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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.