45 Easy No-Bake Recipes for Kids

Updated on Jul. 03, 2024

Aprons on, everybody! These no-bake recipes for kids will make the whole family happy.

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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we’re celebrating. People can’t believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. ā€”LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota. Learn how to make peanut butter no-bake cookies.

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S'more Pops

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. ā€”Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 pop: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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No-Bake Cereal Cookie Bars

Total Time 25 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We pull out all the goodies for these chewy bars, like raisins and coconut. For more color, sprinkle on the M&M's once the bars are in the pan. Then press them in. —Connie Craig, Lakewood, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 137 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Microwave Egg Sandwich

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! ā€”Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 218 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a fun snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to mix and can be pressed into a pan to form bars, or shaped into balls. ā€”Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 90 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Rice Krispie Cookies

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they’re super easy and fun to mix with the kids. ā€”Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 127 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Fruit Skewers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator: We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Walking Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! ā€”Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
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Frito Candy

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Yep, theyā€™re made with corn chips, but donā€™t let that fool you. These salty sweets were a staple after meetings at the quilt guild I once belonged to. ā€”Carol Tramp, Wynot, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 337 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Kid-Friendly Chili

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This third-generation hearty chili is a family favorite. It's a sweet and easy chili that's sure to warm up the whole family on those chilly fall nights. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 359 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 9g fiber), 30g protein.
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No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprints

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Years ago, a friend gave me a recipe for chocolate peanut treats that didn't require baking. I thought it was a quick and clever way to whip up a batch of sweet snacks without heating up the kitchen, and I started making different variations. This one includes luscious Nutella and crunchy hazelnuts. Yum! ā€”Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 111 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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White Chocolate Chex Mix

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: You won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. ā€”Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 547 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
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Green Flop Jell-O

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! ā€”Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 159 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Mexican Mac and Cheese

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. Thereā€™s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 318 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Creamy Frozen Fruit Cups

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They've been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There's no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 161 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Watermelon Shark

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 32 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Take a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food project. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup (calculated without candies): 129 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1/2 starch.
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Ranch Snack Mix

Total Time 15 min
Servings 32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Hay and Straw

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 410 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Brownie Batter Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Iā€™m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my lifeā€™s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 118 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Strawberry-Peach Milk Shakes

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You'll either need thick drinking straws or spoons to enjoy this refreshing shake that combines two favorite fruitsā€”strawberries and peachesā€”for a thirst-quenching treat. ā€”Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 230 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Hearty Beef Ravioli

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In this fun family-friendly supper, we add our favorite taco toppings to beef ravioli. It's easy for kids to customize their own fixings for a no-fuss meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 375 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
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Rainbow Spritzer

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels

Total Time 10 min
Servings 16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator: I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping too. ā€”Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 246 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 438mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
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Chocolate-Hazelnut Fruit Pizza

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a fun way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. ā€”Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 103 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Sloppy Joes Sandwiches

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Youā€™ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. ā€”Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Chocolaty Chips

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet and salty snack that uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. ā€”Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 140 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Spaghetti Tacos

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My son watches a show where the kids eat spaghetti tacos. As a joke, I made him his own, and now these tacos are here to stay. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 522 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
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Strawberry Watermelon Slush

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I’ve always tried to make cooking funā€”for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. ā€”Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 450 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Candy Craze Ice Cream Sandwiches

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These ice cream sandwiches have a little bit of everything in them to satisfy all your cravings. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 ice cream sandwich: 916 calories, 54g fat (27g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (73g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
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Cherry Pretzel Dessert

Total Time 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Save both time and money with a big batch of this sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy treat. Any dessert that is left over is super the next day, too. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 314 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 388 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
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Peanut Butter Lasagna

Total Time 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this rich dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. ā€”Debbie Price, La Rue, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 365 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Microwave Pickles

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You can enjoy a small batch of these sweet crunchy pickles anytime without the work of traditional canning methods. They're loaded with flavor and so easy to make. —Marie Wladyka, Land O'Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 115 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Strawberry-Citrus Freezer Pops

Total Time 20 min
Servings 10 pops
From the Recipe Creator: I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 pop: 82 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
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Watermelon Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This simple pie is so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn't take much effort. ā€”Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 272 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Cherry No-Bake Cookies

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I always loved my no-bake cookie recipe, but I was never able to place at the fair with it. So I mixed in some maraschino cherries, added almond extract and voila! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2010. ā€”Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 81 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Peanut Butter Milkshake

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Youā€™ve got milk, peanut butter, and probably vanilla ice cream, too. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this peanut butter milkshake recipe in seconds. —Joyce Turley, Slaughters, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 519 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
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Frozen Banana Cereal Pops

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 pops
From the Recipe Creator: When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 pop: 106 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
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Cheesy Quesadillas

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Gooey Caramel-Topped Gingersnaps

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Making these cookies is therapeutic for me. And they are always quite popular at fundraisers. If youā€™d like, you can make variations by using different nuts. ā€”Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 128 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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ABC Cheese Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator: My children like this dip because the seasoning is mild. You can use plain veggie sticks or cut out numbers and letters from the sweet peppers. —Kimberly Miller, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Pizza Wraps

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 wraps
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe features the flavors of your favorite pie but only takes a few minutes to makeā€”and thereā€™s no cooking or baking required. Perfect for when youā€™re rushing to get kids on the bus! —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado

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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. ā€”Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar: 201 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.