Keeping Children Happy at Christmas: Rich Tea Biscuits with Cinnamon Sugar Icing

Christmas is a magical time for families, but let’s be honest—keeping children entertained and happy amidst the festive chaos can be a challenge. 

Enter the humble rich tea biscuit and a touch of homemade cinnamon sugar icing. This simple yet delightful activity and treat will engage little ones and add a festive sparkle to your holiday celebrations.

The Beauty of Rich Tea Biscuits

Rich tea biscuits are the unsung heroes of the biscuit world. They’re versatile, not overly sweet, and have a sturdy texture that makes them perfect for decorating.

Whether you're working with toddlers or school-aged children, these biscuits are an ideal blank canvas for festive creativity. (Other suitable flat biscuits can be pressed into service if rich tea biscuits aren't available.)

Why Cinnamon Sugar Icing?

Adding a festive twist to the icing with cinnamon not only enhances the flavour but also fills the air with the cosy scent of Christmas. The subtle spice pairs perfectly with the simplicity of rich tea biscuits, creating a treat that’s as pleasing to adults as it is to children.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy activity:

For the biscuits:

A pack of rich tea biscuits (or several if you’re hosting a crowd!)

For the cinnamon sugar icing:

200g icing sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)

A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)

Optional decorations:

Sprinkles

Edible glitter

Mini marshmallows

Chocolate chips

How to Make It

Prepare the Icing:

In a medium bowl, mix the icing sugar and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth, spreadable consistency. If desired, add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Set Up the Decorating Station:

Lay out the rich tea biscuits on a tray or a clean surface. Place the icing in small bowls and provide a selection of decorations in separate dishes. Make sure each child has their own spoon or small spatula to spread the icing.

Get Decorating:

Let the children spread the cinnamon sugar icing onto the biscuits. Encourage them to get creative with sprinkles, marshmallows, and other decorations. This is their moment to shine, so don’t worry about perfection!

Allow to Set:

Once decorated, place the biscuits on a baking sheet or cooling rack to allow the icing to set. This will take about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Enjoy the Fruits of Their Labour:

Serve the biscuits with a cup of warm milk or hot chocolate, and watch as the children beam with pride at their creations.

The Benefits of This Activity

Keeps Children Engaged: The decorating process is fun, hands-on, and keeps little hands busy.

Encourages Creativity: Kids can express themselves through their choice of decorations and designs.

Creates Festive Memories: This activity is a wonderful way to spend quality time together during the holidays.

Easy Cleanup: Since the icing is thick and the biscuits don’t crumble excessively, the mess is minimal compared to more elaborate baking projects.

A Christmas Tradition in the Making

Rich tea biscuits with cinnamon sugar icing might just become a new Christmas tradition in your household. They’re easy to make, delightful to decorate, and delicious to eat. Plus, this activity provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding and laughter, which is the true magic of the festive season.

So this Christmas, stock up on rich tea biscuits and let the cinnamon-infused fun begin. Your children—and your taste buds—will thank you!

The person who taught me this idea? My own mother who used this simple trick to keep us occupied whilst she was busy with other Christmas tasks.

A Sweet Slice of Christmas: The British Love Affair with Assorted Biscuit Boxes

Christmas in Britain is a time of cherished traditions: decorating the tree, singing carols, pulling crackers at the dinner table. And, of course, indulging in a box of assorted biscuits. 

For many families, the arrival of a decorative tin or box filled with a variety of sweet treats marks the start of the festive season. But how did this tradition come to be, and why is it so beloved?

A Timeless Tradition

The tradition of buying a special box of biscuits for Christmas can be traced back to the Victorian era, when advancements in food production and packaging made it possible to produce biscuits in bulk. Companies like Huntley & Palmers and McVitie’s began marketing beautifully designed tins filled with an assortment of biscuits, making them ideal for gifting or sharing during festive gatherings.

Over the years, this tradition has become a quintessential part of British Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s a selection from Marks & Spencer, the ever-popular McVitie’s Family Circle, or a luxury tin from Fortnum & Mason, there’s a box to suit every taste and budget.

Why We Love Them

Something for Everyone:

Assorted biscuit boxes cater to a variety of tastes. From buttery shortbread and chocolate-coated digestives to jam-filled Viennese whirls and crunchy ginger snaps, there’s a biscuit for every family member to enjoy.

Perfect for Sharing:

Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, and nothing brings people together like a box of biscuits on the coffee table. They’re perfect for dipping into during a cosy afternoon with tea or as a treat after a festive meal.

A Nostalgic Indulgence:

For many, the sight of a biscuit tin evokes fond memories of childhood Christmases, when opening the box felt like uncovering a treasure trove of sweet delights. Even the sound of the tin lid being removed can bring a rush of nostalgia.

Beautiful Presentation:

Many biscuit tins are designed with festive motifs, making them as much a decoration as a snack. Some families even repurpose the empty tins for storage, keeping the Christmas spirit alive all year round.

Making It Your Own

While store-bought boxes are a classic choice, some families have turned this tradition into a homemade affair. Creating your own biscuit selection allows you to customise the treats to suit your family’s preferences and add a personal touch. Popular choices include gingerbread, shortbread, and festive spiced cookies.

The Debate: Biscuit Hierarchy

No discussion of Christmas biscuit boxes is complete without mentioning the playful debates they spark. Every family has their own "biscuit hierarchy," with certain favourites disappearing first while others linger at the bottom of the tin (looking at you, plain rich tea!). These debates are all part of the fun and add to the charm of this tradition.

The Future of the Biscuit Box Tradition

In recent years, the tradition has evolved to accommodate modern tastes and dietary preferences. Gluten-free, vegan, and artisanal options are becoming more common, ensuring that everyone can partake in this festive custom.

A Sweet Celebration

The humble biscuit box may seem like a small thing, but it represents so much more: family togetherness, nostalgia, and the joy of simple pleasures. So this Christmas, as you open that treasured tin or box, take a moment to savour not just the biscuits, but the memories and traditions they embody.

What’s your favourite biscuit in the Christmas assortment? Share your thoughts below—just don’t start a fight over the last chocolate digestive!