20 Christmas Baking Ideas for Beginners and Kids

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Baking Ideas for Beginners and Kids. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Easy Biscuits and Cookies; Pies, Cakes and Traybakes; Breads and Savoury Bakes; Edible Gifts and Baking Kit.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

Few things say Christmas like the smell of something baking. The good news is that you do not need to be an expert, as many festive bakes are simple, forgiving and very happy to be made with children.

Here are twenty ideas, from easy biscuits and traybakes to bakes you can wrap as gifts. Children need an adult with them in the kitchen, especially around the oven. Check ingredient labels for allergens, and keep nuts out of anything you share.

Easy Biscuits and Cookies

Biscuits are the best place to begin, as they are quick and easy to decorate.

• Gingerbread people: Roll out spiced dough and cut shapes. Chilling the dough for half an hour stops it spreading in the oven. Decorate with icing once the biscuits are fully cool.
• Shortbread stars: Shortbread needs only butter, sugar and flour. Press the dough into a tin and cut into fingers, or use cutters. Bake gently until pale golden for a buttery finish.
• Jam thumbprint biscuits: Roll balls of dough and press a thumb in the centre. Fill with a little jam before baking. Young children love the hands on step.
• Chocolate chip cookies with a twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a few dried cranberries to a classic recipe. They are quick to make and freeze well.
• Cinnamon swirl biscuits: Spread dough with butter and cinnamon sugar, roll, slice and bake. They look impressive but are easier than they seem.

Pies, Cakes and Traybakes

Traditional treats are simpler than you think when you use a good shortcut or two.

• Mince pies: Use ready made pastry and a jar of mincemeat for an easy bake. Press a star on top for a pretty finish and dust with icing sugar.
• Chocolate fridge cake: No baking needed. Melt chocolate and butter, stir in crushed biscuits and dried fruit and chill. Cut small slices as it is rich.
• Christmas cupcakes: Bake simple vanilla cupcakes, ice them and top with festive sprinkles. A piping bag makes pretty swirls that children enjoy.
• Spiced apple traybake: A moist sponge with apples and warming spices. Cut into squares for sharing, and keep it in an airtight tin for a few days.
• Clementine cake: Boil clementines, blend them and mix into a simple batter. It is naturally moist and tastes lovely with cream.

Breads and Savoury Bakes

Not everything has to be sweet.

• Cheese straws: Roll out puff pastry, sprinkle cheese and twist into strips. They are ideal for parties and quick to make.
• Cinnamon rolls: A soft, sweet roll takes a little patience, but the aroma is worth it. Let children help sprinkle the filling.
• Sausage rolls: Wrap sausage meat in pastry and bake until golden and fully cooked. Make a batch to freeze in advance for Christmas Eve.
• Festive bread wreath: Shape dough into a ring and snip the edges. Add dried fruit or herbs for flavour and a lovely centrepiece.
• Soft pretzel bites: A fun hands on project for older children. Shape, dip in bicarbonate solution under adult supervision and bake until brown.

Edible Gifts and Baking Kit

Bake a little extra and turn it into a present.

• Biscuits in a jar: Layer dry ingredients in a jar and attach a recipe tag. Recipients just add butter and an egg.
• Gift boxed brownies: Cut brownies into squares and pack them in a pretty box. Add a label listing ingredients and allergens.
• Hot chocolate spoons: Dip spoons in melted chocolate and let them set. Wrap them in cellophane and stir them into warm milk.
• Baking tools set: A starter set with spatulas, a whisk and measuring spoons helps first time bakers. Choose sturdy, dishwasher safe tools.
• Digital kitchen scales: Accurate measuring is the secret to good baking. A simple scale makes recipes far more reliable.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• Food Standards Agency: food allergy and intolerance advice: Official guidance for anyone cooking or hosting for others. Always check labels.
• NHS Healthier Families: Simple recipes, food swaps and active ideas for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

What are the easiest Christmas bakes for beginners?

Shortbread, jam thumbprint biscuits and fridge cake are very forgiving. They need few ingredients and basic equipment.

Can children help with Christmas baking?

Yes, with an adult supervising throughout. Children can measure, stir and decorate, while an adult handles the oven and hot trays.

How do I store Christmas bakes?

Cool them completely, then keep them in airtight tins. Many biscuits freeze well. Always follow the recipe for storage times.

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• DIY Gift Hamper Ideas
• Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas
• Christmas Dinner Planning Guide