Creative Columbus Day Baking Adventures!

1 day ago
2 min read

Columbus Day is all about exploration, discovery, and setting sail into new worlds—and what better way to celebrate than by exploring with your taste buds? This year, invite your kids into the kitchen for some fun, hands-on baking adventures inspired by ships, maps, and the excitement of discovery. Not only will kids learn new skills, but they’ll also use their imaginations as they create themed treats that celebrate the spirit of exploration!

1. Sailboat Sugar Cookies

Cut out cookie dough in the shape of simple sailboats (triangles for sails and half moons for boats work perfectly!). Once baked, let the kids decorate them with colorful royal icing—think blue waves, red sails, or even golden “treasure” details with sprinkles. These cookies double as a sweet art project and a tasty snack.

Colorful sailboat illustration with a red and polka-dotted white sail, blue base, surrounded by stars and dots on a beige background. Fun and vibrant. — *Cut, bake, and decorate sailboats with bright icing + sprinkles.*

2. “Treasure Map” Brownies

Start with a tray of fudgy brownies as your base “parchment.” Spread a thin layer of light brown frosting or peanut butter frosting over the top, then let kids use icing tubes to draw their own treasure maps. Add candy “X” marks for the treasure, gummy fish for oceans, and pretzel stick “boats” for extra fun.

Brownie with a treasure map design in icing: a yellow flag, dotted path, red X, boat, blue waves. Beige background, playful mood. — *Top brownies with tan frosting or peanut butter & draw edible maps! Add candy “X marks the spot” + pretzel stick boats.*

3. Compass Cupcakes

Turn plain cupcakes into edible compasses! Frost them with white icing, then add black licorice or chocolate lines to form the compass cross. Use colored candies (like red M&Ms) for the “N” direction. These little compasses are a sweet way to guide your explorers toward dessert.

Chocolate cupcake with white icing, topped with a black asterisk pattern and a red dot. Placed on a beige background. — *Frost white + add licorice/chocolate lines. Use a red candy for “N”!*

4. Edible “Gold Coins”

Melt chocolate and pour it into round molds (or even mini muffin liners) to create your own “treasure coins.” Wrap them in gold foil if you’d like, or let kids decorate with edible glitter. These coins can be hidden around the house for a mini “treasure hunt” before everyone enjoys their chocolatey reward.

Round chocolate cookies on parchment paper, some topped with gold glitter and gold foil, creating a festive and luxurious feel. — *Melt chocolate into circles & add edible glitter.*

5. Discovery-Themed Cupcake Toppers

If you’re short on time, bake your favorite cupcakes and let the kids craft toppers. Ships, globes, and little explorer hats can be made from paper, toothpicks, and markers. Pop them into the cupcakes for a quick themed finish! Or, buy these Explore the Globe Cupcake Toppers on Amazon!

Three colorful cupcakes with sprinkles on pink background, topped with cartoon toppers: ship, globe, and hat. Text: itty bitty bakers. — *No time? Bake cupcakes & add paper ship, globe, or explorer-hat toppers.*

By combining baking with creativity, Columbus Day can become a playful holiday full of new discoveries right in your own kitchen. These recipes are easy for kids to help with, and they make wonderful treats to share with family and friends.

So grab your aprons, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to set sail on a delicious adventure!

✨ Bonus Tip for Parents: Turn the day into a learning opportunity! While the treats are in the oven, talk with your kids about explorers throughout history and how baking connects us to cultures around the world.