Easter is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious food that brings everyone together. For those with young children at home, the holiday joy is often found in the kitchen, where colorful and creative Easter recipes for kids can make the celebration even more special.
Easter Recipes for Kids
In this article, we feature several fun, delicious, and easy-to-make Easter recipes that will keep kids busy and excited. From cute rabbit-shaped treats to healthy snacks, we have something for every little one.
1. Rabbit Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat pour the batter into one large ball and form two smaller balls for each rabbit.
- Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and continue cooking until golden brown.
- Assemble the pancakes on a plate to form the rabbit’s face. Use fruit slices for the ears, whipped cream for the nose, and chocolate chips for the eyes.
2. Easter Egg Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing in various colors
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and extract until well combined.
- In another bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix in the butter mixture, until the mixture is smooth.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out egg shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with royal icing and sprinkles.
3. Carrot Patches
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1 packet instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 packet of orange candy melts
- Pretzel sticks
- Green candy melts
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the directions on the package and let it set in the refrigerator.
- Melt the orange candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
- Dip the pretzel sticks into the melted orange candy and place them on wax paper to harden.
- Melt green candy melts and glue tiny green tops onto pretzel sticks to resemble carrot tops.
- Layer crushed cookies in small cups to create “dirt,” then spoon in chocolate pudding.
- Stick the pretzel “carrots” into the pudding, creating a fun carrot patch.
4. Deviled Egg Chicks
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Carrot slices for beaks
- Black olives for eyes
Instructions:
- Hold the eggs hard-boiled and let them cool completely.
- Peel the eggs and cut a small slice off the bottom to keep them upright.
- Cut off the top third of each egg and carefully remove the yolk.
- In a bowl, mash the yolk with the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the yolk mixture back into the egg whites, filling them generously.
- Cut small triangles from carrots for beaks and small circles from olives for eyes. Place them on the filled eggs to make chicks.
5. Easter Bunny Carrot Cake Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting
- Shredded coconut (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Add the grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
- Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool completely before frosting them with cream cheese frosting and decorating them with shredded coconut.
6. Chocolate Nests
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 4 cups chow mein noodles
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
Instructions:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Gently mix the chow mein noodles until completely coated with the chocolate mixture.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drop tablespoons of the mixture and shape into nests.
- Place mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans in the center of each nest.
- Allow the nests to cool and harden completely before serving.
7. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Orange slices
- Pineapple pieces
- Green grapes
- Blueberries
- Purple grapes
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruits by washing them, and cutting them into smaller pieces as needed.
- Thread the fruit onto skewers in rainbow order: strawberries, orange slices, pineapple pieces, green grapes, blueberries, and purple grapes.
- Serve as a colorful and healthy snack that kids will love.
8. Easter Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Food coloring (optional) - Easter-themed cookie cutters
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Add food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture, if desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Let cool slightly before using cookie cutters to create Easter shapes.
- Let treats cool completely before serving.
9. Easter Bunny Veggie Tray
Ingredients:
- Assorted fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers)
- Ranch dip
- A large round tray or plate
Instructions:
- Wash and chop the vegetables into sticks, slices, and small pieces.
- Arrange the vegetables on the tray in the shape of a bunny face, using a small bowl of ranch dip for the nose.
- Use cherry tomatoes for the eyes and cucumber slices for the ears. Fill the face with mixed veggies.
These Easter recipes for kids are sure to bring smiles and cheer to your holiday celebration. Whether you’re making sweet treats or healthy snacks, these recipes are perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen and creating lasting memories.
FAQ About Easter Recipes for Kids
What are some easy Easter recipes for kids?
Bunny pancakes, Easter egg cookies, and rainbow fruit skewers are easy and fun recipes that kids can help make. These recipes involve simple steps and ingredients, making them perfect for little hands to help in the kitchen.
How can I make Easter recipes healthier for my kids?
To make Easter recipes healthier, focus on including more fruits and vegetables. For example, create an Easter bunny veggie tray with fresh veggies and a healthy dip. Additionally, you can use whole grain flour, reduce sugar, and incorporate natural sweeteners into baked goods.
What are some allergy-friendly Easter recipes for kids?
If your child has allergies, there are plenty of options to meet their needs. For gluten-free options, try making gluten-free Easter egg cookies. For a nut-free treat, chocolate nests can be made without peanut butter, using a safe alternative like sunflower seed butter.
Can these recipes be made in advance?
Yes, many Easter recipes for kids can be made in advance. Easter egg cookies and chocolate nests can be prepared a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container. Deviled egg chicks can also be made the night before and refrigerated until ready to serve.
How can I get my kids involved in making Easter recipes?
Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to teach them about cooking and healthy eating. Give age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients, decorating cookies or making fruit skewers. Make the experience fun by allowing them to be creative with decorations and presentations.
What are some fun and creative Easter treats for kids?
Creative Easter treats include carrot patches, where kids can “plant” candy carrots in chocolate pudding dirt, and Easter bunny carrot cake muffins, decorated with cream cheese frosting and coconut to look like rabbit tails. Easter Rice Krispie treats can be shaped into bunnies, eggs, or chicks using cookie cutters.
How can I incorporate educational elements into Easter cooking activities?
Turn cooking into a learning experience by discussing measurements, ingredients, and nutrition. For example, talk about the benefits of fruits and vegetables when making rainbow fruit skewers or explain how yeast works when baking bread. This can help kids develop math and science skills while having fun.
Are any traditional Easter recipes suitable for kids?
Yes, traditional recipes like hot cross buns can be made kid-friendly. Simplify the recipe and let kids help with rolling out the dough or decorating the buns with icing. Roasted lamb can also be made into mini sliders for a kid-friendly version of the classic Easter dish.
What are some tips for throwing a kid-friendly Easter cooking party?
To throw a successful Easter cooking party, prepare simple and fun recipes, set up different cooking stations, and have all the necessary ingredients and utensils available. Ensure safety by closely supervising children, especially when using kitchen appliances. Have aprons and hand washing stations available and plan activities to keep children occupied while waiting for the treats to cook.
How can I make Easter breakfast special for my kids?
Create a memorable Easter breakfast by making bunny pancakes with fruit faces and whipped cream. Serve with colorful fruit smoothies or fresh fruit juice. Decorate the table with Easter-themed decorations and involve children in food preparation to make it a special family activity.
What are some non-candy Easter treats for kids?
Non-candy treats include Rainbow Fruit Skewers, Easter Bunny Veggie Tray, and Carrot Patch. These options provide a healthy alternative to candy and are still festive and fun. Incorporate natural sweetness from the fruit and use whole ingredients to create delicious and nutritious snacks.
How do I store leftover Easter treats?
Store leftover Easter treats in airtight containers. Cookies and muffins can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer freshness. Chocolate Nests and Carrot Patch should be kept in the refrigerator to maintain their texture.
Can I modify these recipes for different dietary needs?
Yes, most recipes can be modified to suit different dietary needs. For example, use gluten-free flour for Easter egg cookies, use a dairy-free alternative in bunny pancakes, and choose nut-free or allergy-friendly ingredients as needed. Always check labels and be wary of cross-contamination when dealing with serious allergies.