Four Easy Holiday Cookies You and Your Kids Can Bake Today

Christmas shopping, decorating, wrapping presents, preparing the house for guests, cooking meals, and then ... there are the cookies!  

We can't forget about the cookies. After all, what would Santa say?  

We are always searching for shortcuts and finding easy cookie recipes is no exception. We're not ashamed to mix in some store-bought with some semi-homemade and call it a day!

Here are four quick and easy cookie recipes to make sure the 'big man in red' leaves your home with a happy "Ho Ho Ho!" 

No-Bake Holiday Protein Bites

Kelly Pramberger

No-bake protein bites give you energy during this busy time of year!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 scoops of your favorite chocolate protein powder
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and then use your hands to roll into balls
• Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and put in the freezer for at least two hours to chill
• Take them out and make them look fancy by arranging them in a festive tin
• Enjoy with a cold glass of milk

Doctored-Up Ready-to-Bake Cookie Dough

Charlotte Linde, Macaroni Kid EATS editor

I know I know... some people think using store bought dough is cheating. Well, I don't think it is, if you add your own touches! Pillsbury came out with a "simply" line that is fantastic. No artificial ingredients and no preservatives.

Here is what I used in the picture to look festive for the holidays... but you can use your own favorites!

Ingredients:

• Roll of ready-to-bake cookies (I used the chocolate chip ones)
• Pepita seeds (pumpkin seeds)
• Dried cranberries

Directions:

• Follow directions on the back of the cookie package, add toppings, and bake!  

3 Ingredient Wintertime Cookies

Kelly Pramberger

These super simple cookies will leave your kitchen smelling like a bakery. They look like they're dusted with snow, thanks to the powdered sugar -- the perfect addition to your winter fun!

Ingredients:

• 1 tub of whipped topping
• 1 egg
• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1 bowl of powdered sugar

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• In a mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping, the egg, and the box of cake mix, using a large spoon
• By the spoonful, roll the dough into the powdered sugar and then place on a cookie sheet.
• Place the cookies in the heated oven and bake for 12 minutes
• Let cool before storing and eating

Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Charlotte Linde, Macaroni Kid EATS editor

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chunky or creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Cream peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until light and fluffy
• Add oats and baking soda to bowl and mix until well combined
• Drop by using a small ice cream scoop 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets
• Flatten lightly
• Bake for about 7 minutes 
• Cool on wire rack

Hope these easy cookie recipes are a hit in your kitchen!