Easy Santa Treats for Kids: Festive Recipes for Christmas Fun

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for kids. The anticipation of Santa’s arrival, the twinkling lights, and the festive treats all contribute to the holiday spirit. This year, why not involve your children in creating some easy and adorable Santa-themed treats? These recipes are not only delicious but also provide a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Get ready to spread some Christmas cheer with these simple and delightful Santa treats!

Why Make Santa Treats with Kids?

Making Santa treats with kids offers numerous benefits beyond just creating yummy snacks:

* **Quality Time:** Spending time together in the kitchen creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.
* **Creativity:** Decorating and assembling the treats encourages kids to express their creativity and imagination.
* **Fine Motor Skills:** Activities like spreading, sprinkling, and arranging decorations help develop fine motor skills.
* **Math and Science:** Measuring ingredients and observing how they transform during baking introduces basic math and science concepts.
* **Holiday Spirit:** Creating Santa-themed treats enhances the festive atmosphere and gets everyone excited for Christmas.
* **Healthy Eating Habits**: You can subtly introduce healthier options or variations of ingredients while making the treats together.

Recipe 1: Santa Hat Brownie Bites

These adorable Santa hat brownie bites are incredibly easy to make and require minimal baking. They’re perfect for a quick and festive treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
* 1 container whipped cream frosting
* Fresh strawberries
* Mini marshmallows

**Equipment:**

* Muffin tin
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking pan
* Knife
* Piping bag or Ziploc bag

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Brownie Mix:** Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. Grease or line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Mix the Batter:** In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Stir until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. **Bake the Brownies:** Pour the brownie batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake according to the box instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. **Cool the Brownies:** Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the tin. Once cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Prepare the Strawberries:** While the brownies are cooling, wash and dry the strawberries. Cut off the leafy green tops.
6. **Assemble the Santa Hats:**
* Pipe a generous dollop of whipped cream frosting onto the top of each brownie.
* Place a strawberry on top of the frosting dollop, pointy side up, resembling a Santa hat.
* Pipe a small ball of whipped cream frosting on the tip of the strawberry to create the “pom-pom” of the Santa hat.
* Add a ring of mini marshmallows around the base of the strawberry where it meets the brownie to represent the white trim of the Santa hat.
7. **Chill and Serve:** Place the Santa hat brownie bites in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Serve and enjoy!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Homemade Brownies:** For a richer flavor, use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a box mix.
* **Different Frosting:** You can use chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream.
* **Sprinkles:** Add festive sprinkles to the brownies before placing the strawberry on top.
* **Vegan Option:** Use a vegan brownie mix, vegan whipped cream frosting, and vegan marshmallows.

Recipe 2: Santa Belly Oreo Pops

These adorable Santa belly Oreo pops are a no-bake treat that’s perfect for kids to help make. They’re simple, fun, and irresistibly delicious.

**Ingredients:**

* Oreo cookies
* Red candy melts
* Black edible marker or black decorating gel
* Gold sprinkles or edible gold glitter
* Lollipop sticks

**Equipment:**

* Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
* Parchment paper
* Spoon
* Lollipop sticks

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Candy Melts:** Melt the red candy melts in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl according to the package instructions. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
2. **Insert Lollipop Sticks:** Carefully twist open each Oreo cookie. Insert a lollipop stick into the cream filling of one cookie half. Gently press the other cookie half back on to secure the stick. Repeat for all the cookies.
3. **Dip the Oreos:** Dip each Oreo pop into the melted red candy melts, ensuring the entire cookie is covered. Gently tap off any excess candy melts.
4. **Decorate the Santa Belts:** Place the dipped Oreos on a parchment-lined baking sheet. While the candy melts are still wet, add a line of gold sprinkles or edible gold glitter horizontally across the center of each cookie to create Santa’s belt buckle.
5. **Draw the Belts:** Once the red candy has set (about 15-20 minutes), use a black edible marker or black decorating gel to draw a black belt around the center of the Oreo, just above and below the gold buckle. Alternatively, you can use a thin strip of black fondant, if you have experience working with fondant.
6. **Let it Set:** Allow the decorated Oreo pops to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the candy coating has hardened, your Santa belly Oreo pops are ready to be served and enjoyed!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Candy Melts:** You can use other colors of candy melts, such as white for a snowman or green for an elf.
* **Different Sprinkles:** Get creative with your sprinkles and use different colors and shapes.
* **Chocolate Coating:** Use melted chocolate instead of candy melts for a richer flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Filling:** Use peanut butter-filled Oreos for a peanut butter Santa belly treat.
* **Melted Chocolate Design**: After dipping the Oreo in red candy melts and letting it harden. You can drizzle white chocolate over the red as an alternate belt decoration.

