28 Christmas Themed Desserts for Kids That'll Steal the Show
The holiday season is a magical time of year, especially for kids. We gather together, share laughs, and indulge in festive treats that make memories to last a lifetime. One of my favorite parts about Christmas is creating delightful desserts that capture the festive spirit.
To make your holiday prep a breeze, I’ve assembled a list of 28 Christmas-themed desserts for kids that'll steal the show. These recipes are not only delicious but super fun to make with your little helpers. Get ready to turn your kitchen into Santa’s workshop and bring joy to your family celebrations!
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1. Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized cheesecakes are adorable and perfect for little hands.
Ingredients:
- 20 mini brownie bites
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pipe a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto each brownie bite.
- Top with a strawberry (hull-side down) to form the "hat."
- Add a small dot of whipped cream on the tip of each strawberry for the "pom-pom."
2. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Transform these classic treats into festive reindeers.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- Mini pretzels
- Red M&M's
- Candy eyes
Instructions:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pan over low heat.
- Stir in Rice Krispies until fully combined.
- Press mixture into a greased pan and allow to cool.
- Cut into rectangles and add pretzels for antlers, M&M's for noses, and candy eyes.
3. Elf Sugar Cookies
Decorate these sugar cookies as cute little elves.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Assorted frosting and sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool.
- Decorate with frosting and sprinkles to resemble elf faces.
4. Gingerbread Men
Classic gingerbread men are always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- Icing for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and molasses, then gradually mix in dry ingredients.
- Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 2 hours.
- Roll out dough and cut with gingerbread men cookie cutters.
- Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Decorate once cookies are cool.
5. Candy Cane Oreo Truffles
These are a minty, chocolaty delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Oreos
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz white chocolate, melted
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Crush Oreos into fine crumbs.
- Mix crumbs with cream cheese until well combined.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Dip each ball into melted white chocolate.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the chocolate hardens.
6. Snowman Cupcakes
These cupcakes are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Ingredients:
- 12 cupcakes (any flavor)
- White frosting
- Large marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy pieces
Instructions:
- Frost each cupcake with a layer of white frosting.
- Place a large marshmallow on top for the snowman's head.
- Use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth.
- Add an orange candy piece for the nose.
7. Reindeer Pretzels
Sweet and salty reindeer treats are always a win.
Ingredients:
- Pretzel twists
- Mini pretzel sticks
- Red M&M's
- Chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:
- Dip one side of the pretzel twist into melted chocolate.
- While the chocolate is still soft, add a red M&M for the nose and mini pretzel sticks for antlers.
- Let the chocolate harden before serving.
8. Christmas Tree Brownies
Turn ordinary brownies into festive Christmas trees.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of brownies
- Green frosting
- Assorted sprinkles
- Mini candy stars
Instructions:
- Bake brownies and let cool.
- Cut into triangles to form tree shapes.
- Pipe green frosting to resemble garlands.
- Decorate with sprinkles and top with a mini candy star.
9. Hot Chocolate Spoons
Perfect for stirring into warm milk for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- Plastic or wooden spoons
- Melted chocolate
- Mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Dip spoons into melted chocolate.
- Add mini marshmallows and sprinkles while chocolate is still wet.
- Let the chocolate harden before using.
10. Rudolph Pancakes
Make breakfast special with these Rudolph-inspired pancakes.
Ingredients:
- Pancake batter
- Chocolate chips
- Bacon strips
- Red candies
Instructions:
- Cook pancakes as normal.
- Use chocolate chips for eyes.
- Place a red candy nose on each pancake.
- Add bacon strips for antlers.
11. Christmas Light Cupcakes
These cupcakes will light up any party.
Ingredients:
- 12 cupcakes (any flavor)
- White frosting
- Colored M&Ms
- Black licorice strings
Instructions:
- Frost each cupcake with white frosting.
- Arrange M&Ms like Christmas lights.
- Use licorice strings to connect the "lights."
12. Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Decorate these delicate snowflakes to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Blue and white frosting, sugar sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture.
- Roll dough, cut with snowflake cookie cutters.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool.
- Decorate with blue and white frosting, add sugar sprinkles.
13. Santa's Belly Cake Pops
These cake pops are as jolly as Santa himself.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 can of frosting (any flavor)
- Red candy melts
- Black fondant
- Edible gold paint
Instructions:
- Bake cake according to box instructions and let cool.
- Crumble cake into a bowl, mix with frosting.
