Holiday Baking with Kids: 18 Simple Recipes

Holiday Baking with Kids: 18 Simple Recipes

Holiday Baking with Kids

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The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the warmth and joy of baking with your children.

From rolling out cookie dough to sprinkling colorful decorations, baking provides an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

For kids, it’s a hands-on way to explore creativity, learn new skills, and indulge in the festive spirit.

For parents, it’s a chance to bond, slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the holidays.

Holiday baking with kids can be more than just a fun activity.

It’s also an educational experience that sneaks in math (measuring ingredients), science (learning how baking soda works), and fine motor skills (mixing and decorating).

These moments in the kitchen teach patience, teamwork, and the satisfaction of seeing hard work turn into something delicious. 

Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor together!

In this post, you’ll find simple holiday baking recipes that are kid-friendly, delicious, and perfect for the festive season.

With options ranging from cookies and cakes to cupcakes and pastries, there’s something for every budding baker.

Whether you’re decorating gingerbread men, whipping up cupcakes, or experimenting with colorful sprinkles, these recipes are designed to bring out the holiday cheer.

Holiday Baking with kids- Cookies

Cookies are a holiday baking staple, beloved for their simplicity and versatility.

For kids, cookies are particularly exciting—they can help mix the dough, cut out shapes, and go wild with decorations.

It’s a treat that’s as much about the process as it is about the finished product.

Whether you’re sticking with classic sugar cookies or experimenting with gingerbread, there’s a cookie recipe for every family.

And the best part?

They’re easy to share with friends and family or leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Below, we’ve gathered cookie recipes that are sure to delight kids and adults alike.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
7. Roll the dough into small balls, place them on the baking sheet, and gently flatten with your hand.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cool completely before decorating.

Tips and Tricks:

Classic sugar cookies are a blank canvas for holiday creativity. 

Let kids use cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes for a personalized touch.

Once baked, provide an assortment of colorful icings, sprinkles, and edible glitter for decorating.

To make the activity even more engaging, create a “cookie contest” with categories. (I have created a freebie that includes certificates for “Top Cookie Decorator” or “Best Cupcake Froster.”)

Remember, this is about having fun—don’t stress over perfection!

Holiday Baking with Kids

2. Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla and mix.
4. Gradually add flour, then stir in pecans.
5. Shape into 1-inch balls.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Roll in powdered sugar while warm.

Tips and Tricks:

These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a holiday favorite.

Kids can help mix the dough and roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.

For a nut-free option, replace pecans with chocolate chips.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
5. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
7. Stir in chocolate chips.
8. Scoop dough using a tablespoon and drop onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Cool on wire racks.

Tips and Tricks:

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic choice that never goes out of style.

For a holiday twist, consider using red and green chocolate candies in place of regular chocolate chips.

Let kids press extra candies onto the top of each cookie before baking for a festive look.

To make the baking process smoother with younger kids, pre-measure the ingredients into small bowls, so they can pour them in easily without spills.

Don’t forget to enjoy a warm cookie straight from the oven—it’s the best part!

4. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, and mix well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before decorating.

Tips and Tricks:

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday tradition that kids love, especially when they get to decorate their gingerbread men. 

Provide small bowls of icing in different colors, candy, and sprinkles for decorating.

To avoid messes, lay out a plastic tablecloth and use piping bags with small tips for detailed designs.

Encourage kids to make gingerbread families or even a gingerbread story scene.

These cookies also make fantastic edible ornaments—just poke a small hole at the top before baking and thread a ribbon through once cooled.

5. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and oil until a dough forms.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Tips and Tricks:

These vibrant cookies are as festive as they are delicious.

Kids will love rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar, watching them “crackle” as they bake.

Pair them with hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.

Holiday Baking with Kids

Holiday Baking with kids- Cakes

Cakes add a special touch to holiday celebrations, and baking them with kids is an exciting way to create something extraordinary.

From simple single-layer cakes to elaborate frosted masterpieces, the process of measuring, mixing, and decorating is perfect for little helpers.

These recipes offer plenty of opportunities for creativity, whether it’s swirling food coloring into batter or sprinkling edible glitter over the frosting.

Plus, cakes can double as a holiday centerpiece that everyone can admire before digging in.

Holiday Baking with Kids

6. Vanilla Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before removing from the pan.

Tips and Tricks:

Bundt cakes are visually stunning and require minimal decoration to impress.

For a holiday theme, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple icing glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk) and top with festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies.

Kids will love helping with the drizzle and can use a spoon to control the icing flow.

Bundt cakes are also perfect for gifting—wrap them in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.

