Holiday Cookie Decorating With Kids (A Nanny-Friendly Tutorial)

Holiday cookie decorating with kids is one of the easiest ways to make a regular day feel special—without planning a huge activity or making a big mess. This tutorial is designed for nannies and caregivers who want a fun, structured, kid-friendly baking project that actually stays manageable.

You can make this as simple as you want. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a sweet memory.

Watch the Tutorial

Video credit: Kaitlyn Taylor on YouTube

Before You Start: A Quick Safety Check

Before baking, confirm any food allergies with parents, check that candy decorations are age-appropriate (avoid choking hazards for toddlers), and plan close supervision around the oven and hot trays. Wash hands, tie back hair, and set clear expectations: we decorate first, then we eat.

What You'll Need

Option A: Easiest (Great for busy days)

• Store-bought refrigerated sugar cookie dough or pre-baked plain sugar cookies

• Holiday sprinkles + simple decorations

• Icing (store-bought works perfectly)

Option B: Classic Cut-Out Cookies

• Sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters

• Baking sheet + parchment paper

  
  

Decorating Supplies (for either option)

• Icing (tubes are the least messy)

• Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, small candies

• A few small bowls or muffin tin (to sort toppings)

• Napkins or wipes for quick cleanup

Step-by-Step: Holiday Cookie Decorating with Kids

Step 1: Set up your decorating station first

This is the biggest "nanny hack." Before you bake, set the decorating area so kids aren't waiting (and getting restless).

Set out:

• A tray or placemat for each child

• One small bowl of icing (or a tube)

• A few toppings in small bowls

• A damp paper towel or wipe nearby

Step 2: Bake your cookies

Follow the package directions (or your recipe). If you're using cut-out dough, roll it out, cut your shapes, and bake until edges are lightly golden.

Tip: If you want smoother decorating, let cookies cool completely. Warm cookies melt icing and turn decorating into a slip-and-slide.

Step 3: Let the cookies cool completely

Place cookies on a cooling rack or a plate. Use this time for a quick "decorator plan" with kids:

• "Pick your colors."

• "Choose your toppings."

• "Show me your design idea."

Step 4: Decorate!

Start with icing first, then toppings.

Easy decorating method for kids:

• Ice the cookie

• Sprinkle toppings over a tray (so extra falls back onto the tray)

• Add 1–2 "special" details at the end (a candy nose, a sprinkle border, etc.)

Step 5: Let them set (if needed)

If cookies need to travel or be boxed for gifting, let them sit for 10–15 minutes to set. If they're staying home and you're eating them right away, skip this step and dig in!

Nanny Tips to Keep It Calm and Fun

Keep choices simple

Too many toppings can overwhelm kids and create chaos. Offer 3–5 topping options at a time.

Use a tray system

Have each child decorate over a tray or plate. It contains the sprinkles and makes cleanup fast.

Make it feel special without stress

Put on holiday music, let kids "name" their cookie creations, and take a quick photo at the end.

By Age: How Kids Can Help

Toddlers (with close supervision)

• Sprinkle toppings

• Help stir icing (if you use a bowl)

• Place finished cookies on a plate

Preschoolers

• Help roll dough (if making cut-outs)

• Press cookie cutters

• Spread icing with a small spoon

School-age kids

• Measure ingredients (if baking from scratch)

• Pipe icing details

• Create patterns and designs

Easy Cleanup (Fast + Realistic)

• Put toppings back into containers right away

• Wipe hands and faces before kids leave the table

• Toss parchment paper, wipe trays, and you're done

If you want a low-stress finish, end with: "Pick your favorite cookie to eat now—and we'll save the rest."

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Want More Nanny-Friendly Holiday Activities?

Looking for more ideas like this? If you're searching for a caregiver who enjoys hands-on activities, routines, and thoughtful kid engagement, contact us here to find the right fit for your family.