The holidays are a special time to create memories with your little ones. There's something about the scent of gingerbread, the warmth of hot cocoa, and the joy of crafting that makes this season extra memorable. Whether you're baking together in the kitchen or enjoying a cozy moment with homemade treats, these 3 holiday recipe ideas for kids bring all the right ingredients for classic holiday fun!

 

3 Holiday Recipe Ideas for Kids

Gingerbread Cookies: A Classic Holiday Treat

 

What gives more holiday vibes than the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven? These gingerbread cookies are the perfect holiday treat to bake with your kids. The dough from this recipe is simple, easy to handle, and perfect for little hands to roll, cut, and decorate. Plus, your house will smell absolutely amazing as they bake.

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to finish incorporating the flour into the dough.
5. Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you prefer).
6. Preheat your oven: When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll and cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make gingerbread men, trees, stars, or whatever shapes your child loves.
8. Bake: Place your cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to darken slightly.
9. Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. You can use icing, sprinkles, or candy to make your gingerbread creations come to life!

 

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting to loved ones, or just enjoying with a cup of your favorite hot cocoa (or frozen hot chocolate…see below)! Let your little ones have fun decorating, and maybe even create a few fun gingerbread “family” members for a festive centerpiece! 

 

Frozen Hot Chocolate: The Ultimate Cozy Treat

 

There's something so fun about this recipe- taking a classic holiday drink and making a frozen version! Frozen hot chocolate is the perfect treat to enjoy after a long day of holiday shopping or while watching your favorite Christmas movies. Every sip feels like a little indulgence, and it's a great way to cool off while still enjoying that warm, comforting chocolate flavor.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cup milk
• ¼ cup chocolate syrup 
• 2 packets of hot chocolate mix
• 2 cups ice

Instructions:

• Blend everything together
• Add whipped cream and crushed peppermint to the top

 

Gingerbread Play Dough: Holiday Fun That Smells Amazing

 

Need an easy, fun, holiday themed activity for your little one? How about mixing together warm spices and soft dough to create a sensory-rich experience! Our Visual Recipe makes this fun and easy activity meaningful for kids! Following the visual cues helps children understand the steps, build confidence, and develop sequencing and problem-solving skills—all while having fun! 

Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour 
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon ginger 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

 

Instructions:

• Add all dry ingredients to a bowl
• Mix
• Add water and oil to the bowl
• Mix
• Wait five minutes for the mixture to cool
• Knead the dough with your hands and play!

 

Your Turn!

We hope these 3 holiday recipe ideas for kids add some extra cheer to your holiday season! Baking, crafting, and playing together are wonderful ways to bond and build lasting memories. Let the joy of gingerbread and cocoa fill your home, and take time to enjoy each other’s company during this special season.

Looking for more gingerbread inspired activities? Check out all of our no prep printable activities such as our gingerbread bingo, gingerbread craft, and TONS more all included in our gingerbread bundle! View everything Winter and gingerbread on our Winter Learning page!

For a chance to be featured, show us your festive creations using #PlaygroundPressKids!