Fun and Easy Christmas Recipes for Children

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by spending time with your little ones in the kitchen? Christmas is a magical time for children, and baking together can create memories to cherish for years to come. At Little Bear’s Nursery, we know the joy of hands-on activities, and these fun and easy Christmas recipes are perfect for getting your little chefs involved. Let’s dive into some simple yet delightful Christmas recipes that are sure to make the holidays sparkle!

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

These adorable reindeer treats are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 200g marshmallows
  • 150g Rice Krispies cereal
  • Pretzels (for antlers)
  • Chocolate buttons (for noses)
  • Candy eyes (available in most supermarkets)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
  2. Add the Rice Krispies: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until well-coated.
  3. Shape the Treats: Spoon the mixture onto a greased baking tray and shape it into small circles. Let them cool slightly.
  4. Decorate as Reindeer: Stick pretzels into the top of each circle for antlers. Add chocolate buttons for the nose and candy eyes to bring your reindeer to life!

Tip: For a Rudolph look, use red chocolate buttons for the nose.

Christmas Star Biscuits

These beautiful star-shaped biscuits are a simple yet festive treat that children will love to make and decorate!

Ingredients:

  • 250g plain flour
  • 125g unsalted butter (cold, diced)
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 150g dark or milk chocolate (melted)
  • Festive sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water.
  2. Chill and Roll: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thick.
  3. Cut and Bake: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a lined baking tray. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Decorate the Stars: Dip one half of each biscuit into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Immediately dip the chocolate-covered half into sprinkles and place on baking parchment to set.

Tip: Get creative with different sprinkle colors and shapes to match your Christmas theme.

Candy Cane Chocolate Bark

This no-bake recipe is quick, easy, and deliciously festive.

Ingredients:

  • 300g white chocolate
  • 300g dark or milk chocolate
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a bain-marie and pour it into a lined baking tray. Let it set slightly.
  2. Add the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and pour it over the dark chocolate layer.
  3. Decorate: Sprinkle crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.
  4. Chill: Place the tray in the fridge until fully hardened. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Tip: Sprinkling crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles is a great way for little ones to practice their fine motor skills while having fun creating their own festive designs!

Fruit Santa Hats

A healthy and fun twist on Santa’s hat, made with fresh fruit!

Ingredients:

  • Strawberries
  • Bananas (sliced into rounds)
  • Greek yoghurt or whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. Wash: Wash the berries and remove the stems.
  2. Peel: Peel the banana and slice it into rounds.
  3. Place: Place a strawberry on top of each banana slice.
  4. Finishing Touches: Finish by adding a dollop of yoghurt or whipped cream on top to complete the hat.

Tip: For extra fun, try adding a tiny berry at the tip of the hat for a festive touch!

strawberry santa hat - christmas recipes for children

Mini Christmas Pizzas

For a savoury twist, these mini Christmas pizzas are a hit with children and perfect for a festive lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Ready-made pizza dough
  • Tomato sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Veggies for decoration (e.g., peppers, olives)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and use Christmas-shaped cookie cutters (stars, trees, etc.) to cut out fun shapes.
  2. Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each pizza shape. Sprinkle with mozzarella and decorate with veggies to make Christmas designs.
  3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Tip: Encourage your children to create their own designs, like a star with an olive centre or a tree decorated with colourful veggies.

Christmas Veggie Trees

Turn a platter of veggies into a festive Christmas tree! It’s a creative way to encourage little ones to eat their greens.

Ingredients:

  • Broccoli florets (for the tree)
  • Cherry tomatoes (for ornaments)
  • Carrot sticks (for the tree trunk)
  • Yellow bell pepper (cut into a star shape)
  • Hummus or yoghurt dip (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Assemble the Tree: Arrange broccoli florets on a plate in the shape of a Christmas tree. Place carrot sticks at the bottom for the trunk.
  2. Add Ornaments and a Star: Use cherry tomatoes as ornaments and a slice of yellow bell pepper as the star on top.
  3. Serve with Dip: Offer a small dish of hummus or yoghurt dip for extra flavour.

Tip: Let your preschooler place the veggies—it’s like decorating a tree, but edible!

Tips for Cooking Christmas Recipes with Preschoolers

Cooking with little ones is about more than just food—it’s about learning, bonding, and creating memories. Here are some tips to make your kitchen time a success:

  • Encourage Exploration: Let your child taste, touch, and smell the ingredients. It’s a great way to introduce them to new foods.
  • Make It Safe: Always supervise when using utensils or hot appliances. For small children, use child-safe knives.
  • Focus on Fun: The process is more important than perfection. Embrace the mess and celebrate their efforts!
  • Teach as You Go: Use this time to teach basic skills like counting (e.g., measuring ingredients), colours (e.g., naming fruits and vegetables), and shapes (e.g., using cookie cutters).

For more Christmas recipe ideas, check out this BBC Good Food collection!

At Little Bear’s Nursery, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional, flexible childcare that works for families all year round. Get in touch today to book your visit! 
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