Christmas baking is so much fun and it’s even more fun and messy when we do it with our niños!

There’s nothing like your casa infused with the scents of canela, ginger and laughter!  My boys had so much fun making gingerbread men with me. I have this fabulous soft gingerbread man cookie recipe that I know you will enjoy!

Before we get started here are some tips for baking with kids: I did this with three boys ages 2, 5 and 8, just in case you’re skeptical about baking with little ones, it is possible. I gave them responsibilities based on their age.

• Let them try measuring the ingredients out.
• Let them mix it in the bowl. (Even if it spills out of the bowl)
• Have them wear an apron or shirt you don’t  mind them getting dirty.
• Give them their own ball of dough to play with.
• Find an area where they have space to move.
• Tell yourself “It will get messy and it’s okay.”
• Bake with your kids when you’re not in a hurry, it will take longer.

1. Mix all of the ingredients from your recipe in a bowl preferably a large one (helps prevent flour from spilling out).

2. Once it’s ready to be rolled out give each child a ball of dough for them to flatten out on a floured surface.  Note, army men made it into our dough!  Remember the tip I shared above? Give them each a ball of dough for them to play with.

3. Once it’s nice and flat, not too flat though, have them press the cookie cutter into the dough.

4. Follow baking directions and then have the kids decorate them with their favorite icing and sprinkles.

5. Enjoy!

We love incorporating candy canes in every Christmas project we can.  We tie them on our wreaths and garlands. We use them as walking sticks to adorn our fancy ginger bread men.  We use them as hot chocolate stirrers or bribe our three-year-old son with them to clean up his toys.

My favorite by far, is making these cookies to enjoy Christmas morning.

With a cup of coffee at hand, pajamas on and a big smile on our faces these cookies have become a holiday tradition in our home when unwrapping gifts. Happy holidays! ¡Felices fiestas!

Choco-Mint Christmas Cookies

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup chopped unsweetened chocolate

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup white and peppermint chocolate chunks (if not available, use plain white chocolate )

3 large candy canes, crushed

-In a bain-marie (water bath), combine butter and unsweetened chocolate. Stir until all chocolate chunks and butter have melted.  Remove from heat and transfer chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl.  Add sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until blended.

-In a separate medium bowl, add cocoa, baking powder, flour and salt and whisk until well combined.  Add chocolate mixture and white chocolate and stir until well combined and takes on a fudge consistency.

-Refrigerate mixture at least 2 hours to set.

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking tray with parchment paper or cooking spray.  Roll 1-inch “fudge” balls and place them 2 -3 inches apart.  Bake for 8 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle candy cane bits.   Return to oven for 2 more minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Makes 2 dozen

{All photos courtesy of Ericka Sánchez}