Christmas Recipes Kids Can Make (Without The Mess!)

Christmas time is a time for bonding, making memories, and celebrating. Cooking together during he holidays may just be the icing on the cake. Here are some easy Christmas recipes for you and the kids to try:

---

I generally don’t like to have a lot of people and noise around me while I cook. It’s like… I want peace and quiet and relaxation.

As a mom of 5, this literally never happens unless nobody else is home.

But if there’s one time when I let kids in the kitchen – and even let them take over! – its actually during the holidays. We have lots of occasions to bring food. We have an abundance of lemons and grapefruits from family trees.

And its just a warm and cozy time. We’ve put together a list of foods your little ones can help you create, so get your bookmark finger ready!

Read: Life Skills Kids Learn During Christmas

Sweets, Treats, and Desserts

Kids and moms alike are sure to enjoy making these easy Christmas treats. Everything from pretzel reindeers to the classic gingerbread recipe. Which ones will you try?

• Snowman Oreo Cake Balls– They are cute, they are fun to make, and kids love to design them. These cake balls are made with Oreos which means there’s limited ingredients. Find the recipe here.
• Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies– Everyone loves decorating sugar cookies, especially during Christmas time. This Christmas recipe is easy to follow and even has some tried and true decorating tips.
• Christmas Popcorn Balls– Popcorn, marshmallows, M&Ms, sprinkles, and butter. This no-bake treat is fun for kids to get their hands in. Yes, it’s a bit sticky… but totally worth it.

• Gingerbread Cookies– Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me- I’m the gingerbread man. We love to tell the story, get our rolling pins out, and make these delicious cookies. Here is a kid friendly recipe.
• Christmas Bark– Not only is it easy and fun to make, but it’s also a great Christmas treat to share with others. In this Christmas recipe, kids can set candy eyes and use pretzels for antlers. It’s super cute.
• Christmas Cookie Pizza– Yes, it’s a cookie. Yes, it’s a pizza. Kids will enjoy decorating this large cookie with their Christmas ideas.
• ROLO Pretzel Reindeer– These are super cute! Basically it’s a little setting and melting. Some candy eyes and a cinnamon drop and you’re good to go. Kids will enjoy making and of course, eating these.

Healthy & Fun Recipes Kids Can Make

Sometimes, there’s so much sugar involved in celebrating Christmas. Here is a list of some healthier options for cooking with your kids during the holidays:

• Grinch Fruit Kabobs– Grapes, bananas, and strawberries lends itself to great Christmas colors. Here is how to make a fruit kabob that resembles the Grinch.
• Stuffed Strawberry Santas– Although this one does have cheesecake filling, the fresh fruit offers a healthier dessert for kids to make for Christmas. Here is the recipe.
• Healthy Apple & Granola Snack– It has all the flavor or Christmas time, without all the added sugar. This granola topped apple snack recipe can be found here.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites– Made with greek yogurt, real pumpkin, and without the added sugars. This treat is a healthy way to get the kids making desserts for Christmas.
• Fresh Fruit & Honey Dip– Kids choose which fruits they want to dip, orange them on the platter, and make this simple 4 ingredient dip that is on the healthy side.
• Zucchini Banana Bread– We made this as kids. I remember thinking that there’s no way it’s going to taste good. And then, when it came out of the oven we all devoured it. This bread tastes so good and is packed with quality ingredients.
• Gluten Free Sweet Potatoes Muffins– Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl. Then, combine them together (I recommend adding chocolate chips at this time). It’s packed with healthy goodness. The Christmas recipe can be found here.

Kids Can Help with These Main Course Recipes

For the kids who really want to have their hands in the kitchen this Christmas. Cheers to you! Here are some main course items that you can do:

• Christmas Tree Garlic Bread– What a cute addition to your Christmas meal! The kids may need some help with the initial bread making, but putting the tree together would be so much fun for them. Here is the recipe.
• Twisty Cheese Straws– This recipe just requires some puffy pastry, cheese, pesto, and a bit of twisting. Kids will easy be able to help make this addition to the Christmas meal.
• Pigs in a Blanket– It’s an American tradition to bring pigs in a blanket to a Christmas family gathering. They are so easy to make. Kids will enjoy learning how to pull up the dough and bake. Find the recipe here.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers– Kids have so much fun stuffing peppers and preparing to bake. They will need some assistance with preparing the meat and rice, but the finishing touches can be all them. I love the fact that bell peppers are Christmas colors. Here is the recipe.

• Holiday Cheese Ball/Log– They are so simple and easy to make, but everyone loves having a good cheese ball with their Christmas meal. Here are several delectable looking cheese balls that the kids can enjoy making for your family gathering.
• An Ultimate Christmas Veggie Tray– There are so many things you can put on a veggie tray. It’s a great way to introduce new foods to the kids as well as have their creativity come through. Here is a recipe for a veggie tray that includes some cheese and crackers as well.
• Cheesy Stuffed Jumbo Shells– Kids are great help in the kitchen when it comes to mixing and stuffing things. These stuffed shells will sure to be a fun experience for the kids during your Christmas meal prep.