As the school year begins, it’s time to think about fun and nutritious snacks that can help keep kids energized and excited. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or preparing after-school snacks, having a variety of treats on hand can make all the difference. Here are 15 delicious and easy-to-make back-to-school treats that will have your kids looking forward to snack time every day.
Sweet Treats
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Classic Favorite
There’s nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. This classic treat is always a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect option for back-to-school snacks. The combination of chewy cookie dough and melty chocolate chips is irresistible.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.
- Method: Cream together the butter and sugars, then add the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions: Pack a couple of cookies in your child’s lunchbox or serve them with a glass of milk as an after-school treat.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Sweet and Salty Perfection
Peanut butter blossoms are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. These chocolate-covered peanut butter cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The iconic Hershey’s Kiss on top makes them even more special.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, flour, baking soda, salt, and Hershey’s Kisses.
- Method: Mix the peanut butter, sugars, and egg until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and shape the dough into balls. Roll in sugar and bake until set. Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are great for sharing with classmates or enjoying at home.
- Oreo Truffles: A Decadent and Easy Treat
Oreo truffles are a decadent treat that requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort. These rich and creamy bites are made with crushed Oreos and cream cheese, then dipped in chocolate for an indulgent finish.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate chips.
- Method: Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs and mix with softened cream cheese. Shape the mixture into balls and refrigerate until firm. Dip each ball in melted chocolate and let them set on a parchment-lined tray.
Serving Suggestions: Store in the refrigerator for a cool, creamy treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
- Rice Krispies Treats: A Chewy and Crispy Snack
Rice Krispies treats are a chewy and crispy snack that kids love. They’re quick and easy to make, requiring just three ingredients: butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal.
- Method: Melt the butter in a large pot, then add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies until fully coated. Press the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions: These treats are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or serving at after-school gatherings.
- Homemade Fruit Leather: A Healthy and Delicious Treat
Homemade fruit leather is a healthy alternative to store-bought fruit snacks. Made with real fruit and no added sugars, it’s a treat you can feel good about giving to your kids.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, apples, or peaches), honey or maple syrup (optional).
- Method: Puree the fruit in a blender until smooth. If desired, sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Spread the puree onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until the fruit leather is dry and pliable. Cut into strips and roll up in parchment paper.
Serving Suggestions: Pack fruit leather in lunchboxes or keep it on hand for a quick and healthy snack.
- Apple Cider Donuts: A Fall-Inspired Treat
Apple cider donuts are a delicious fall-inspired treat that’s perfect for the start of the school year. These spiced donuts are made with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar, making them a cozy and comforting snack.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Apple cider, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and butter.
- Method: Reduce the apple cider to concentrate its flavor, then mix with the other ingredients to form a dough. Shape the dough into donuts and fry until golden brown. Toss the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these donuts warm with a cup of apple cider or pack them as a special treat in your child’s lunchbox.
Savory Treats
- Cheese Sticks: A Simple and Satisfying Snack
Cheese sticks are a simple yet satisfying snack that’s easy to pack and perfect for school. Whether you opt for string cheese or homemade baked cheese sticks, this treat provides a good source of protein and calcium.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese (for string cheese) or a combination of cheese, flour, and breadcrumbs (for baked cheese sticks).
- Method: For string cheese, simply peel and pack. For baked cheese sticks, coat slices of cheese in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then bake until crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Pair cheese sticks with crackers or fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
- Pretzel Bites: A Crunchy and Salty Snack
Pretzel bites are a crunchy and salty snack that’s perfect for sharing. These bite-sized pretzels are easy to make at home and can be customized with different toppings like sea salt, sesame seeds, or cheese.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and baking soda.
- Method: Mix the dough ingredients and let it rise. Shape the dough into small balls, boil briefly in a baking soda solution, then bake until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions: Serve pretzel bites with a side of mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.
- Vegetable Chips: A Healthy Alternative to Potato Chips
Vegetable chips are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional potato chips. You can make them with a variety of vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or kale, and they’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, olive oil, and salt.
- Method: Thinly slice the vegetables and toss with olive oil and salt. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crisp.
Serving Suggestions: Pack vegetable chips in snack bags for a crunchy, healthy treat.
- Homemade Granola Bars: Nutritious and Satisfying
Homemade granola bars are a nutritious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for on-the-go. They’re easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and peanut butter.
- Method: Mix the oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a large bowl. In a saucepan, melt the peanut butter with honey or maple syrup, then pour over the oat mixture. Press into a baking dish and refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars.
Serving Suggestions: These granola bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Other Treats
- Popcorn: A Classic Snack with Endless Possibilities
Popcorn is a classic snack that’s easy to customize with different flavors. Whether you prefer it sweet, salty, or savory, popcorn is a fun and versatile treat.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Popcorn kernels, oil or butter, and your choice of seasonings.
- Method: Pop the kernels in a pot with oil or in an air popper. Toss with melted butter and seasonings like salt, cinnamon sugar, or Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions: Pack popcorn in snack bags or serve in a bowl for a movie night treat.
- Trail Mix: A Healthy and Satisfying Mix
Trail mix is a healthy and satisfying snack that’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It’s perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on the go.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips or pretzels.
- Method: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions: Pack trail mix in snack bags for a convenient and nutritious snack.
- Homemade Energy Balls: Portable and Nutritious
Homemade energy balls are a portable and nutritious snack that’s perfect for kids. Made with ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these bites are both filling and delicious.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
- Method: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, then shape the mixture into small balls. Refrigerate until firm.
Serving Suggestions: Pack energy balls in lunchboxes or keep them on hand for a quick after-school snack.
- Fruit Skewers: A Colorful and Healthy Snack
Fruit skewers are a colorful and healthy snack that’s fun for kids to eat. Simply thread pieces of fresh fruit onto skewers for a snack that’s both visually appealing and nutritious.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: A variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapple, and blueberries.
- Method: Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Thread the fruit onto wooden or reusable skewers, alternating colors and textures for a vibrant presentation.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the fruit skewers as an after-school snack or include them in a lunchbox for a fun, healthy treat.
- Yogurt Parfaits: A Nutritious and Customizable Snack
Yogurt parfaits are a nutritious and satisfying snack that’s easy to customize. Layering yogurt with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey makes for a tasty and balanced treat that can double as breakfast or a snack.
Recipe Overview:
- Ingredients: Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, granola, honey, and optional toppings like nuts or seeds.
- Method: In a glass or jar, layer the yogurt, fruit, and granola. Drizzle with honey and add any additional toppings you like.
Serving Suggestions: Prepare the parfaits in individual containers for a grab-and-go snack or breakfast. You can also pack the components separately to keep the granola crunchy.
Conclusion
These 15 back-to-school treats offer a variety of sweet, savory, and nutritious options that are sure to please kids and keep them energized throughout the day. From classic favorites like chocolate chip cookies to healthy choices like homemade fruit leather and yogurt parfaits, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or preparing an after-school snack, these treats are easy to make and perfect for celebrating the start of a new school year.