The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, spend time together, and create meaningful family memories. One of the best ways to do that is by cooking with your kids. With a learning tower, toddlers and young children can safely join you at counter height, turning simple Christmas recipes into fun, educational moments.

Here are five easy Christmas recipes you can make with your child using a learning tower, complete with step-by-step directions.

1. Christmas Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until smooth.

4. Add egg and vanilla, then mix well.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.

6. Roll dough out and let your child use cookie cutters to make shapes.

7. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

8. Let cool, then decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Kid-friendly tasks: pouring ingredients, mixing, pressing cookie cutters, decorating.

 

2. No-Bake Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients

• 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter

Directions

1. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Adult step.

2. Stir until smooth.

3. Let your child pour the cereal into a large bowl.

4. Add melted mixture and stir until evenly coated.

5. Press mixture into a lined pan.

6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Kid-friendly tasks: measuring cereal, stirring, pressing mixture into pan.

 

3. Mini Christmas Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup pancake mix

• ¾ cup milk

• Toppings like berries, chocolate chips, or whipped cream

Directions

1. Mix pancake mix and milk in a bowl until smooth.

2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.

3. Pour small circles of batter onto the pan.

4. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook another minute.

5. Let cool slightly and decorate with festive toppings.

Kid-friendly tasks: mixing batter, adding toppings, arranging pancakes on plates.

4. Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder

• ⅓ cup sugar

• Mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Place cocoa powder in the bottom of a clean jar.

2. Add sugar as the next layer.

3. Top with mini marshmallows.

4. Seal the jar and decorate with ribbon or labels.

5. To serve, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons with hot milk.

Kid-friendly tasks: pouring ingredients, layering, decorating jars.

5. Holiday Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients

• Vanilla yogurt

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries

• Granola

Directions

1. Place yogurt in a bowl.

2. Chop fruit ahead of time for safety.

3. Let your child layer yogurt, fruit, and granola into cups.

4. Repeat layers until cup is full.

5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Kid-friendly tasks: scooping yogurt, layering ingredients, choosing combinations.

Why a Learning Tower Makes Holiday Cooking Easier

A learning tower allows children to safely reach counter height while staying supported on all sides. Unlike chairs or step stools, it is designed specifically for toddlers and young children.

Cooking together using a learning tower:

• Encourages independence and confidence

• Builds real-life skills through hands-on learning

• Creates calm, shared moments during busy holidays

At Little Treasures, our learning towers are designed with stability, child-safe materials, and adjustable platforms so they grow with your child.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Christmas recipes with your kids does not need to be stressful. With simple directions and a learning tower, it becomes an opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun together.

These moments in the kitchen often become the memories that last the longest.