Recipe 3: Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

These adorable reindeer Rice Krispie treats are a fun and festive twist on a classic favorite. Kids will love helping to decorate them with pretzels, candy eyes, and red noses.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 10 oz marshmallows
* 3 tablespoons butter
* Pretzel sticks
* Candy eyes
* Red M&Ms or red candies

**Equipment:**

* Large saucepan
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Spatula
* Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Rice Krispie Treats:**
* In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
* Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
2. **Press into Pan:** Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands (lightly greased).
3. **Cool and Cut:** Let the Rice Krispie treats cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes). Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.
4. **Attach Antlers:** Break pretzel sticks in half to create the reindeer antlers. Gently press two pretzel halves into the top of each Rice Krispie treat to resemble antlers.
5. **Add Eyes and Nose:**
* Melt a small amount of chocolate (or use a dab of frosting) in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler.
* Use the melted chocolate (or frosting) to attach two candy eyes and one red M&M or red candy to each Rice Krispie treat to create the reindeer face.
6. **Set and Serve:** Let the decorated reindeer Rice Krispie treats set for a few minutes to allow the chocolate (or frosting) to harden. Serve and enjoy!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Cereal:** Use other types of cereal, such as Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles, for a different flavor and color.
* **Different Noses:** Use red gumdrops, red hots, or even small red frosting balls for the reindeer noses.
* **Chocolate Coating:** Dip the entire Rice Krispie treat in melted chocolate before adding the decorations.
* **Peanut Butter:** Add peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a peanut butter Rice Krispie treat.
* **Caramel**: Drizzle caramel on top for extra flavor.

Recipe 4: Santa Suit Strawberry Skewers

These healthy and refreshing Santa suit strawberry skewers are a delightful alternative to sugary treats. They’re easy to assemble and make a festive addition to any Christmas gathering.

**Ingredients:**

* Fresh strawberries
* Bananas
* Mini marshmallows
* Wooden skewers

**Equipment:**

* Knife
* Cutting board
* Skewers

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Strawberries:** Wash and dry the strawberries. Cut off the leafy green tops. Cut a small, flat section from the bottom of the strawberry so it can stand upright.
2. **Prepare the Bananas:** Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
3. **Assemble the Skewers:**
* Thread a strawberry onto each skewer, pointy side up.
* Add a banana slice to represent Santa’s belly.
* Top with a mini marshmallow to represent the white trim of Santa’s suit.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Arrange the Santa suit strawberry skewers on a platter and serve immediately. Alternatively, you can chill them in the refrigerator for a short time before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Other Fruits:** Add other fruits like grapes, blueberries, or raspberries to the skewers.
* **Yogurt Dip:** Serve the skewers with a side of yogurt for dipping.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the skewers for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Coconut Flakes**: Add a touch of unsweetened coconut flakes at the top of the marshmallow, giving a snowy effect to the Santa suit.

