As I mentioned previously, my sister and I used to bake holiday gifts for our relatives. Not only are they cheap gifts, but it’s fun, quality time with your kids. We made a wide variety of cookies and fudge, but a few stood out as my favorites to bake. Once you choose your recipes, set aside a weekend to bake. Plan to give about 20 cookies or pieces of fudge for each gift.
Holiday Recipes for Kids
Fudge
Fudge seems difficult to make, but it actually couldn’t be easier to make. Watch the supermarket circulars for supersales on the ingredients.
Here are some tasty recipes to try with the kids:
No Fail Fudge
Best Ever Fudge
Million Dollar Fudge
Rocky Road Fudge
Chocolate Fudge
Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies were my absolute favorite thing to bake when I was a kid. There’s nothing better than having permission to poke food with your finger. Try these recipes:
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies
Pecan Thumbprints
Chocolate Thumbprints
Stained Glass Cookies
Stained glass cookies are another fun option for kids. Like fudge, they look fancy and difficult, but are actually very easy to make. Try these recipes:
Stained Glass Cookies
Stained Glass Cookies
Stained Glass Cookies
Snickerdoodles
I don’t know why, but Snickerdoodles feel Christmassy to me. They’re a classic cookie that don’t get made as often as sugar or chocolate chip cookies. Making these at the holidays is a special treat for your friends and family.
Candy Cane Cookies
When packing your holiday cookie tin or basket, tuck in a few of these candy cane cookies to complete the festive look. Again, kids will love making these simple cookies.
Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
These are like the thumbprint cookies, but with mini peanut butter cups in place of jam or Hershey’s kisses. Here are some recipes:
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Packing Your Holiday Cookies
Once you’ve got everything baked, it’s time to pack them. We had two methods when I was young: cheap mugs and holiday tins. If you have craft store coupon, wander the aisles and see what you can find. You’ll also need tissue paper and thick plastic wrap.
1. Start by lining the mug or tin with the tissue paper.
2. Now add a layer of plastic wrap large enough to cover the tops of the cookies once it’s filled.
3. Fill the tin with cookies or fudge. If using cookies, use several different kinds. With fudge, it’s best to fill the whole thing.
4. Fold the plastic wrap over the opt and attach the lid. If you’re using a mug, twist the plastic up and tie a nice ribbon around it.
5. Print a nice card to attach to the mug or tin with a phrase like “Happy Holiday from our family to yours” or “Happy Holiday from the Smith Family to yours.”
If you have a lot to bake, it can take a whole weekend to assemble everything. Crank up the holiday tunes, pour ample eggnog, and let the kids like as many spoons as they want. When they’re done, you’ll all have a fun family memory and cheap gifts for friends and family members.