Christmas Treats With Kids

Last night my kids said it didn't feel like Christmas. 

We brainstormed to understand if it was a result of needing to put up more Christmas decor, or if it was because the state of the world makes it a little less than jolly.

So we whipped up some favorite Christmas treats, put out a little more decor, turned on the Christmas lights, and read another story. We keep fighting for joy in a weary world, helping our children make happy memories that they can savor in the years to come.

The following recipe is a great one to make with kids. They can pour in the ingredients, help stir, and press the bars into the pan.

Grandma's Butterscotch Bars

2 T butter

2 T cream

1 cup peanut butter

1 12 oz package butterscotch chips

1 11 oz package marshmallows

 Melt the first four ingredients slowly in a large saucepan over low heat. When ingredients are melted and combined, quickly stir in the marshmallows. Press the mixture into a 9x13 pan and chill or freeze to set. Cut into small bars and serve.

The next recipe is a classic Christmas treat that we make every year. You can frost them with royal icing or buttercream icing, and I often assign different parts of the process to different children or let each child decorate a few of their own. Swiping on icing and shaking sprinkles are great fine motor activities.

Rolled Sugar Cookies

1 c. butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

3 t. vanilla

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1. Cream butter in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

4. Sift together the remaining ingredients.

5. Mix wet and dry ingredients together.

6. Separate dough into four parts and wrap carefully.

7. Chill for an hour until firm but not frozen.

8. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

9. On a lightly floured surface roll dough portion to approximately 1/4 inch thick.

10. Cut with cookie cutters, carefully slide onto lightly greased cookies sheet.

11. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350.

12. Repeat with remaining dough portions.

13. Cool on wire racks and decorate as desired.

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You can find many more Christmas treats and activities for creating beautiful memories in our Christmas resources! 

Included is our Unearthing Wonder Advent Guide and Peaceful Preschool Christmas Guide. Both are beautiful resources for savoring the season and stirring up hope. Click below to grab yours!