I remember baking holiday cookies with my mom. I'd drag up a kitchen stool and stand on it while she mixed up the batter then she would let me spoon them onto the baking sheets. Baking cookies and cookie decorating is a timeless holiday tradition and creates wonderful memories for the kids in your family. Make this cookie workshop an annual party the week before Christmas. It’s a perfect holiday party theme for schools, churches, and neighborhoods, too.
A Santa's Cookie Workshop party is so easy to host and each child gets to take home his/her own special cookies for Santa.
Easy party decorations include cookie cutters and small kitchen tools as tree decorations.
Let the kids create their own cookie masterpiece for Santa.
This is the perfect last minute party for kids hanging around the house waiting for Santa to arrive. They can make their own cookies to leave for Old St. Nick and all you need to throw the party is listed below.
Send an email or even call in your invitation since it is last minute during the busy holiday season. Do ask for an RSVP... you need to know how many guests are coming so you don't overbuy supplies.
Bake plenty of plain cookies for the kids to decorate before party time.
I usually bake all of the cookies in advance so the party doesn't take all day. I'll let each child cut out a few cookies when they arrive in their favorite holiday shape so there is that delicious smell of cookies baking as the party progresses. I like to make vanilla sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies and let the kids decorate them especially for Santa.
Clear off or pop up a large table and cover it with white or brown Kraft paper you can get at the craft store.
Put brown paper over your table to protect it. Place all of the decorating supplies in low plates or shallow bowls to make it easy for little hands.
Line the center of the table with supplies like tubes of icing, sprinkles, candies, gum drops, etc.
Make a work station for each child and write their name above it in crayon so they know where they are to create their cookies.
Design a few simple cookies in advance so the children can have an example.
Food and beverages should be simple. I like to offer bite size treats with a hot chocolate bar for this party. Keep it simple and self-serve so your hosting duties are easy.
Set up a pretty buffet of cookies and candy plus coffee, hot tea, hot cocoa, and other holiday favorites.
A few party games, caroling, a holiday movie, or a visit from Santa can keep the kids occupied while their creations dry. Make sure to have some paper bags, tin containers, Asian take-out boxes, or foil wrap available so guests can pack up their cookies to take home after the party.
Have plenty of supplies available for guests to take their cookies home after the party.
Your little angel will love leaving his personal cookie creation for Santa, sure to become a holiday tradition at your house!