Recipe 5: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

While not explicitly Santa-themed, Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are a classic holiday treat. Decorated with green frosting and festive sprinkles, these cookies bring the magic of Christmas to life.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Frosting:**

* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Green food coloring
* Festive sprinkles

**Equipment:**

* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Electric mixer
* Rolling pin
* Christmas tree cookie cutter
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper
* Piping bag or Ziploc bag

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cookie Dough:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
* In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
* Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. **Chill the Dough:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
3. **Cut Out the Cookies:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
* Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
4. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. **Cool the Cookies:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Make the Frosting:**
* In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
* Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
* Add green food coloring to achieve the desired shade of green.
7. **Decorate the Cookies:**
* Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorating tip or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off.
* Pipe the green frosting onto the cooled cookies.
* Immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
8. **Let the Frosting Set:** Allow the frosting to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Cookie Cutters:** Use other Christmas-themed cookie cutters, such as stars, snowflakes, or gingerbread men.
* **Different Frosting Colors:** Use different food coloring to create a variety of colorful cookies.
* **Royal Icing:** Use royal icing for a more detailed and professional-looking decoration.
* **Flavor Extracts:** Add different flavor extracts to the dough or frosting, such as peppermint or almond.
* **Edible Glitter:** Add edible glitter for extra sparkle.
* **Layered Trees**: Use different sized star cutters to create layered tree effect on the cookies and decorating accordingly.

Tips for Baking with Kids

Baking with kids can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some patience and preparation. Here are some tips to make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

* **Choose Age-Appropriate Recipes:** Select recipes that are simple and easy for kids to follow. Avoid recipes with complicated steps or dangerous techniques.
* **Prepare the Ingredients:** Measure out all the ingredients beforehand to minimize mess and ensure accuracy. Pre-portioning ingredients can also give younger children a sense of independence.
* **Set Up a Kid-Friendly Workstation:** Provide kids with their own aprons, bowls, and utensils. Make sure their workspace is at a comfortable height and that they have easy access to all the necessary ingredients.
* **Supervise Closely:** Always supervise children while they are using the oven, stove, or sharp utensils.
* **Embrace the Mess:** Baking with kids can be messy, so be prepared for spills and splatters. Embrace the mess and focus on having fun.
* **Focus on the Fun:** Don’t stress too much about perfection. The goal is to create memories and enjoy the process together.
* **Delegate Tasks:** Assign age-appropriate tasks to each child. Younger children can help with stirring, sprinkling, and decorating, while older children can help with measuring and mixing.
* **Teach Basic Skills:** Use the opportunity to teach kids basic cooking skills, such as measuring, mixing, and following a recipe.
* **Be Patient:** Remember that kids learn at their own pace. Be patient and encouraging, and celebrate their successes.
* **Clean Up Together:** Make clean-up a part of the fun. Kids can help with washing dishes, wiping counters, and putting away ingredients.
* **Keep it short**: Shorter timeframes often lead to higher success rates with children and cooking.

Making the Treats Healthier

While these Santa treats are meant to be fun and festive, you can also make them a bit healthier with a few simple substitutions:

* **Reduce Sugar:** Use less sugar in the recipes or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Be mindful that changing the type of sweetener can alter the texture of the treats.
* **Whole Wheat Flour:** Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to avoid changing the texture of the treats too much.
* **Healthy Fats:** Use healthy fats like coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter in some recipes. If substituting butter, be sure to consider how this will impact the flavors, and texture.
* **Fresh Fruits:** Incorporate more fresh fruits into the treats, such as berries, bananas, or apples.
* **Dark Chocolate:** Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for added antioxidants.
* **Greek Yogurt:** Substitute sour cream or cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat and higher-protein option.
* **Homemade Frosting:** Make your own frosting using healthier ingredients like avocado, Greek yogurt, or fruit purees.

Storage Tips

To keep your Santa treats fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

* **Brownie Bites:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Oreo Pops:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
* **Rice Krispie Treats:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Strawberry Skewers:** Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the bananas may brown over time.
* **Sugar Cookies:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Creating these easy Santa treats with your kids is a fantastic way to celebrate the Christmas season. Not only will you have delicious and festive snacks to enjoy, but you’ll also create lasting memories and strengthen your family bonds. So gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas music, and get ready for a fun-filled baking adventure! Happy Holidays!