Category - Recipes

Christmas cookies are one of the most delicious parts of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy making them or simply eating them, Christmas is not the same without a treat here and there. Christmas cookie baking can be a monumental task when we are left to our own devices or when we are working with little fingers who want to do it all. We’ve found a way for you to make this endeavor fun for your whole family. 

Click here for Christmas cookie classes and workshops

Click here for Cookies with Santa

Click here for gingerbread-making and decorating events

For more holiday happenings, check our 2019 Christmas & Holiday Guide. It’s chock full of Santa sightings, festivals, theater and musical performances, Christmas lights displays, and Christmas shopping tips.

Christmas Cookie Classes & Workshops

Find classes and spaces where you and your kids can use someone else’s kitchen to create holiday treats. Or, if you’d like to bake in the comfort of home, try this easy sugar cookie recipe. Santa will appreciate your efforts!

Nov 16, 2019: Treat Yourself: Cookie Decorating | Macy’s Ridgedale, Minnetonka
Head out for a day of festive cookie decorating and make your one-of-a-kind cookie. The event is free, but you must RSVP with this link. This event is also offered Dec 4. 12-4 pm.

Nov 29, 2019: Mommy’s Time Off: Christmas Cookies | Kidcreate Studios
Friday is a no-school day! Drop off your young ones (ages 3-9) for a morning of decorating Christmas cookies. The kids get into the spirit of the season and the mess stays out of your house! It’s a win-win for all. 9am-12 pm, $18.50-$37.

Nov 16, 2019: Kids Cook: Food from Arendelle | Cooks of Crocus Hill, St Paul
Make Frozen 2 come to life with this tasty workshop taught by Chef Cynthia.  Bake Speculaas (spiced ginger) cookies, peppermint shortbread cookies and eggnog cakelets. Kids ages 8-12. 10am-12:30pm, $65.

Nov 17, 2019: Teens Cook: Macarons | Cooks of Crocus Hill, St Paul – FULL
Learn the art of the French macaron. Parents, how about having a couple hours to yourself to do a little early Christmas shopping? For ages 12-17. 10am-12:30pm, $65.

Dec 5, 2019: Minneapolis Park & Rec Bake and Take | Morris Rec Center
Parents, bring your preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids into someone else’s kitchen and learn the basics of making batter, baking and decorating cookies. For kids ages 306. Register at Activity #98399. 6-8pm, $8.

Dec 7, 2019: Holiday Cookie Decorating | Way Cook Cooking School, Eden Prairie
Bring your favorite little people ages 3-6 to this cookie-palooza. You will be decorating sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies with icing, sprinkles and love. 10-11:30am, $80. The price is for 1 adult/child pair. Additional child $40.

Dec 8, 2019: Holiday Cookie Bake | Way Cool Cooking School, Eden Prairie
Roll and cut out your favorite sugar cookie and gingerbread cookie shapes then ice and decorate. Dip in chocolate and sip some cocoa. For ages 7-15. This event also takes place Dec 15. 3-5pm, $120. The price is for 1 adult/child pair. Additional child $60.

Dec 23, 2019: Winter Break Cookie Bake | Way Cool Cooking School
Drop the kids off for the morning to create tasty holiday sugar and gingerbread cookies. For ages 7-15. 9am-12pm, $75.

Dec 29, 2019: Winter Wonderland | Way Cool Cooking School
Winter sweets and pasta treats are what you can expect to enjoy in this class for caregivers and their kids ages 3-6. 11am-12:30pm, $80. The price is for 1 adult/child pair. Additional child $60.

Cookies With Santa

Nov 16, 2019: Cookies & Claus | Northtown Mall, Blaine
Decorate cookies with Santa on Arrival Day at the mall. 11am-1pm, FREE.

Dec 6, 2019: Dinner With Mr. & Mrs. Claus | Urban Growler, St. Paul
Pasta dinner, craft, cookie decorating and face painting. Bring your own camera. Cash walk-ins accepted. 5:30-7pm. $5/pp.

Dec 7, 2019: Cookies and Crafts with Santa | Eagle Valley Golf Course, Woodbury
Santa hopes you will join him and a few of his helpers in decorating cookies, making a fun holiday craft and taking pictures. Ages 2+ with an adult. $8/child. Pre-registration required.

Dec 12 & 19, 2019: Milk & Cookies with Santa | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska Nibble on cookies and milk while sharing your wish list with Santa. Make sure to plan a stroll through the Winter Lights Display, too! Advance registration required. 5-8pm. $5 Kids ages 15 and under; $15 gate fee for adults

For our complete guide to Santa sightings: Santa Claus is Coming to Town – 2019

Where to Build & See Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread Wonderland at the Norway House

Nov 16, 2019: Gingerbread House Reveal | Dorothy Ann Bakery, Woodbury
The bakery unveils its annual gingerbread house display. Enjoy Christmas cookies, cider & prizes. If you’d like, you can sign up to decorate your own gingerbread house at the bakery select dates through Dec 21. Sign up at the link here. 1pm, FREE. 

Nov 23, 2019-Dec 5, 2020: Gingerbread Wonderland | Norway House, Minneapolis
Norway House’s annual signature holiday tradition Gingerbread Wonderland returns to the Gallery at Norway House for its 5th anniversary. $5/pp, kids FREE.

Dec 1, 2019:  Gingerbread House Making Day for Families | Norway House
Presented by Concordia Language Villages. 1-2:30pm, $50/family.

Dec 6, 2019: Gingerbread Joy | Lake Nokomis Park, Minneapolis
Make gingerbread cookies from scratch using a homemade recipe. Treats for toppings and boxes will be provided for each child to take their creations home.  5:30-7:30pm, $12.

Dec 7, 2019: Gingerbread House Making | Keewaydin Rec Center, Minneapolis
Celebrate  the season by decorating your own gingerbread house.  The structures will be pre-made so bring your creativity and add all the trimmings. Registration required. 10-11:30am or 12:30-2pm, $10.

Dec 7, 2019: Fuller Annual Gingerbread Adventures | Fuller Park, Minneapolis
Decorate your own gingerbread creation. This event is for all ages or even the whole family. 1-3pm, FREE.

Dec 7, 2019: Gingerbread Farm Event | Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River
Spend time with family and friends while building a gingerbread farm in this two-hour workshop designed for families with kids 6-14. 9 am-11 am, $60/kit, 20% MNHS members