A great way to keep the kids busy and give them a sweet treat during the Christmas season is to let them make their own edible Christmas crafts. If you’re planning a Christmas party or have a child with a December birthday each of these edible Christmas crafts also make awesome make and take party favors. Edible Christmas crafts can also be used as Christmas tree decorations or table decorations for your holiday dinner. However you decide to use them they are sure to be a big hit with kids and adults alike.
Edible Candy Wreath These cute wreaths are made of Lifesaver candies and look great hanging from a Christmas tree.
Supplies Needed:
Cookie sheet
Parchment paper
Green lifesavers or round peppermint candies
Thin red rope licorice
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
2. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the cookie sheet.
3. Place Lifesavers next to each other in a circle shape. Make sure the sides are touching. To make it easier for younger children you can use a pencil to draw a circle shape on the parchment paper to help them with placing their Lifesavers candy.
4. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and allow the candies to start to melt together, usually about 5 minutes. Since ovens to vary make sure and check frequently.
5. Tie the licorice pieces in a bow and place on the candy wreath before it starts to harden.
6. After the candy wreath has cooled completely it can be hung from the Christmas tree or wrapped in cellophane to be given as a favor.
Graham Cracker Faux Gingerbread Houses Fun to make and to eat these yummy gingerbread houses are a favorite with kids.
Supplies Needed:
White frosting
Paper plates
Graham crackers
Popsicle sticks
Assorted small candies such as M&M’s, Skittles, gumdrops and small candy canes
Directions:
1. Set out all supplies and give each child a paper plate and a small bowl of frosting.
2. Have children build a house structure with their graham cracker pieces using Popsicle sticks to apply frosting to “cement” the pieces together.
3.Once the house is standing children can cover it with frosting and decorate with candy.
4. Use the faux gingerbread houses as a display or wrap in cellophane to send home as a party favor.
Gumdrop Christmas Tree’s This cute edible Christmas craft looks just like a real tree decorated with colorful lights. They make great table decorations or party favors.
Supplies Needed:
White frosting
Green food coloring
Sugar cones
Gumdrops
Paper plates
Directions:
1. Mix the green food coloring with the frosting.
2. Invert the sugar cone and place on top of a paper plate.
3. Spread green frosting over the entire sugar cone.
4. While the frosting is still sticky place colored gumdrops all over the cone.
5. These can be used as table decorations for a holiday party or wrapped in cellophane and sent home as a party favor.
Edible Stained Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments These beautiful candy ornaments look just like stain glass and make a great addition to your Christmas tree decorations.
Supplies Needed:
Cookie sheet
Parchment paper
Cooking spray
Jolly Rancher candy
Ribbon
Metal cookie cutters
Toothpicks
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Unwrap all of the Jolly Rancher candies.
3. Place a piece of parchment paper on the cookie sheet.
4. Lightly spray the parchment paper and cookie cutters with cooking spray.
5. Place the cookie cutters on the parchment paper and fill with a single layer of Jolly Rancher candy. You may need to break some of the candies into smaller pieces so they will fit better.
6. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and allow the candy to melt. Usually about 6-9 minutes.
7. Once the candy has melted remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
8. Stick a toothpick close to the top of each ornament to make a hole for hanging.
9. After the candy has cooled completely (about 30-45 minutes) gently pull the cookie cutters so that the candy ornaments come off.
10. Finish by stringing with ribbon and hang on the Christmas tree.
Source: Personal Experience