The holidays are a magical time for families to come together, share traditions, and make joyful memories. One of the best ways to bond with kids during the festive season is through fun and engaging cooking activities. These hands-on experiences not only encourage creativity and teamwork but also teach valuable life skills that children will carry with them into adulthood. At The Kids Point, we believe that the kitchen is more than a place to prepare food—it’s a hub for learning, laughter, and love, especially during the holidays.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of fun holiday cooking activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. From classic cookies to savory snacks and edible crafts, there’s something here to inspire every young chef.
Classic Cookie Decorating
What You’ll Need:
- Sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men, etc.)
- Royal icing or buttercream
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter
Why It’s Fun:
Cookie decorating is a holiday staple and a favorite among kids. Children can let their creativity run wild as they color icing, use piping bags, and sprinkle decorations onto cookies. It’s an activity that combines art with taste and creates delicious masterpieces.
Pro Tip:
Prepare the cookies in advance so they are cool and ready to decorate. This minimizes mess and maximizes decorating time.
Build-Your-Own Gingerbread Houses
What You’ll Need:
- Gingerbread house kits or graham crackers
- Royal icing as “cement”
- Assorted candies (gumdrops, peppermints, candy canes, licorice)
- Mini marshmallows and shredded coconut for “snow”
Why It’s Fun:
Constructing and decorating a gingerbread house is like building a festive work of art. Kids love designing their own houses, from snowy rooftops to candy-covered walls.
Pro Tip:
If using graham crackers, assemble the houses a day before decorating so the icing has time to harden and set.
No-Bake Reindeer Treats
What You’ll Need:
- Pretzels
- Mini marshmallows or chocolate chips
- Peanut butter or cream cheese
- Candy eyes and red M&Ms
Why It’s Fun:
No-bake reindeer treats are quick, simple, and perfect for younger children. They can use pretzels for antlers and decorate their little snack creatures however they like.
Pro Tip:
Use a muffin tin to organize toppings and reduce mess during assembly.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
What You’ll Need:
- Chocolate melts
- Silicone sphere molds
- Hot cocoa mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
Why It’s Fun:
Making hot chocolate bombs is like crafting a sweet surprise. Kids will love assembling the chocolate spheres and watching them melt in warm milk to reveal their marshmallow-filled magic.
Pro Tip:
Let the chocolate cool slightly before removing from molds to avoid cracking.
Holiday Pizza Faces
What You’ll Need:
- Pizza dough or pre-made flatbreads
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Toppings (pepperoni, olives, peppers, pineapple)
Why It’s Fun:
Let your little chefs make Santa Claus, snowmen, or reindeer faces on their pizzas using toppings. It’s an engaging way to make a meal and express creativity.
Pro Tip:
Pre-cut vegetables and meats into fun shapes using mini cookie cutters.
Festive Pancake Art
What You’ll Need:
- Pancake batter
- Food coloring
- Squeeze bottles
- Non-stick griddle
Why It’s Fun:
Pancake art is perfect for holiday breakfasts. Kids can create Christmas trees, candy canes, or even snowmen out of colorful batter.
Pro Tip:
Draw the outline of your pancake art first, let it cook for a few seconds, then fill it in with batter for a more defined shape.
Edible Ornaments
What You’ll Need:
- Clear, fillable plastic ornaments
- Hot cocoa mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or cookies
Why It’s Fun:
Filling up ornaments with tasty treats not only creates a beautiful decoration but also makes for a yummy hot cocoa gift.
Pro Tip:
Let kids tie a ribbon or tag to the ornament with their name or a festive message.
Chocolate-Dipped Holiday Pretzels
What You’ll Need:
- Pretzel rods or twists
- Melting chocolate (milk, white, or dark)
- Holiday sprinkles and crushed candy
Why It’s Fun:
This is a great activity for younger kids. Dipping pretzels and adding sprinkles is fun, quick, and super festive.
Pro Tip:
Use wax paper for easy clean-up and drying.
Reindeer Sandwiches
What You’ll Need:
- Bread
- Peanut butter or cream cheese
- Raisins, pretzels, and red candies
Why It’s Fun:
Turn a simple sandwich into a holiday-themed delight. Kids can help spread the filling and decorate their sandwich to look like a reindeer.