7. Chocolate Yule Log Cake

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 cup chocolate frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale and thick. Add dry ingredients and mix.
4. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold them gently into the batter.
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Roll the warm cake (with parchment) into a log and let cool. Unroll, spread whipped cream inside, and roll back up. Frost with chocolate frosting.

Tips and Tricks:

Making a yule log cake can seem intimidating, but it’s a fantastic hands-on project for kids.

Let them help whip the cream, spread the filling, and frost the cake.

Use a fork to create “bark” texture on the frosting, and decorate with powdered sugar “snow,” candy holly, or edible decorations. 

The rolling process is an adventure for kids to watch and participate in, giving them a sense of accomplishment with a show-stopping dessert.

8. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

Holiday Baking with Kids

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix sugars, oil, and eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients.
5. Fold in carrots.
6. Pour into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Tips and Tricks:

Carrot cake is a sneaky way to get kids excited about vegetables! 

Let them help with grating the carrots and spreading the cream cheese frosting.

Add holiday-themed decorations like candy carrots or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Holiday Baking with kids– Cupcakes

Cupcakes are the perfect size for little hands and allow kids to express their creativity through decorating.

Baking cupcakes together is fun because it involves so many steps kids can participate in, from mixing and scooping batter to piping frosting and adding decorations.

The beauty of cupcakes is their versatility.

You can stick with classic vanilla or chocolate, or explore festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread. 

The following recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for holiday baking with kids.

9. Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
7. Mix until smooth.
8. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool before decorating.

Tips and Tricks:

Vanilla cupcakes are the ultimate blank canvas for creativity.

Let kids top them with colorful frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter. 

Use a piping bag for swirls of frosting, and add candy canes, gumdrops, or marshmallows for a festive flair.

To keep the process fun and stress-free, set up a decorating station with all the toppings within reach and let kids go wild!

10. Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and peppermint extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth.
5. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool before decorating.

Tips and Tricks:

These cupcakes capture the holiday spirit with their chocolate and peppermint combo.

Let kids crush candy canes to sprinkle on top of frosted cupcakes for a festive crunch.

For a snowy effect, dust the frosting with powdered sugar or edible glitter.

If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Holiday Baking with kids– Treats, Pastries, and More

Pastries and holiday treats are a fun way to bring some variety to your holiday baking with kids. 

Whether it’s rolling dough, assembling fillings, or adding creative touches, these recipes allow kids to take part in the magic.

From cinnamon rolls to fruit tarts, each treat is a mix of delicious flavors and kid-friendly steps.

These recipes will impress guests and family while being simple enough for little helpers to participate.

Below are six recipes for treats and pastries that are sure to add sweetness to your holiday season.

Holiday Baking with Kids

11. Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Roll out crescent dough and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces. Place each piece in the muffin tin.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.

Tips and Tricks:

Mini cinnamon rolls are the perfect size for kids to handle and enjoy.

Let them sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough and help roll it into a log.

Use a plastic knife for safe slicing if they’re old enough.

These treats are great for a holiday breakfast or as a snack.

To make them even more festive, add red and green sprinkles to the glaze!

12. Fruit Hand Pies

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crust
• 1 cup fruit preserves (any flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll out pie crust and cut into circles using a cookie cutter or small bowl.
4. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of fruit preserves onto half of each circle.
5. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.
6. Brush each pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

Hand pies are a fun and easy way to get kids involved.

They can choose their favorite fruit preserves and help seal the edges with a fork.

Use festive cookie cutters for holiday shapes like stars or trees to add a touch of cheer.

For an extra-special treat, drizzle the cooled pies with a simple icing or dust them with powdered sugar.

13. Holiday Pop Tarts

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust
• ½ cup fruit jam or chocolate spread
• 1 egg, beaten
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out pie crust and cut into rectangles. Place a small spoonful of jam or chocolate spread on half the rectangles.
3. Top with another rectangle and press edges with a fork to seal. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

These homemade pop tarts are a hit with kids because they’re easy to customize.

Let your little ones choose their favorite fillings and sprinkle the tops with festive decorations.

To make them extra special, drizzle with icing once cooled.

These are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even holiday gift bags!

14. Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cranberries and orange zest. Add cream and mix until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into triangles or circles. Place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Tips and Tricks:

Scones are an easy pastry that feels fancy but is kid-friendly to make.

Encourage kids to knead the dough gently and cut out shapes. 

For an added touch, drizzle with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar and orange juice) once cooled.

These scones are perfect for a holiday brunch or cozy afternoon tea.

