The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating some edible Christmas decorations? Not only do they add a personal touch to your home, but they're also a great way to involve the whole family in some fun holiday activities. In this article, we'll explore 10 edible Christmas decorations to try this year, from classic gingerbread houses to creative cookie garlands.
Edible Christmas decorations are a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. They're also a wonderful way to get creative and involve the whole family in some fun holiday activities. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there's something on this list for everyone.
One of the best things about edible Christmas decorations is that they're a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste. So, before you start baking, take stock of what you have in your pantry and see what you can use up.
1. Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are a classic Christmas decoration that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is some gingerbread dough, royal icing, and a few candy canes and gumdrops to decorate.
To make a gingerbread house, start by baking the gingerbread dough into the desired shape. You can use a pre-made template or create your own design. Once the gingerbread is cool, use royal icing to "glue" the pieces together and decorate with candy canes and gumdrops.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, to give your gingerbread a unique flavor.
- Add some edible glitter or sparkles to make your gingerbread house shine.
- Create a mini gingerbread village by making multiple small houses and arranging them on a large tray or platter.
2. Sugar Cookie Garlands
Sugar cookie garlands are a great way to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations. Simply bake a batch of sugar cookies and string them together with some festive ribbon or twine.
To make a sugar cookie garland, start by baking a batch of sugar cookies in the desired shape. You can use a cookie cutter or a glass to create fun shapes. Once the cookies are cool, use a small hole punch to create a hole at the top of each cookie. Then, thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a knot to secure.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different shapes and designs.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies shine.
- Create a themed garland by using cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
3. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Chocolate dipped pretzels are a simple and delicious edible Christmas decoration. Simply melt some chocolate, dip pretzels in, and decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
To make chocolate dipped pretzels, start by melting some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, dip pretzels in the melted chocolate and place on a piece of parchment paper. Decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter before the chocolate hardens.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of chocolate types, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create different flavors.
- Add some crushed nuts or sea salt to give your pretzels some extra texture.
- Create a themed pretzel by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
4. Candy Cane Marshmallow Treats
Candy cane marshmallow treats are a fun and easy edible Christmas decoration. Simply melt some chocolate, dip marshmallows in, and decorate with crushed candy canes.
To make candy cane marshmallow treats, start by melting some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, dip marshmallows in the melted chocolate and roll in crushed candy canes to coat. Place on a piece of parchment paper and let harden.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of chocolate types, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create different flavors.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your treats shine.
- Create a themed treat by using crushed candy canes in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
5. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men are a classic Christmas decoration that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is some gingerbread dough, royal icing, and a few candy canes and gumdrops to decorate.
To make gingerbread men, start by baking the gingerbread dough into the desired shape. You can use a pre-made template or create your own design. Once the gingerbread is cool, use royal icing to decorate and add details such as eyes, a mouth, and buttons.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, to give your gingerbread a unique flavor.
- Add some edible glitter or sparkles to make your gingerbread men shine.
- Create a mini gingerbread army by making multiple small gingerbread men and arranging them on a large tray or platter.
6. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a simple and delicious edible Christmas decoration. Simply melt some chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and let harden.
To make peppermint bark, start by melting some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and let harden. Break into pieces and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of chocolate types, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create different flavors.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your bark shine.
- Create a themed bark by using crushed candy canes in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
7. Snowman Oreo Cookies
Snowman Oreo cookies are a fun and easy edible Christmas decoration. Simply dip Oreo cookies in white chocolate and decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
To make snowman Oreo cookies, start by dipping Oreo cookies in melted white chocolate. Then, decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter to create a snowman face. Use a small amount of melted chocolate to attach a hat and buttons.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of chocolate types, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create different flavors.
- Add some crushed nuts or sea salt to give your cookies some extra texture.
- Create a themed cookie by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
8. Christmas Tree Brownies
Christmas tree brownies are a fun and delicious edible Christmas decoration. Simply bake a batch of brownies, cut into a Christmas tree shape, and decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
To make Christmas tree brownies, start by baking a batch of brownies in a large rectangle. Then, use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. Decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter to create a festive look.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to create different flavors.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your brownies shine.
- Create a themed brownie by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
9. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Reindeer Rice Krispie treats are a fun and easy edible Christmas decoration. Simply make a batch of Rice Krispie treats, shape into reindeer shapes, and decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
To make reindeer Rice Krispie treats, start by making a batch of Rice Krispie treats according to the package instructions. Then, shape into reindeer shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife. Decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter to create a festive look.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to create different flavors.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your treats shine.
- Create a themed treat by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
10. Holly Berry Fruit Kabobs
Holly berry fruit kabobs are a healthy and delicious edible Christmas decoration. Simply thread fresh fruit, such as grapes and strawberries, onto skewers and serve.
To make holly berry fruit kabobs, start by threading fresh fruit, such as grapes and strawberries, onto skewers. Then, serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of fruits, such as pineapple and kiwi, to create different flavors.
- Add some festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your kabobs shine.
- Create a themed kabob by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter in the shape of Christmas trees, bells, or stars.
Now that you've seen these 10 edible Christmas decorations, it's time to get creative and make some of your own! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there's something on this list for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and have fun!
What is the best way to store edible Christmas decorations?
+The best way to store edible Christmas decorations is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to a week.
Can I make edible Christmas decorations ahead of time?
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What is the best way to decorate edible Christmas decorations?
+The best way to decorate edible Christmas decorations is with festive sprinkles or edible glitter. You can also use royal icing or melted chocolate to create details and designs.