Holiday Treats for Kids

We are right in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle as Christmas is less than a week away! What does this mean, aside from the shopping and wrapping? It means that the kids are about to go on Christmas break for a couple of weeks!

I have to admit that sometimes I get a little apprehensive about the school breaks as it is hard to keep little minds busy and out of trouble. However, at the holidays, I do look forward to spending extra time with my school-age son and his little brother, together. One of the things that I make a point to do with my little “big” man is to get him in the kitchen with me so we can bake some of our favorite holiday treats.

These moments are precious to me because I know that my boys are going to outgrow the age where they enjoy cooking with their mom soon. Plus, we never know when our last breath will come so it’s important to make the most of the time we have with our children.  Anyways, if you are looking for some holiday treats that the kids will enjoy making and the whole family will love, here are a few recipes!

Pistachio “Christmas” Cookies:

• 1 Pkg. Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
• 1 Box Pistachio Pudding/Pie Filling Mix
• 1.4 C. Flour
• ½ C. Melted Butter
• 2 Eggs
• 1 C. Shelled & Chopped Pistachio Nuts
• ½ C. Dried Cranberries

1.  Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Stir cookie mix, pudding and flour together in a large bow.. Then, add the eggs and butter. Stir until mixed well.
3. Fold in pistachios and cranberries.
4. On parchment lined cookie sheet, place rounded spoonful about 1 inch apart and bake for 8-10 minutes.  (Makes about 2 dozen cookies)

Not Your Ordinary Peppermint Bark:

Starburst or Jolly Rancher Candy Canes, Crushed (I use the strawberry, cherry and mixed berry flavors. Will need 1 cup of candy)

• 2 lbs. White Chocolate
• 2-3 t. Peppermint Extract

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or, if in a hurry, the microwave.
2. Add peppermint extract and then fold in the crushed candy canes.
3. Evenly pour/spread mixture on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
4. Break apart into pieces and enjoy!

Famous Kiss Cookies

• 1 C. Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 C. Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 t. Vanilla

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Stir the peanut butter and sugar together until well mixed. It may appear to be “fluffy.” Next, blend in the egg and vanilla.
3. On a greased cookie sheet, place cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes. (The tops should be slightly cracked.)
4. Once the cookies are out of the oven, set cookie sheet on a wire rack and immediately press one Hershey’s kiss into the center of each cookie.
5. Let cool. Enjoy! (Makes about 2 dozen cookies)

If you haven’t ever taken the time to bake with your kiddos at the holidays, try to carve out a small block of time this year. You and your kids will both make memories that will last a lifetime…and yummy treats that’ll last about 2 days (if you’re lucky!).