11 Teacher Appreciation Treats From Your Family Kitchen for Back to School

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat that is beloved by many, making them the perfect way to show appreciation for teachers. Soft, chewy, and bursting with gooey chocolate chips, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring that your effort to recognize the hard work and dedication of educators is both meaningful and enjoyable.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Brownie Bites

Brownie bites are a fudgy, rich treat that delight chocolate lovers everywhere. Individually-sized and perfectly portioned, these bite-sized brownies are ideal for showing appreciation to teachers for their hard work. Whether enjoyed in the classroom or brought home, they are sure to bring smiles and comfort to anyone who savors them.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Melt the butter in a large bowl, then stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Fill the mini muffin tin cups with the brownie batter.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring the brownie bites to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a bright and zesty dessert that combine a buttery crust with a tart lemon filling, making them a perfect treat to show appreciation to teachers. Their invigorating flavor and sweet-tart balance are sure to please anyone who enjoys a citrusy dessert. These bars are easy to cut into squares, making them a convenient snack for sharing.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and flour until crumbly; press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven; bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares. Enjoy!

4. Mini Cupcakes

Mini cupcakes are a delightful and versatile treat that are perfect for teacher appreciation events. These bite-sized cakes are not only cute but can be customized with various flavors and frostings, making them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you opt for classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or a fun theme, mini cupcakes are an easy and charming way to say thank you to the incredible teachers in your life.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake pan with mini cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fill each mini cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before frosting as desired. Enjoy!

5. Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple cinnamon muffins are a delicious and comforting treat perfect for showing appreciation to teachers. These muffins combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with warm cinnamon, creating a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. They are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, making them an ideal gift for teachers who deserve a tasty treat.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just blended. Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!

6. Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a classic no-bake dessert that brings a nostalgic crunch to the table. These sweet and chewy squares are made with just a few simple ingredients: crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter. They are perfect for gifting to teachers, as they are quick to make and sure to bring a smile with their delightful taste and texture.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
4. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until well coated.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan and press it down firmly.
6. Allow to cool at room temperature before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

7. Savory Cheddar Biscuits

Savory Cheddar Biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with a buttery, flaky biscuit texture. These biscuits make for a perfect snack or accompaniment to a meal, and they can be easily packaged for a thoughtful gift for teachers who appreciate a homemade, savory snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper (if using).
5. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy your savory biscuits!

8. Granola Bars

Granola Bars are a wholesome and nutritious snack that are perfect for busy teachers needing a quick energy boost during the school day. These homemade bars are packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, making them a delicious and customizable treat. Plus, they can easily be made in advance and wrapped up for a thoughtful gift to show appreciation for all their hard work.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter until smooth and well-combined.
4. Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients, along with vanilla extract, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s compact.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy your homemade granola bars!

9. Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic treat that embody the perfect combination of nutty flavor and chewy texture, making them a delightful snack for teachers. These cookies are simple to make and require just a handful of ingredients, allowing them to be whipped up quickly in the kitchen. Wrapped in a cute bag or box, they make a thoughtful gift to express gratitude for educators’ hard work and dedication.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, blend the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
5. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing them slightly to flatten.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
7. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter cookies!

10. Fruit and Nut Trail Mix

Fruit and Nut Trail Mix is a healthy and energizing snack that’s perfect for showing appreciation to teachers. This mix combines a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, providing a flavorful and nutritious boost to keep teachers fueled during their busy days. Easy to customize, you can add your favorite ingredients to create a personalized treat that expresses gratitude for their hard work.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.
2. Gently toss the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Store the trail mix in airtight containers or bags for easy gifting.
4. Optionally, you can package them in cute bags or jars with labels for a personal touch. Enjoy sharing this thoughtful treat with the teachers!

11. Decorated Sugar Cookies

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Roll the dough into balls or flatten to cut into shapes, then place on baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and food coloring as desired. Package beautifully to gift to your favorite teachers!