Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. What better way to celebrate than by getting the little ones involved in the kitchen?
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Mini Pumpkin Pies
Links open in new window. Source: Google.comImagine the warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin pie, now in a bite-sized form perfect for little hands. These mini pumpkin pies are made with canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Preschoolers can help by mixing the ingredients and filling the mini pie crusts. It’s a fun way to teach them about measuring and mixing while allowing them to take pride in creating a classic Thanksgiving dessert.
These tiny treats are not only perfect for kids to make, but they’re also ideal for guests who want just a taste of pumpkin pie without committing to a full slice. Plus, they look adorable on the dessert table, adding a charming touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
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Turkey-Themed Cupcakes
Turkey Cupcakes from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
Rating: 5 (11 reviews). Total Time: sour cream, gummy worms, reese's pieces, unsweetened cocoa powder, mini reese's cups.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.comWho can resist a cupcake, especially when it’s dressed up like a turkey? These cupcakes are made with a simple vanilla or chocolate base, topped with a swirl of buttercream frosting, and decorated with candy eyes, candy corn, and other sweet treats to create a turkey face.
Kids will love the creative aspect of this recipe. They can let their imaginations run wild as they transform ordinary cupcakes into playful turkeys. It’s a delightful way to spend quality time together, and the end result is as tasty as it is cute.
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Fruit Cornucopia
Turkey Leg Treats from Simple and Seasonal
Rating: 2.5 (4 reviews). Total Time: pretzel rods, cocoa krispies, candy melts, mini marshmallows.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.comThis healthy treat is all about the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of seasonal fruits. A waffle cone serves as the cornucopia, overflowing with a variety of fruits like grapes, apple slices, and berries.
What makes this recipe stand out is its educational value. While preschoolers fill the cones, you can talk about the significance of the cornucopia and the importance of sharing and abundance. It’s not just a treat; it’s a conversation starter that brings meaning to the holiday.
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Thanksgiving Trail Mix
Thanksgiving blessing mix from I Heart Naptime
Rating: 5 (28 reviews). Total Time: candy corn, sunflower seeds, mini pretzels, raisins.
Links open in new window. Source: Google.comThis isn’t your average trail mix. It’s a Thanksgiving-inspired blend featuring pretzels, dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.
Making trail mix is a fantastic sensory activity for preschoolers. They can explore different textures and flavors as they mix the ingredients together. It’s an easy, no-bake recipe that can be customized to suit any taste, making it a versatile snack for the holiday.
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Cranberry Orange Muffins
Links open in new window. Source: Google.comThese muffins bring together the tartness of cranberries and the zesty flavor of oranges, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for Thanksgiving morning. The ingredients include fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of vanilla.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to introduce kids to the joy of baking. Preschoolers can help with measuring the ingredients and mixing the batter. The aroma of these muffins baking in the oven will fill your home with a comforting, festive scent, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Treats
Get Creative with Decorations
Encourage preschoolers to use their creativity when decorating treats. Provide a variety of colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, and candies for them to express their artistic side.
Embrace the Mess
Baking with preschoolers can get messy, but that’s part of the fun! Lay down some newspaper or a plastic tablecloth and let them enjoy the process without worrying about the cleanup.
Focus on Fun, Not Perfection
The goal is to have fun and make memories, not to create picture-perfect treats. Celebrate the effort and creativity your little ones put into their culinary creations.











