Thanksgiving is such a magical time, especially when you can make it special for the kids! I love creating fun and easy *thanksgiving treats for kids* that not only taste delicious but also get the little ones involved in the kitchen. Picture this: the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the house, laughter echoing as they help mix ingredients, and the joy of decorating each treat together. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories while indulging in some festive flavors. Trust me, these delightful treats will have everyone smiling around the table this holiday season!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree: This is the star of our treats! You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
- 1 cup of sugar: This adds the perfect sweetness to balance the spices. You can use granulated sugar, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the treats a nice, fluffy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil: This keeps the treats moist and tender. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our treats. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder: This helps the treats rise, giving them a light and airy texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: A must-have for that cozy fall flavor! You can also add more if you love a spicier kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg: Just a pinch of this spice adds warmth and depth to the taste. It’s one of my favorite secret ingredients!
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: This enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it! It balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Chocolate chips for decoration: These are optional, but who can resist a sprinkle of chocolate? You can use mini chocolate chips for a fun touch!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Treats for Kids
Getting started with these delightful Thanksgiving treats for kids is super simple! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a festive dessert in no time. Trust me, it’s all about having fun in the kitchen together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your treats bake evenly and rise beautifully!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. I love using a whisk for this part—it’s so satisfying!
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is key to avoiding any lumps in your batter.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix—this keeps the treats fluffy!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You want all those yummy flavors to shine through!
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top for some extra sweetness and a fun touch. Kids love this part!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
- Once baked, let the treats cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, they won’t fall apart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these treats up in no time!
- Kid-friendly: Kids will love helping in the kitchen, from mixing to decorating—it’s a fun family activity!
- Fun to decorate: The chocolate chips on top provide a great canvas for little hands to get creative.
- Delicious: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for sharing: These treats are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, making them a hit at any holiday table!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving treats for kids truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste—if you love cinnamon, sprinkle in a little extra! For even baking, make sure your oven is preheated properly and rotate the baking dish halfway through. This helps everything bake evenly. If you want to add a special touch, consider drizzling a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled treats. Kids will love the extra sweetness! And remember, let the treats cool completely before cutting; this helps them hold their shape and makes for perfect pieces every time. Enjoy the process and have fun with your little helpers!
Variations of Thanksgiving Treats for Kids
If you want to mix things up with your Thanksgiving treats for kids, there are so many fun variations to try! For a cozy twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You could also swap out the spices—try adding ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile. If your kids love chocolate, mix in chocolate chips into the batter as well as on top for a double chocolate treat! For a fruity version, consider folding in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a festive touch. You can even make mini muffins instead of a baking dish for fun, bite-sized treats that are perfect for little hands!
Nutritional Information
These delicious Thanksgiving treats for kids are not only fun to make but also provide some nutritional value! Each piece is estimated to have about 150 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 24 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar per serving. Plus, they contain 1 gram of fiber, making them a slightly better choice than some other desserts. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy these treats knowing they bring a little joy to your holiday table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Thanksgiving treats for kids fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out! When it’s time to enjoy them again, you can serve the treats at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overheat—nobody likes a rubbery treat! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast it until soft and blend it into a smooth puree. It adds a lovely homemade touch to your Thanksgiving treats for kids.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance! Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll taste delicious the next day.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even mini marshmallows for a different twist.
Can these treats be frozen?
Yes! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking!
Thanksgiving Treats for Kids: 7 Fun Recipes to Enjoy Together
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious and fun Thanksgiving treats for kids that are easy to make.
Zutaten
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Chocolate chips for decoration
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Add chocolate chips on top for decoration.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These treats can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Adjust the spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 12g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 24g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving treats for kids, pumpkin treats, easy desserts for kids