- Roll into balls and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Dip sticks into red candy melts, then insert into cake balls.
- Coat each ball in melted red candy.
- Wrap a strip of black fondant around the "belly" and paint a buckle with gold paint.
14. Grinch Heart Rice Krispies
Celebrate the Grinch with these heart-shaped treats.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- Green food coloring
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Red heart candies
Instructions:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pan over low heat.
- Stir in food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Add Rice Krispies and mix.
- Press mixture into a greased pan and let cool.
- Cut into heart shapes and decorate with red heart candies.
15. Marshmallow Snowmen
These snowmen are easy and fun to assemble.
Ingredients:
- Large marshmallows
- Pretzel sticks
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy pieces
- Chocolate frosting
Instructions:
- Stack three marshmallows on a stick for each snowman.
- Use pretzel sticks for arms.
- Attach mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons with frosting.
- Use an orange candy piece for the nose.
16. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Transform simple cupcakes into 3D Christmas trees.
Ingredients:
- 12 cupcakes (any flavor)
- Green frosting
- Cones (ice cream)
- Assorted mini candies
Instructions:
- Frost cupcakes with a layer of green frosting.
- Pipe green frosting onto the cone to resemble a tree.
- Place the cone tree on the cupcake.
- Decorate with mini candies.
17. Elf Hat Pretzels
These elf hats are a sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzel rods
- Green candy melts
- Red M&Ms
- White sprinkles
Instructions:
- Dip the end of the pretzel rod into melted green candy.
- Add sprinkles while candy is wet.
- Place a red M&M on the top for the hat's pom-pom.
- Let the candy harden.
18. Polar Bear Paw Cookies
These paw-shaped cookies are both fun and delicious.
Ingredients:
- Sugar cookie dough
- White frosting
- Large and mini marshmallows
- Shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Roll out cookie dough, cut into circles.
- Bake according to the recipe.
- Spread frosting on each cookie.
- Press a large marshmallow in the center and mini marshmallows around it.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
19. Peppermint Bark
A classic holiday treat that's super easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate, melted
- 12 oz dark chocolate, melted
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour dark chocolate onto the parchment, spreading evenly.
- Pour white chocolate on top, swirl slightly with a knife.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Let harden in the fridge, then break into pieces.
20. Hot Cocoa Cookies
These cookies bring the taste of hot cocoa to dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to butter mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, remove from oven and place a few mini marshmallows on top of each cookie.
- Return to oven and bake for another 2 minutes.
21. Christmas Wreath Donuts
These donuts are festive and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 12 donuts
- Green frosting
- Red M&Ms
- Pretzel sticks
Instructions:
- Frost donuts with green frosting.
- Use red M&Ms to make holly berries.
- Add pretzel sticks for a festive look.
22. Frosty the Snowman Oreos
Cute snowmen made from a favorite cookie.
Ingredients:
- Oreos
- White candy melts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy pieces
Instructions:
- Dip Oreos into melted white candy.
- Place mini chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth while the candy is still wet.
- Add an orange candy piece for the nose.
23. Santa Claus Cupcakes
Make Santa Claus come to life on your cupcakes.
Ingredients:
- 12 cupcakes (any flavor)
- Red, white, and black frosting
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Frost each cupcake with red frosting.
- Add a strip of white frosting for Santa's hat brim and a mini marshmallow at the tip.
- Use black frosting to create eyes and a belt.
- Add white frosting to form a beard.
24. Christmas Tree Pretzels
These pretzels look like mini Christmas trees.
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzel sticks
- Green candy melts
- Mini M&Ms
Instructions:
- Dip pretzel sticks into melted green candy.
- While the candy is still soft, add mini M&Ms as ornaments.
- Let harden before eating.
25. Gingerbread Cupcakes
Gingerbread in cupcake form is a holiday must-have.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add molasses and egg, then mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting when cool.
26. Reindeer Donuts
Turn your donuts into adorable reindeer faces.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate donuts
- Mini pretzels
- Red M&Ms
- Candy eyes
Instructions:
- Place mini pretzels at the top of each donut for antlers.
- Add candy eyes and a red M&M for the nose.
- Serve immediately.
27. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A warm drink that's perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
- Add chocolate chips and sugar, stirring until fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Serve with whipped cream and crushed candy canes on top.
28. Christmas Confetti Cookies
Colorful and fun, these cookies are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Fold in holiday sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
Conclusion
These 28 Christmas-themed desserts for kids are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!