The holidays really lend themselves to fun times in the kitchen. While this time of year is certainly a bit more hectic, I like to try to find a bit of time to spend making some cute treats with my children. With Christmas break just around the corner, I wanted to share a round-up of some of what I think are the cutest holiday treats out there.

Cooking with your children not only promotes important skills like math, literacy, direction following, sequencing, cause/effect, but is also a WONDERFUL opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. Food is also a great way to show someone that you care. Taking the time to make a special Christmas dessert or treat can really show love to your family and friends. Have fun creating memories in your kitchen this holiday season.

1. Donut Snowmen!

This has been re-pinned so many times that I can’t find the original author…but HOW CUTE!! I cannot wait to surprise the kids with these for breakfast! What a fun way to kick-off Christmas break! (And so easy!)

2. Snowball Cake

I made a modified version of this for Christmas a few years ago using my Bake and Fill Pan. (Side note- I ADORE this cake pan…and not just because I’m slightly obsessed with cake pans.) I made a French vanilla cake and filled it with a vanilla whipped cream. I frosted it with more whipped cream, and topped with shaved white chocolate. It was awesome! You can use white chocolate shavings or coconut as the topping for your snowball, depending on your personal taste.

3. Rice Krispie Ornaments

While I have made Rice Krispie trees, and used the mix in my holiday molds, I hadn’t seen the ornament idea yet. I love it! These are such an easy and fun recipe to make with kids, and I know mine would have a blast decorating their ornaments!

4. Santa Pancakes

We do a lot of shaped pancakes around our house, and I loved this idea from Ramblings of a Crazy Woman. My kids would LOVE this!

5. Edible Christmas Tree

This is a super fun project that you moms who are not faint at heart can try with your kids! If you’re not afraid of a little green frosting, your kids will have a blast creating their own edible tree to eat. I found this idea over at Mom Tried It.

6. Hot Chocolate Bar

I absolutely LOVE this idea! The author of Dukes and Duchesses laid out this fun spread for Christmas morning! I know my kids would love creating their own special cup of hot cocoa, using all these great toppings!

7. Christmas Cupcakes

My mom made these cute cupcakes last year using fruit leather, gum drops, pretzels, and m&ms! The kids loved these treats.

8. Santa Hat Brownies

I found these ADORABLE (and easy!) Santa-hat brownies on Gourmet Day To Day.

9. Snowman Pizza

I cannot wait to make this adorable creation from Delia Creates for my family! She uses Ranch dressing, but I think I will try this with alfredo sauce! This would be a cute appetizer as well!

10. Melted Snowman Cookies

I think these little snowman cookies are darling! What a fun treat to make on a snow day! Thanks to Crazy Domestic for the idea!

Have fun making some of these adorable holiday treats with the ones you love this Christmas season!! Merry Christmas!!