20 Dec Parent Friendly Christmas Eve Treats

If your family observes the tradition of leaving out snacks for Santa Claus, you may have had the experience of wolfing down a plate of cookies and a glass of room-temperature milk after midnight while frantically wrapping the last of the gifts. And maybe that’s not your favorite part of your holiday traditions.

This year make your Christmas Eve a little less frazzled by making Santa’s treat something that you’ll actually enjoy. Here are two suggestions to make that sneaky late-night snack into special moment.

Swap the glass of milk out for a coffee cocktail. Once the kids are in bed you can take a few minutes to put your feet up, enjoy the sight of your twinkle lights, and slowly savor a hot drink. Then, after you’ve had your moment, the caffeine kick will get you through last minute holiday preparations. We especially love the Nose Warmer for its festive blend of flavors, but this link will give you 20 options for coffee-based drinks to choose from.

The Nose Warmer
1/4 oz Vanilla Coffee Liqueur
1/4 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
1/4 oz Orange Liqueur
1/4 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
1/4 oz Dark Creme de Cacao
1 cup Hot Coffee

Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon.

Choose an easy cookie. You need something sweet to go with your drink, so we’re recommending the world’s simplest sugar cookies. First, because they’re buttery and delicious. Second, because they’re super easy to make, meaning minimal stress for you as you guide your little ones through baking and decorating them.

Simple Sugar Cookies
3/4 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Add more flour as needed to form a thick dough. Roll out and cut, then bake at 375 for 6 to 8 minutes.