15. Nutella Puff Pastry Stars

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup Nutella or chocolate spread
• 1 egg, beaten
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into star shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Place a dollop of Nutella in the center of half the stars. Top with another star and press edges to seal.
4. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

These puff pastry stars are a simple yet elegant treat.

Let kids use cookie cutters to create the shapes and spoon Nutella into the centers.

The powdered sugar dusting adds a festive touch, and they look impressive enough for holiday parties or gift boxes.

16. Apple Cinnamon Galette

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Roll out the pie crust onto the baking sheet.
4. Arrange apple slices in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
5. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples.
6. Fold the edges of the crust over the apples.
7. Brush crust with melted butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Tips and Tricks:

A galette is a rustic pastry that’s forgiving and easy to make with kids.

Encourage them to layer the apples neatly or arrange them in fun patterns.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert that feels extra special.

17. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of pretzel rods
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Holiday sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and white chocolate chips in separate bowls in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Dip one end of each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, then into sprinkles.
3. Place on parchment paper to set.

Tips and Tricks:

These pretzel rods are an easy no-bake treat that kids love to make.

Let them experiment with different sprinkle combinations or drizzle one type of chocolate over the other for a decorative touch.

Package them in clear treat bags for a quick holiday gift idea!

Holiday Baking with Kids

Final Holiday Baking Tips

• Use Holiday-Themed Decorations: Sprinkles, food coloring, and festive cutters can turn any baked good into a holiday masterpiece.

• Make It a Family Affair: Assign everyone a role, from stirring batter to placing sprinkles, so everyone feels involved.

• Plan for Clean-Up: Keep wipes and bowls of warm water nearby for quick clean-ups. Making a game out of tidying up can keep the fun going.

• Take Breaks: Baking can be tiring for little ones. Break the process into manageable steps to keep it enjoyable for everyone.

• Celebrate Your Creations: Display your baked goods as part of your holiday décor or gift them to neighbors, friends, and family.

Holiday Baking Tips for Families

Baking with kids during the holidays can be one of the most memorable parts of the season.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Station: Designate a workspace where kids can safely participate. Provide tools like child-safe knives, small bowls for mixing, and aprons to keep their clothes clean.

2. Embrace the Mess: Baking with kids is messy, but that’s part of the fun. Lay out a tablecloth or baking mat to catch spills, and don’t stress over flour-covered hands or icing on the counter.

3. Keep Tasks Age-Appropriate: Assign tasks based on your child’s age and skill level. Younger kids can pour, stir, and decorate, while older kids can help measure and even roll out dough.

4. Make It Educational: Baking is a great opportunity to teach kids about math (measuring), science (how ingredients interact), and following instructions. Ask them to count scoops or explain the purpose of certain ingredients.

5. Focus on Fun, Not Perfection: The joy of holiday baking with kids lies in the experience, not the final product. Let go of perfection and celebrate their creative efforts, whether it’s uneven cookies or icing-covered masterpieces.

Holiday baking with kids is more than just creating delicious treats; it’s about fostering connections, sparking creativity, and building cherished traditions.

The time spent together in the kitchen—whether it’s rolling dough, sprinkling decorations, or giggling over a frosting mishap—becomes part of the magic of the season.

Holiday Baking with Kids

These recipes offer a variety of festive options, from simple cookies to show-stopping cakes, ensuring there’s something for every skill level and interest.

By making baking a family activity, you’re not only creating sweet memories but also teaching valuable life skills in a fun and engaging way.

As the holidays unfold, remember that the joy lies in the journey, not in the perfection of the final product.

Embrace the flour-covered counter-tops, sticky fingers, and colorful chaos because those are the moments that make the season bright.

Holiday Baking with Kids

Share your creations with loved ones, savor the laughter, and let the warmth of the kitchen fill your home with holiday cheer.

Here’s to a season of delicious fun and heartwarming memories—happy holiday baking!

Make your holiday baking even more magical with our Holiday Baking with Kids Printable Kit!

This exclusive freebie is packed with everything you need to create delicious treats and cherished memories with your little ones.

From a Decorating Ideas Guide filled with creative tips to a Baking Checklist that ensures you’re fully prepared, and fun Activity Sheets to keep kids entertained, this kit has it all.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday baking for the first time, these printables will make the process organized, stress-free, and full of joy.

Sign up now to receive your FREE Holiday Baking with Kids Printable Kit and start creating unforgettable moments in the kitchen this holiday season.

Don’t miss out—add your e-mail at the bottom of the page to grab your freebie and get ready to bake, bond, and celebrate!

Holiday Baking with Kids

Go check out >>>>>> 40+ Christmas Treats to Make With Your Kids During the Holidays at The Everymom for more delicious treats to make with the kiddos!!!

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