Fun cooking and baking ideas to try with your kids this Christmas

Christmas is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with your kids! Cooking and baking together aren’t just about making delicious treats—they’re about creating memories, having fun, and learning new skills along the way. Whether it’s mixing dough, decorating cookies, or sneaking a taste of frosting, these moments bring everyone closer.

Plus, it’s a great way to spark creativity and teach essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and even Maths through measuring ingredients. Ready to make your holiday season even sweeter? Let’s dive into some fun and simple ideas that your family will love!

Christmas baking made easy: must-try recipes for biscuits, cakes, and more

Classic Christmas biscuits and cookies

Nothing says Christmas like traditional biscuits and cookies. Here are some recipes to add a festive touch to your biscuit tin:

• Gingerbread biscuits: The ultimate Christmas classic. Use festive cookie cutters and decorate with royal icing for a charming finish.

• Snowman cookies: These adorable treats are easy to bake and fun to decorate with melted white chocolate and tiny edible accessories.

• Chocolate peppermint treats: Pair rich chocolate biscuits with a minty twist for a crowd-pleaser that feels just like Christmas.

Showstopping Christmas Desserts

For those who love a dramatic dessert centrepiece, try these indulgent ideas:

• Peppermint tart: A creamy, no-bake South African favourite that’s perfect for adding international flair to your Christmas table. Use crushed chocolate biscuits as a base and top with whipped peppermint filling.

• No-Bake Mint Chocolate Cheesecake: With a deliciously minty Oreo biscuit base and a creamy chocolate and mint filling, this dessert is an ideal make-ahead treat for festive gatherings. It’s as indulgent as it is effortless!

• Christmas pudding-inspired desserts: Give the traditional pudding a modern twist by using the same flavours in trifles or tarts.

Fun for the Kids

Get the little ones involved with these easy, fun, and creative recipes:

• Christmas sugar cookies: A straightforward dough that kids can roll, cut, and decorate with festive sprinkles or icing.

• Strawberry gonks: Use strawberries, whipped cream, and melted chocolate to create these adorable Santa-themed treats. They’re cute, quick, and no-bake!

• Christmas tree chocolate brownies: Slice brownies into triangle shapes and decorate with green frosting, sprinkles, and a pretzel stick for the trunk.

• Grinch cookies: These vibrant green cookies with a red candy heart are perfect for bringing a bit of Dr Seuss magic to the kitchen.

• Keto mini cheesecakes: A low-carb option that’s ideal for everyone, not just keto fans! Bake individual cheesecakes in festive cases and top with fresh berries.

Quick and easy Christmas breakfast recipes for busy mornings

Start your Christmas morning right with these simple yet delicious breakfast ideas that everyone will love, no matter how busy the day gets:

• Christmas Breakfast Casserole: A hearty mix of eggs, potato puffs, ham, bacon, and cheese. Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.

• Family Breakfast Station: Set up a DIY breakfast board with bagels, spreads, fruits, and toppings for a fun, shared meal.

• Bacon French Toast Bake: Sweet French toast meets savoury bacon in this make-ahead festive bake.

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Pan Pancake: One giant, fluffy pancake baked in a sheet pan—perfect for serving a crowd.

• Rudolph Pancakes: Create reindeer-shaped pancakes with food colouring and a squeeze bottle for a fun treat.

• Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake: Bake ahead and freeze; just thaw and serve with coffee for an easy morning.

• Sheet Pan Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake: Cook sausages, eggs, and veggies on one pan for a no-fuss, satisfying meal.

• Vegan-Friendly Breakfast Options:  Try spiced porridge with nuts or nutty granola with dried fruits for a plant-based start.

Whether you’re after something hearty or light, these breakfast ideas ensure your family can enjoy a festive morning meal without the stress!

Simple Christmas lunch recipes to try this year

• Pimento Cheese and Quick Pickles: Pair this creamy cheese dip with crisp homemade pickles. Both can be prepped a day or two ahead for a stress-free lunch.

• Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights combine seasoned sausage and breadcrumbs baked into juicy mushroom caps.

• The Ultimate Cheese Board: Lay out an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts for a casual lunch everyone can nibble on.

• Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad: A refreshing mix of sprouts with a tangy citrus-maple vinaigrette—light yet satisfying.

• Vegetarian Chilli: Packed with beans and grains, this slow-cooker chilli is hearty but won’t leave you too full for dinner.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this Christmas menu collection on BBC Food for additional ideas.

The best Christmas dinner recipes to make this holiday unforgettable

• Classic Roast Turkey: This traditional recipe ensures a juicy and flavorful turkey, perfect with all your favourite trimmings.

• Charred Brussels Sprouts with Marmite Butter: A bold twist on a classic side, this surprising combo of Marmite and Sprouts is a must-try for your festive table.

• Beef Wellington: Wow your guests with this indulgent centrepiece featuring tender beef wrapped in pastry.

• Turkey Crown with Garlic & Pancetta: A hassle-free alternative to a whole turkey, this dish stays moist thanks to the pancetta topping.

• Hot Honey-Glazed Gammon: Spicy, sweet, and sticky, this gammon is perfect for Christmas dinner and leftovers the next day.

• Cola Ham with Maple & Mustard Glaze: Simmered in a spiced cola broth, this ham is coated in a rich, syrupy glaze and served in thick, flavourful slices.

• Flavour-Bomb Turkey & Gravy: Take your turkey to the next level with unique seasonings like soy and miso for a rich, umami-packed dish.

Looking for more inspiration? Browse this Christmas dinner collection on Delicious Magazine for additional ideas.

What’s your must-have dish for Christmas dinner? Let us know in the comments!