easy to make and kid-friendly? These vibrant, chocolatey bars are the perfect Christmas dessert to bake with your family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups M&Ms, divided (Christmas colors)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- Prepare the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the M&Ms and chocolate chips:
- Fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips (if using). Reserve ½ cup of M&Ms for topping.
- Spread the dough:
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Decorate with remaining M&Ms:
- Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the dough for a colorful finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking for softer bars.
- Cool and cut:
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.
Tips:
- For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
- Customize with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
Not only are these M&M cookie bars a breeze to prepare, but they also provide a fun, interactive baking experience for children. Let the kids help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and arrange the candies on top. This hands-on activity is a great way to create lasting memories and teach valuable kitchen skills.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a kid-friendly dessert to enjoy at home, these M&M cookie bars are the perfect solution. With their colorful appearance and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your little helpers and get ready to bake up some Christmas cheer with these easy and festive treats.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookie Fun
Get into the holiday spirit with your kids by making peanut butter reindeer cookies. These treats are not only festive but also a fun activity for kids in the kitchen. Let’s look at how to make these cute reindeer cookies.
Allergy-Friendly Alternatives
For families with food allergies, we’ve got you covered. You can make these reindeer cookies safe for different diets. Just replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Also, pick candy eyes and a red nose that don’t have common allergens.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Decorations:
- Mini pretzels (for the antlers)
- Candy eyes or chocolate chips (for the eyes)
- Red candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s) for the nose
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass to create a cookie base.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffy.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before decorating.
- Decorate the Reindeer Faces:
- While the cookies are still slightly warm:
- Press two mini pretzels near the top for the reindeer antlers.
- Add two candy eyes just below the antlers.
- Place a red candy nose (like an M&M) in the center to complete the reindeer face.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely so the decorations set.
- While the cookies are still slightly warm:
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overbake: The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Let the kids help with decorating—they’ll love making each reindeer unique!
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
These Christmas Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will delight kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve!
Christmas Cookie Storage and Gifting Tips
Keeping your homemade Christmas cookies fresh is crucial. This section will teach you how to store them properly and package them as homemade gifts. You’ll learn about cookie storage and holiday packaging to make your baking efforts worthwhile.
Storing Cookies for Freshness
The key to keeping your Christmas cookies fresh is in how you store them. Here are some tips:
- Airtight containers: Use sealed plastic or glass containers to keep moisture and air out.
- Layered parchment: Place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking and keep their shape.
- Freezer-friendly: Many cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy them later.
Packaging Cookies as Gifts
Turn your homemade cookies into beautiful holiday gifts with these ideas:
- Cookie tins or jars: Decorate containers with festive ribbons, tags, and stickers for a personal touch.
- Cookie boxes: Put different cookies in a decorative gift box with kid-friendly designs and custom labels.
- Cellophane bags: Wrap cookies or small batches in clear bags, then tie with colorful ribbons or string.
“Homemade gifts are the most thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and care you’ve put into every cookie.”
Mastering cookie storage and gifting techniques will make your Christmas baking shine. Enjoy your creations and share the joy with family and friends.
Kitchen Clean-up Games and Lessons
Turning kitchen clean-up into a fun, learning experience is crucial for kids. It helps them develop responsible habits. This section shares creative ways to make cleaning up fun while teaching important life skills.
Making Clean-up Fun
Baking with kids can make the kitchen messy. But, you can make cleaning up a game. Try a “quick clean” race to see who can clean surfaces the fastest.
Or, hide small rewards around the kitchen. This turns finding and putting away dishes into a fun treasure hunt.
Teaching Responsibility Through Baking
Baking is more than just making treats. It’s a chance to teach kids about responsibility. Give them tasks like loading the dishwasher or sweeping the floor.
When they help, celebrate their efforts. Explain how their help keeps the kitchen clean. This teaches them about teamwork and caring for their space.