Pro Tip:
Use a round cookie cutter to shape the sandwich face.
Holiday Cupcake Decorating
What You’ll Need:
- Cupcakes (store-bought or homemade)
- Frosting (vanilla, chocolate, colored)
- Edible decorations like candy canes, M&Ms, and gumdrops
Why It’s Fun:
Cupcake decorating is similar to cookie decorating but with more dimension. Kids can turn cupcakes into mini snow globes, Santa hats, or holiday trees.
Pro Tip:
Have a decorating station where kids can rotate between frostings and toppings.
Christmas Tree Snack Platter
What You’ll Need:
- Cheese cubes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green grapes or cucumbers
- Star-shaped cheese or fruit for the top
Why It’s Fun:
This healthy and festive activity lets kids build a tree from colorful ingredients. It’s both decorative and nutritious.
Pro Tip:
Use a cutting board shaped like a tree or triangle for easy assembly.
DIY Holiday Popcorn Mix
What You’ll Need:
- Popped popcorn
- Chocolate chips or candy melts
- Mini pretzels
- Holiday M&Ms
- Sprinkles
Why It’s Fun:
Mixing sweet and salty snacks is always a hit. Kids can get involved by tossing everything together and helping drizzle chocolate.
Pro Tip:
Add festive colors with colored candy melts or red and green sprinkles.
Candy Cane Bark
What You’ll Need:
- White or dark chocolate
- Crushed candy canes
- Cookie sheet with parchment paper
Why It’s Fun:
Melting and spreading chocolate, then decorating with crushed candy canes is simple and fun for kids. Plus, it makes for a great holiday gift.
Pro Tip:
Let the bark cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Snowman Rice Krispies
What You’ll Need:
- Rice Krispies treats (store-bought or homemade)
- White chocolate for dipping
- Mini chocolate chips, candies, and icing
Why It’s Fun:
Turn basic Rice Krispies into snowmen by dipping and decorating. Kids love crafting their own frosty friend.
Pro Tip:
Use a lollipop stick or popsicle stick for easier dipping and eating.
Mini Holiday Fruit Skewers
What You’ll Need:
- Grapes, strawberries, bananas
- Mini skewers or toothpicks
Why It’s Fun:
Build tiny fruit “Christmas trees” or Santa hats with fruit layers. It’s a healthy snack and fun to make.
Pro Tip:
Dip the bottom in chocolate and let it dry for a treat twist.
Benefits of Cooking with Kids During the Holidays
Educational Value: Cooking teaches basic math (measuring), science (chemical reactions), and literacy (reading recipes). Kids also learn to follow directions and understand food safety.
Builds Confidence: Allowing kids to take the lead in certain steps, like stirring or decorating, builds their independence and boosts self-esteem.
Encourages Creativity: From cookie shapes to sprinkle arrangements, cooking lets kids explore their imaginations and make choices.
Quality Family Time: Working together on a shared task strengthens bonds and creates cherished holiday memories.
Promotes Healthy Eating: When kids help make their food, they’re more likely to try new things. Cooking with fruits and veggies disguised as fun holiday shapes can make healthy eating exciting.
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Cooking with Kids
- Prep Ahead: Measure out ingredients or cook the base items before inviting kids to help with the fun parts.
- Set Up Stations: Give each child their own space and tools.
- Keep it Simple: Choose age-appropriate tasks to avoid frustration.
- Embrace the Mess: It’s part of the fun! Lay down parchment paper or aprons to minimize cleanup.
- Celebrate Effort: Focus on fun, not perfection. Praise their creations and let them enjoy eating what they made.
Holiday cooking with kids is more than just baking cookies or preparing meals—it’s about laughter, bonding, and building a sense of accomplishment in your little ones. These moments become cherished traditions that children remember and look forward to every year. Whether you’re making reindeer sandwiches, decorating cupcakes, or crafting edible ornaments, each activity offers a special opportunity to connect.
At The Kids Point, we believe in empowering children through creativity, learning, and fun. Cooking during the holidays is the perfect blend of all three. So roll up your sleeves, put on those aprons, and make this holiday season unforgettable—one recipe at a time.