Thanksgiving Treats for Kids: 5 Sweet Family Favorites

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious treats that make the holiday extra special. These *thanksgiving treats for kids* are not just easy and fun to make, but they also bring a burst of color and creativity to your festive table. I remember the first time I made these with my little ones; the kitchen was a delightful mess of candy corn and marshmallows, and their laughter filled the air as they pressed the decorations onto each treat. It’s the perfect way to get kids involved in the holiday preparations, sparking their imagination while creating something sweet to enjoy. Trust me, watching their eyes light up when they see these adorable goodies is priceless! So, let’s dive into this super simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these fun *thanksgiving treats for kids*! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of candy corn – These colorful little candies add a festive touch and a sweet crunch.
1 cup of pretzels – Choose the small, twisty kind for a delightful salty contrast.
1 cup of chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works wonderfully for melting.
1 cup of mini marshmallows – These fluffy bites add sweetness and texture to our treats.
1/2 cup of peanut butter – Creamy or crunchy, this will give our mixture a rich, nutty flavor.
1 cup of rice crispy cereal – This is what gives our treats that delightful crunch!

Make sure to have everything ready to go, so you can dive right into the fun of making these treats!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Treats for Kids

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into making these delightful *thanksgiving treats for kids*! Trust me, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-fun!

Step 1: Melt Chocolate

First things first, we need to melt those chocolate chips! Grab a microwave-safe bowl and pop in the chocolate. Heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until it’s nice and smooth. Be careful—it can get really hot, so keep an eye on it! You don’t want any burnt chocolate on your hands!

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is perfectly creamy and well combined. This is where the magic happens! You want a smooth texture so that everything blends nicely together. If it’s lumpy, just keep mixing until it’s silky!

Step 3: Add Rice Crispy Cereal

Now, it’s time to add the rice crispy cereal. Gently fold it in with a spatula. You want to make sure every little piece is coated in that delicious chocolate-peanut butter mixture. It should look like a chocolatey cereal bowl—just the right consistency to hold together!

Step 4: Form Treat Balls

Using your hands, grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Don’t stress about perfection; a little variety makes them more fun! Just make sure they’re compact enough to hold their shape.

Step 5: Decorate Treats

Here comes the fun part! Take each ball and gently press a piece of candy corn and a mini marshmallow on top. This is where your kids can really get creative! They’ll love decorating their own treats, and it adds a pop of color and sweetness!

Step 6: Cool and Set

Finally, let your treats cool on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They’ll need about 30 minutes to set properly. You can speed this up by popping them in the fridge for a bit. Just make sure they’re fully hardened before you dig in—trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy holiday preparations.
Fun for Kids: The kids will love getting their hands in the mix and decorating their own treats. It’s a great way to spark their creativity!
No-Bake Wonder: No oven needed! Just melt, mix, and set—simple as that!
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients! Use different candies, nut butters, or even add sprinkles for extra flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: These treats are sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering, delighting both kids and adults alike!
Festive and Colorful: With the vibrant colors of candy corn and marshmallows, these treats bring holiday cheer to your dessert table.

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure your *thanksgiving treats for kids* turn out perfectly every time! Here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Ingredient Substitutions: If you have allergies or preferences, feel free to swap peanut butter for sun butter or almond butter. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to keep it vegan!
Storage: Keep your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving, so they soften slightly.
Add Some Crunch: Want more texture? Toss in some chopped nuts or additional pretzels for an extra crunchy surprise!
Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to mix in different candies or sprinkles to change things up. Your kids can even help choose their favorite toppings!
Keep it Clean: When rolling the treat balls, lightly grease your hands with a bit of cooking spray. This will keep the mixture from sticking to your fingers—nobody likes a messy kitchen (too much, anyway)!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making these festive treats a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one of these delightful *thanksgiving treats for kids*. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

These treats are a fun and sweet way to celebrate Thanksgiving without too much guilt! Enjoy these goodies in moderation, and they’re sure to be a hit with the kids!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for these *thanksgiving treats for kids*. Each type will give a unique twist to the flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different chocolates together for a fun, marbled effect!

How should I store these treats?

To keep your treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, so they soften up a bit!

Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these treats ahead of time! They’re great for prepping a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to wow your guests when the big day arrives!

What can I substitute for peanut butter?

If you need to avoid peanut butter due to allergies or preferences, don’t worry! You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cashew butter as a delicious alternative. Each will add its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!

Are these treats suitable for parties?

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