If you are looking for a kids’ holiday party idea that can be used as a stand-alone party, as part of a birthday party, or just a traditional gathering during the festive season…why not make cookies? If the idea appeals, it is really quite easy to put together.
 
One note: Take into account the age of the kids who will be attending to determine how much actual baking will be done. If small kids will be there, having the cookies prepared beforehand and having them decorate the cookies would be excellent. A little bit older kids could handle rolling out chilled dough, cutting them into shapes with cookie cutters, doing an activity while they bake and cool, and then decorating. Older kids will appreciate taking on the challenge of making the cookies themselves from start to finish.
 
To throw a great holiday cookie party, here are some ideas:
 
Cut out holiday shapes from colorful construction paper using your cookie cutters. Gingerbread men are a great idea. Place all of the party information onto the invitation. Attach a candy cane to the invite if hand-delivering.
 
The heart of this party will take place in the kitchen and dining area. Have enough seats available for the kids to sit down and decorate. Line the kitchen table with wrapping paper for a festive feel, or use a holiday-themed table cover. You could have red aprons out on each chair for the kids to wear during the party. Santa Hats would be an additional goody to give the kids to wear. Amazon.com carries a cute elf apron and hat set for your little helpers. Certainly, play those holiday carols!
 
If you need recipes, check out the Good Housekeeping: The Great Christmas Cookie Swap Cookbook. Another good book to have on display for decorating ideas would be Cookie Craft Christmas: Dozens of Decorating Ideas for a Sweet Holiday.
 
At each seat, leave a plate, where the kids will decorate their cookies. In the center of the table, have all of the frosting tubes, sprinkles, and candies for the kids to use to decorate. Again, this type of set-up is best for small kids who will only be decorating. The older kids will most likely be spending a good amount of time in the kitchen cutting out the dough with the cutters and placing them on the baking tray or actually making the cookies from scratch.
 
During the time while the cookies are baking, prepare some additional activities to the baking and decorating of cookies:
 
-Have a taste test. Place all of the cookie ingredients into individual bowls. Have the kids taste or observe the different ingredients and guess which is which.
 
-Have a spice taste test. Place different spices that are used in holiday baking into small spice bowls and have the kids taste each one to determine the spice.
 
-Have a cocoa station set up with hot chocolate, whipped cream, candy cane sticks, and chocolate shavings for the kids to create a sweet treat.
 
-Have your recipe books out for the kids to browse, as well as 3×5 cards and pens. The kids can copy a recipe or two that they would like to try during the season. They can take these recipe copies home as well.
 
-After the cookie cutters have been used, wash them, and have the kids use them to draw festive pictures, make Play Dough shapes, etc.
 
-When the cookies have all been baked and decorated, wrap them in red Saran Wrap for the kids to take home, along with their recipe cards, aprons, hats, etc.
 
This is an easy party to put together, even at the last minute. If you find that you are watching some of your nieces and nephews one afternoon, you certainly can get out an easy cookie recipe, assemble the ingredients, bake a batch, and have the kids decorate. No need for goodies besides sending them home with some cookies. They will love it! This gathering can be as fancy or as simple as you make it.
 
Happy holiday baking!

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Kothari
Published: December 4, 2012