Bond over baking with these simple, cozy recipes perfect for little helpers. (And not to mention delicious!) Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious, sweet breakfast or a fun afternoon snack, you’re set with these 3 fall or Halloween-inspired recipes.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Photo by Julianna Steen

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Recipe by Jennifer Steen

These are my absolute favorite go-to breakfast in the fall. It’s basically like eating an unfrosted cupcake and calling it a “muffin” so you can have it for breakfast, ha! They’re so simple, kids of all ages can help.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of pure pumpkin (15 oz.)
  • 1 spice cake mix
  • White chocolate chips (~half a bag)
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (~half a bag)
  • Optional: 1–2 scoops of unflavored protein powder

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350º. Mix pumpkin and cake mix (and protein powder, if desired) in a mixer until combined. Add both kinds of chocolate chips—the amount is up to you. (I like mine extra chocolatey, so I do about half a bag give or take for each. If you’re more precise, aim for about a cup of each.) Mix until combined. Spray muffin tins with oil so they won’t stick to the pan. Using a large cookie scoop (or a big spoon), scoop the mixture into each muffin tin until it’s about halfway full. Usually, I have enough for about 14 muffins. Cook for 15–17 minutes or until the tips are slightly brown. Take out of the oven and let them cool slightly before inhaling. Delish!

Spider Web Cookies

These easy cookies are the perfect spooky season activity—it’s like a craft and dessert all rolled into one, without a huge mess or a complicated recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package sugar cookie dough
  • 1 cup white icing
  • 24 chocolate chips or chocolate buttons
  • Black decorating gel

Instructions:

Bake cookies according to the package directions; let cool completely. Use white icing to pipe spiderweb designs on each cookie. Add a chocolate button in the center for the spider’s body and draw legs with black decorating gel. (Note: Chocolate buttons will give it a more rounded spidery look, but chocolate chips work fine as well.) Tip: Use candy eyes for an extra-cute spider look!

Magic Wand Pretzels
Photo from Allrecipes.com

Magic Wands

This recipe by Allrecipes.com is simple but so fun! Plus, everyone’s magic wands are bound to turn out fabulous—and delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounce) package pretzel rods
  • 1 (16 ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting
  • ½ cup sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Instructions:

Dip each pretzel rod into frosting, not quite halfway. Roll in sprinkles to coat. Abracadabra, you have a magic wand!

Editor’s Note: You can also use melted white or dark chocolate. And if you get Halloween-colored or styled sprinkles, it will make it an even more magical, spooky treat to eat.