Having the family home for the holidays never tasted so good! Get ready to make the time together count with our list of eight snacks that are just as festive as they are healthy.
Good nutrition habits can easily slip away when children adjust to a new schedule, like staying home for winter break. As a busy parent, you want the convenience of quick options your kids will love but a way to keep life easy without sacrificing food quality.
We gathered our favorite holiday recipes from food bloggers across the country. Not only will these get your mouth watering, but you can make them without an oven or stove. Focus on quality time with your family over extra time preparing meals in the kitchen.
8 Healthy and Festive Holiday Snacks Your Kids Will Love
- Rudolph Celery Snacks
Photo and recipe from Appetizer Addiction
Here’s a five-ingredient option loaded with holiday fun, protein, and veggies. Your little ones will have so much fun designing their reindeer that they may not notice the nutrient-rich toppings that bring their creations to life.
Ingredients:
- Celery
- Fresh cranberries
- Twist pretzels
- Peanut butter
- Candy eyes (optional)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
You can find the full recipe at Appetizer Addiction.
- Christmas Energy Bites
Photo and recipe from Happihomemade
Snacks help sustain your kids between meals. Make these Christmas energy bites at the beginning of the week to keep everyone moving even through the most hectic schedules.
Ingredients:
- Oatmeal
- Unsweetened coconut
- Christmas M&Ms
- Hemp or ground flax seeds
- Peanut butter
- Honey
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 25 bites
You can find the full recipe at Happi Homemade.
- Snowman Smoothies
Photo and recipe from Healthy Holistic Holme
All you need are 5 minutes, a marker, and a blender to turn a nutrient-packed smoothie into a snack your kids can’t stop asking for. Add a little magic to the everyday routine, accommodating dairy sensitivities along the way.
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Riced cauliflower
- Banana
- Almond butter
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla protein powder
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 smoothies
You can find the full recipe at Healthy Holistic Holme.
- Hannukkah Puppy Chow
Photo and recipe from RachLMansfield
The cute name matches the experience of turning seven ordinary ingredients into a loved tradition. Puppy chow can be customized to your child’s favorite colors and flavors using whatever you have in the pantry.
Ingredients:
- Rice Chex cereal
- Pretzel sticks
- White chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Festive sprinkles
- Mini peanut butter cups
- Powdered sugar (or coconut sugar)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9
You can find the full recipe at RachLMansfield.
- Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
Photo and recipe from EatingWell
If you’re in for a busy few days, this yogurt bark is the freezer-friendly treat you need. It’s easy to prep and lasts much longer. Although when your family gets a taste, it may be gone fast.
Ingredients:
- Semisweet chocolate
- Plain greek yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips
- Candy canes
- Coarse sea salt
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time (including freezing the bark): 2 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 10
You can find the full recipe at EatingWell.
- Pita Trees
Photo and recipe from Betty Crocker
This savory option is an easy way to get younger ones involved in meal prep by customizing the toppings based on their favorite flavors.
Ingredients:
- Plain pita pockets
- Thin pretzel sticks
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped parsley
- Garlic-pepper blend
- Chopped red bell pepper
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 32
You can find the full recipe at Betty Crocker.
- Maple Glazed Popcorn
Photo and recipe from Intentional Hospitality
Elevate movie time with a fresh spin on popcorn that makes it feel like a special occasion. Achieve the festive flavor with the natural sweetness of maple syrup instead of processed sugars.
Ingredients:
- Popcorn
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Salt
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
You can find the full recipe at Intentional Hospitality.
- Reindeer Holiday Mini Sandwiches
Photo and recipe from Picky Eater Blog.
When you need a snack that can hold the kids over for a while, turn their favorite sandwich into a mini reindeer. These sandwiches are simple for anyone to create and provide the protein they need to take holiday happenings.
Ingredients:
- Sliced wheat bread (can be gluten-free)
- Peanut butter
- Fresh fruit
- Mini pretzels
- Mini chocolate chips
- M&Ms (optional)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3
You can find the full recipe at Picky Eater Blog.
Make Eating Well Fun and Easy
Your kids and family will love these simple, delicious snack ideas. They share common ingredients, so you can spend less money at the checkout and less time at the grocery store. You may find a new holiday break tradition, and a child excited to discover healthy snack ideas.