Embrace the mess and make the memories!

Holiday baking with kids is a lot like herding cats. Kids don't always pay attention or follow instructions. Messes happen - everywhere. Parents may be in a hurry, trying to fit baking into a short time between dinnertime and bedtime. 

These 15 tips will help you make memories along with the inevitable messes.

1. Embrace the mess. Baking is messy. Adjusting your expectations and accepting the messy reality of holiday baking will make it easier and more fun. 

2. Memories take time. Instead of trying to squeeze baking in at the end of the day, choose a time when you're not hurried. A weekend afternoon is perfect.

3. Create space. Clear off your kitchen counter or island. It may be easier to use a folding table, especially if your counter is too tall for kids to reach.

4. Start clean. Wash hands, wipe down counters and work areas, and wash or rinse mixing bowls if necessary.

5. No substitutions. Follow the recipe steps and use the recommended ingredients for the best outcome. 

6. Use the good stuff. Cookies and cakes made with real butter and vanilla taste better. 

7. Consider a multi-generational baking session. Most grandparents love to bake with grandkids. They can also share funny stories about baking with you. 

8. Measure ingredients over the sink. This helps prevent accidentally adding too much of an ingredient into your mixing bow.

9. Crack eggs into a bowl before adding to your recipe. It's easier to pick out eggshell pieces if the egg is the only thing in the bowl. 

10. Shortcuts are okay! If your kids are young or easily distracted, use premade refrigerator cookie dough instead of making from scratch or add your own touch to a box mix cake or cookies.

11. Let your kids be creative. Trees don't have to be green and it's okay if bells have faces. 

12. Include the teens in the fun too. Holiday baking isn't just for littles. Bake together as a family or let teens and tweens invite a friend. 

13. Use a tray to hold cookies you're decorating. The sprinkles will be a little less messy if you decorate over a big serving tray.

14. Be careful with the sprinkles. Check to make sure the top's on tight and show your kids how to shake the container. If you don't, they may turn it upside down!

15. Relax and have fun. These days don't last forever, but the memories you're making will.

Easy Holiday Recipes for Kids

Bugles corn chips Red and Green M&Ms White chocolate candy coating or almond bark

1. Melt almond bark or white chocolate in the microwave, following directions on package. 2. Add a little melted white chocolate or almond bark inside the open end of the bugle chip. 3. Add one red or green M&M. 4. Dry on waxed paper or cookie cooling rack.

24 Oreos 16 ounces candy melts: white, dark, or combination

1. Microwave candy melts in microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring occasionally until melted. 2. Use a fork to dip each cookie in the chocolate. Tap the fork against the bowl to remove excess. 3. Place dipped cookies on a sheet of parchment paper. Let dry completely.

Tip - You can add sprinkles after dipping in chocolate for a more festive look.

1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 can frosting assorted sprinkles

1. Heat oven to 350. 2. Roll out half of cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/8" - 1/4" thick. 3. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. You can use the rim of a glass instead to make round cookies. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set and edges lightly brown. 5. Cool and decorate using canned frosting and sprinkles.

The holidays are a magical time for kids. Making cookies together is a great way to let the kids help while creating yummy treats to eat or share. You'll find more cookie recipes in the article below.

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Candy Cane Cookies, Chocolate Crinkles, Snickerdoodles, Jello Cookies, and Galaxy Cookies will fill your holiday cookie plate!

You'll find everything you need for the holidays in the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Christmas and Holiday Guide 2022 on our website - from crafts and recipes to local events and gift ideas.

The week before Christmas is a good time to wrap up loose ends of holiday planning. It's also a good time to enjoy having the kids out of school. Pile in the car and go look at Christmas lights together. Walk around the mall and take selfies at all of the pretty displays. Visit the Bluffwalk in downtown Lynchburg and check out all of the lights. Bake cookies or make holiday treats. Making memories together is what Christmas is all about.

As always, you'll find lots of family-friendly events on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events. Happy Holidays from Lynchburg Macaroni Kid!

Lynchburg Macaroni Kid helps you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!

Welcome to Lynchburg Macaroni Kid! I've lived in Lynchburg for many years and love it here. I'm mom to five young adults who now have families of their own. We stay busy with kid activities and love spending time outdoors. When it's time for a road trip, we're usually headed to the beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains or out of state to visit family. At home, you'll find me in the garden or at the computer, adding great local events to the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar. 

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