Let's be honest - baking with little ones can be equal parts magical and chaotic. There's undeniably something special about teaching little ones to crack eggs and measure flour… And sometimes you just need a win in the kitchen without turning on the oven. 

Enter: no-bake cookies! We can’t get enough of these easy, delicious treats that don’t require any baking. They’re also perfect for the holidays when you want to make memories with your tiny kitchen helpers without spending all day watching the oven. 

Why We Love No-Bake Cookies

When you're juggling sippy cups and breaking up arguments over who gets to lick the spoon, no-bake cookies are your best friend. Beside being delicious, no-bakes are a) quick to make, b) perfect for impatient little ones, and c) ideal for building confidence in the kitchen.

We want to share two of our no-bake cookie recipes that the Urban Infant staff swears by. One for the kiddos and one that's strictly for the grown-ups!

A Kid-Friendly Classic:
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Remember the cookies from your childhood that tasted like a cross between a candy bar and an oatmeal cookie? We found the perfect recipe to re-create them! 

Here is our thinking ....
-Zero oven time 
-No need to get the mixer dirty
-8 simple ingredients you probably already have
-Minimal mess (well, as minimal as possible with kids!)
-Extras can be stored in the freezer 

You really can’t go wrong with chocolate, peanut butter, and oats! Plus there are plenty of easy swaps to make these cookies dairy and gluten-free, which makes them perfect for playdates and holiday gatherings where food sensitivities might be a concern. 

Get the full recipe here.

An Adults-Only Treat: Bourbon Ball Cookies

Once the kids are in bed, it's time for something a little more sophisticated. These southern-inspired no-bake bourbon balls are the perfect grown-up treat! 

Important note: These are definitely not for the kids' cookie jar! Because they aren’t baked, these boozy bites will still contain alcohol and should be kept out of reach of little ones. Take a batch to your next holiday party, give them as gifts to other parents, or save them for the moments you just need something sweet with a little extra kick. 

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
White Corn Syrup
Bourbon
Crushed Vanilla Wafers
Chopped Pecans
Powdered Sugar 

Get the full recipe here. 

Next time you’re contemplating a baking day with your little ones, remember that some of the best holiday baking memories can be made without ever turning on the oven. Happy no-baking!