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Tuesday, 17 December 2024

5 Easy Bakes the Kids Can Make for Father Christmas (and the Reindeer too!)

**Collaborative Post**

Christmas Eve is a magical time, especially when you have kids who are almost bursting with excitement and anticipation of Father Christmas paying them a visit! And what better way to celebrate (and use up some time!) than with homemade treats for Father Christmas and his trusty reindeer? Baking together as a family is a great way to spend quality time and get into the festive spirit. 

Here are five simple, kid-friendly recipes that even the littlest helpers can get involved in.

1. Classic Christmas Biscuits

These buttery biscuits are a timeless treat that kids will love cutting out and decorating. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

  • 100g unsalted butter, softened

  • 100g caster sugar

  • 1 medium egg

  • 275g plain flour

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Icing pens or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

  2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix well.

  4. Stir in the flour to form a dough. Roll it out on a floured surface and use festive cutters to make shapes.

  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Once cool, let the kids decorate with icing and sprinkles.


2. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Quick, fun, and no oven required, these treats are a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients:

  • 100g marshmallows

  • 50g unsalted butter

  • 150g Rice Krispies

  • Chocolate buttons, pretzels, and red sweets for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large pan over low heat, stirring constantly.

  2. Once melted, mix in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.

  3. Spoon the mixture into cupcake cases and let it cool slightly.

  4. Add chocolate buttons for eyes, a red sweet for the nose, and broken pretzels for antlers to create reindeer faces.


3. Santa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

No Christmas Eve is complete without a plate of cookies for Father Christmas. This simple recipe is perfect for little bakers.

Ingredients:

  • 125g unsalted butter, softened

  • 100g light brown sugar

  • 125g caster sugar

  • 1 medium egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 225g self-raising flour

  • 200g chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.

  2. Cream the butter and sugars together until smooth.

  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then fold in the flour and chocolate chips.

  4. Roll small balls of dough and place them on the trays, spacing them out to allow for spreading.

  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.


4. Carrot and Oat Energy Bites (for the Reindeer)

Don’t forget the reindeer! These no-bake treats are full of goodness and easy for kids to make.

Ingredients:

  • 100g rolled oats

  • 1 medium carrot, grated

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 50g raisins

  • 50g desiccated coconut

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

  2. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat them in extra coconut if desired.

  3. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.


5. Mini Mince Pie Stars

For a festive twist, these bite-sized mince pies are ideal for little hands.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of ready-rolled shortcrust pastry

  • 1 jar of mincemeat

  • Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

  2. Use a star-shaped cutter to cut out pastry shapes and press them into the tin.

  3. Spoon a small amount of mincemeat into each.

  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

  5. Once cool, dust with icing sugar for a snowy finish.


Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Milk!

Pair your baked goodies with a glass of milk for Father Christmas or a small bowl of water for the reindeer and leave them out on Christmas eve, I bet Father Christmas will be more than thankful for some homemade goodies when he visits!. This thoughtful touch completes the festive spread!

Baking on Christmas Eve is a wonderful way to make lasting memories. These recipes are simple enough for kids to help with and will fill your home with delicious, festive aromas. What’s your go-to Christmas Eve treat? Share your ideas in the comments below!

xXx

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