Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids

/ Mary, Mother of the Light Academy/

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks, and enjoy delicious food. For preschoolers, it’s also a chance to learn about gratitude and the joy of helping others.

Inviting your little ones into the kitchen to help prepare Thanksgiving treats is a wonderful way to bond and teach valuable lessons. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of simple, kid-friendly recipes perfect for tiny hands and big hearts.

1. Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups

These no-bake treats are a fun twist on the classic Thanksgiving dessert.

Ingredients:

  • Mini graham cracker pie crusts (store-bought)

  • Canned pumpkin pie filling

  • Whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. Let your little one spoon the pumpkin pie filling into the mini crusts.

  2. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

  3. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

This quick recipe allows kids to enjoy creating a dessert that looks and tastes like the real deal!

2. Turkey Sandwich Roll-Ups

Turn lunch into a festive Thanksgiving-themed snack.

Ingredients:

  • Tortilla wraps

  • Sliced turkey

  • Cream cheese

  • Baby spinach

Instructions:

  1. Spread cream cheese on a tortilla.

  2. Layer sliced turkey and spinach on top.

  3. Roll it up tightly and slice into pinwheels.

Kids will love helping to spread, layer, and roll the tortillas into fun, bite-sized pieces.

3. Pilgrim Hat Cookies

A sweet and easy treat that’s perfect for preschoolers to assemble.

Ingredients:

  • Chocolate wafer cookies

  • Mini peanut butter cups

  • Yellow icing or decorating gel

Instructions:

  1. Place a small dot of yellow icing in the center of a wafer cookie.

  2. Press a mini peanut butter cup (upside down) onto the icing.

  3. Use the icing to add a buckle to the “hat.”

These adorable cookies will be the highlight of any dessert table!

4. Apple “Turkey” Snacks

Turn a healthy snack into a fun Thanksgiving activity.

Ingredients:

  • Apple slices

  • Peanut butter or cream cheese

  • Pretzel sticks

  • Raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions:

  1. Arrange apple slices in a fan shape to resemble turkey feathers.

  2. Use a pretzel stick as the “body.”

  3. Add a dollop of peanut butter or cream cheese to stick raisins on as “eyes.”

This snack is as cute as it is nutritious!

5. Thankful Trail Mix

Make a snack that sparks conversation about gratitude.

Ingredients:

  • Pretzels

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Raisins

  • Chocolate chips

  • Cereal pieces (like Cheerios)

Instructions:

  1. Let your preschooler measure and pour each ingredient into a bowl.

  2. Mix it all together.

  3. Share the trail mix while talking about what you’re thankful for.

This simple activity teaches measuring skills and encourages meaningful conversations.

Getting preschoolers involved in Thanksgiving cooking is about more than preparing food—it’s about building memories, teaching teamwork, and fostering gratitude. While the recipes may be simple, the joy of creating something together will leave a lasting impression.