Chanukah has a way of pulling everyone into the kitchen. Either because you’re hoping to create a little holiday magic with your kids, or because they show up asking, “Can I help?!” with those eager, flour-covered hands. These sweet, simple treats are perfect for moments just like that.

From dreidel-shaped cookies to quick donuts, mug cakes, and DIY chocolate gelt, each recipe is fun, hands-on, and totally kid-approved. So whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon project or just saying yes to spontaneous kitchen helpers, these Chanukah snacks and desserts will bring big smiles, sticky fingers, and memories that last long after the candles burn down.

1. Dreidel Snowball Cookies by Shoshi and Tzippy Newman

These dreidel cookies are identical to the famous snowball drop cookies that melt in your mouth and are so good! Except that this recipe only calls for three ingredients! So… it’s not the healthiest recipe, but if you’re looking for something fun to make with a friend on a Sunday, or something delish to make for Shabbat, these are not normally insane and they get finished in like 10 seconds flat. No joke. We also sometimes use this recipe for rugelach and those are also super good!

2. Baked Chocolate Donuts by Tamara Friedman

Whip these donuts up in a pinch using just a mixing bowl and spoon! These are moist, airy and full of chocolaty goodness! Ice them with this decadent icing to really take the flavor over the top. A perfect delicious alternative to frying donuts.

3. Chanukah-Themed Sugar Cookies with Edible Paint by Leah Leora

A great activity to do with your children and grandchildren at your Chanukah party.

4. Jelly Doughnut Mug Cake by Sara Goldstein

Jelly Doughnut Mug Cake is a quick and easy single-serve dessert that captures the essence of a classic Chanukah jelly doughnut. Warm, fluffy, and filled with sweet jelly, this mug cake is the perfect treat when you’re craving something festive and indulgent in minutes.

5. Funnel Cakes in a Bag by Rena Tuchinsky

A FUN way to spend time with your family and also make a sweet treat for Chanukah. Kids love being involved, and you’ll have one less dish to clean thanks to mixing everything right in the bag!

6. The 2 Ingredient Donut Hack You Need This Chanukah! by Sara Goldstein

We’re back with another crazy cake mix hack. A little something for those baked donut fans…two-ingredient baked donuts!! They are easy to make and oh-so fluffy. I decorated mine with blue icing and festive sprinkles so even though they’re not fried, they’re still definitely in the festive Chanukah spirit!

7. Spinning Chanukah Dreidel Cookies by Esther Ottensoser

Have a ball rolling and swirling these original and fun Chanukah cookies.

It may take a couple of tries to learn the technique, but once you master it you’ll get a thrill as you roll each cookie and see the swirl you create.

8. Chanukah Gelt Surprise Cookies by Erin Grunstein

Making Chanukah cookies is always fun, but add a surprise in the middle and watch your kids’ faces light up! For more great ideas, watch Just Make It!

9. Chanukah Stained Glass Cookies by PJ Library

A fun and colorful Chanukah cookie activity with beautiful results.   You may also enjoy this classic recipe for Chanukah cookies.

10. Homemade Chocolate Gelt by Rachel Kor

These Homemade Chocolate Gelt coins are a favorite of mine. They are everything I want in a recipe when entertaining. They are super easy, quick, beautiful, delicious, and require no baking. And feel free to make these with your guests too–they are SO much fun to create!

11. Half-Homemade Donut Holes by Rachel Nayman

If you’re always looking for easy food crafts to do with your kids, this is the perfect recipe for you. It couldn’t be simpler, and your kids can get creative with icing and toppings. The sky is the limit!