Dec 11, 2025

Wheat Scoop: Build a family tradition baking with wheat

Posted Dec 11, 2025 8:45 PM

From KS Wheat

The holiday season is a perfect time to slow down, connect with family and create lasting memories. This year, why not combine the joy of crafting with the warmth of holiday baking? From wheat-based crafts to festive recipes, EatWheat.org has everything you need to make this season special. 

“Holiday craft decorations and shared baking experiences are wonderful ways to connect with loved ones,” said Marsha Boswell, Vice President of Communications for Kansas Wheat. “These activities aren’t just fun; they help build traditions that last a lifetime.” 

Fun Wheat-Based Holiday Crafts 

Get creative and make memories with these simple family-friendly wheat crafts: 

Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments 

Mix flour, salt and water, press in a handprint or footprint, bake until hardened and decorate. These ornaments become treasured keepsakes for years to come. 

DIY Pasta Angel Ornaments 

Use pasta shapes like rotini, penne or farfalle to build tiny angels. Paint or add glitter for a whimsical touch. Perfect for kids and adults alike. 

Dog Biscuit Reindeer Ornaments 

Decorate store-bought dog biscuits with pretzel antlers, candy noses and edible markers. Hang them on the tree and enjoy a treat for your furry friends after the holidays. 

Gingerbread-Style Houses with Wheat Foods 

Use graham crackers or store-bought kits and embellish with wheat-based foods like frosted mini-wheats or pretzel rods. Create edible displays the whole family will enjoy. 

Holiday Recipes from EatWheat.org 

Bring your family together in the kitchen with these festive wheat-based recipes: 

Christmas Tree Cake Balls 

Bite-sized holiday magic. Fun to make, delicious to eat and perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. 

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Rolls 

Cheese-filled rolls arranged in a festive Christmas Tree shape, soft, buttery and fun to pull apart. The perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. 

Homemade Holiday Sugar Cookies 

Cut out fun shapes, bake and decorate with icing for a creative family activity that doubles as a tasty treat. 

Whole Wheat Chocolate Peppermint Drop Cookies 

Delicious cookies with a hint of peppermint made with whole wheat flour for a festive wholesome twist. 

Holiday Crunch Snack Mix 

Whip up this crunchy sweet snack in just 10 minutes using only six ingredients. Perfect for gifting or holiday parties. 

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa Holiday Dip 

A festive appetizer made with cranberry jalapeño salsa over cream cheese, served with assorted crackers. Guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. 

Walnut Biscotti 

Crunchy, sweet and ideal for gifting, enjoying with coffee or adding to a holiday dessert tray. 

For more holiday recipes, explore EatWheat.org’s full recipe library

Why Combine Crafts and Baking 

Combining crafts and baking into your holiday celebrations creates a richer, more meaningful experience. 

  1. Crafts engage hands, hearts and imaginations, providing fun and bonding for all ages. 
  2. Baking fills the home with warmth and delicious aromas, creating comfort and joy. 
  3. Together they connect home, hearth and harvest, a reminder of the origins of our food and the joy of creating something with our own hands. 

This holiday season, make your celebrations about more than decorations and gifts. Make them about creativity, warmth and shared traditions.