19 Easy Back-to-School Treats Parents Love as Much as Kids

Back-to-school season is busy, and quick treats can make the difference between stress and ease. These 19 recipes are simple enough for hectic weekdays yet fun enough that kids look forward to them. Parents love them just as much because they are easy to make and reliable to pack. As you scroll, expect a mix of comfort, nostalgia, and playful snacks that keep school days running smoother.

Mini Apple Pies

A group of baked mini lattice‑topped apple pies arranged on a baking tin and a plate. — Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini Apple Pies are back-to-school treats that bake in under an hour, making them manageable for busy families. The filling comes together quickly and the handheld size keeps them perfect for lunchboxes. Their cozy flavor brings comfort that parents appreciate while being fun for kids to eat. These pies turn a regular school day into something that feels memorable.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries

The image showcases moist pink dessert bars topped with a creamy glaze and fresh strawberry slices, arranged on a cooling rack with scattered strawberries. — Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries bake in less than 30 minutes, which makes them practical for back-to-school treats. Using frozen fruit keeps the prep simple and consistent throughout the year. The glaze spreads easily and adds a colorful finish that appeals to both parents and kids. These brownies are the kind of snack that stand out in any lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Strawberry Brownies with Frozen Strawberries

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits was the kind of treat both kids and parents could look forward to after school. The biscuits baked in about 20 minutes, with the brown sugar giving them a rich flavor that paired well with fresh strawberries. A quick assembly with whipped cream turned it into single-serve treats perfect for busy weeknights. Bringing it back makes snack time feel as special as grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are back-to-school treats that bake in about 30 minutes. The dough stirs together quickly and the caramel centers set as they cool, making them easy for weeknights. Their special look makes them appealing for parents while still being simple enough for kids. These cookies bring just the right mix of ease and charm to school days.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Peach Crumble Bars

Peach Crumble Bars are reliable back-to-school treats that bake in around 40 minutes. Made with pantry staples and fresh or frozen peaches, they are practical to prep during the week. Their crumb topping makes them sturdy enough to pack into containers without worry. These bars carry a taste of summer into the school routine in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of three lemon bars on a plate with more lemon bars in the background. — Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust bake in about 35 minutes, which keeps them convenient for back-to-school treats. A shortbread base holds up the bright lemon layer and slices easily for packing. They balance refreshing flavor with a practical square shape that both parents and kids appreciate. These bars bring a touch of brightness to otherwise busy afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

A stack of peanut butter oatmeal bars on a piece of paper. — Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars come together in minutes, which makes them perfect as back-to-school treats on hectic days. They need no oven and set quickly, cutting down on cleanup time. Made with pantry basics, they hold well in lunchboxes through the day. These bars tend to disappear fast once backpacks hit the floor.
Get the Recipe: Chewy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies on a cooling rack on a dark surface. — Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies bake in just 12 minutes, keeping them among the fastest back-to-school treats. The one-bowl method saves time and makes cleanup easy. The combination of cranberries and chocolate gives parents and kids a balance of sweet and tart. These cookies make the kitchen feel full of comfort in record time.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies. — Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe bakes in under 15 minutes, making it one of the quickest back-to-school treats you can pull together. The dough stirs with simple ingredients and rolls in cinnamon sugar before baking. Their golden finish is familiar for parents and exciting for kids. These cookies are the kind of treat that make a weekly return to the lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls prep in 20 minutes and bake in under an hour, making them back-to-school treats that work for busy mornings. Fresh apples bring seasonal flavor, and the frosting spreads smoothly once they’re done. Parents love the cozy flavor while kids see them as a sweet change of pace. These rolls can turn an ordinary weekday into something worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits

Golden clementine drop biscuits on a cooling rack. — 25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits. Photo credit: Ruthybelle Recipes.

25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits were a quick way to make back-to-school afternoons feel complete. No kneading or rolling meant the biscuits went from bowl to oven in less than half an hour. The hint of citrus made them bright enough to enjoy on their own, while still pairing well with spreads. Bringing them back keeps snack time easy while still giving families something homemade.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Clementine Drop Biscuits

Wild Blackberry Muffins

Blackberry muffins drizzled with lemon glaze sitting on a gray cooling rack on a dark background. — Wild Blackberry Muffins. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Wild Blackberry Muffins bake in 25 minutes, which makes them practical back-to-school treats for mornings or snacks. Juicy berries bring a burst of flavor while the light glaze adds an extra touch without slowing prep. Their simple portion size makes them easy to pack for kids and parents alike. These muffins bring a bit of excitement to the week’s routine.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blackberry Muffins

Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar bake in just over 20 minutes, making them quick back-to-school treats for any schedule. The dough mixes easily with pantry staples and keeps things straightforward. Their soft centers and crisp edges make them familiar favorites that appeal to all ages. These cookies are the kind of comfort everyone welcomes during the week.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars

Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars are sturdy back-to-school treats that bake in less than 30 minutes. With oats, nuts, and strawberries, they slice easily into bars once cooled. Their portable size makes them useful for lunchboxes while being tasty enough for parents too. These bars are the kind of snack that last through the week without losing appeal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Strawberry rice krispies on a white plate and a white towel. — Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are quick back-to-school treats that need just four ingredients. They set in minutes after a fast stovetop melt and stir. Their fruity flavor and chewy texture make them fun for kids while staying easy for parents. These treats never last long once the backpacks are opened.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Pizza Rolls

Pizza Rolls are quick back-to-school treats that bake in under 20 minutes. Cheese and sauce get wrapped in dough for a simple handheld snack. They’re freezer-friendly, making them practical for parents to prep ahead. These rolls are the kind of treat that rarely leave leftovers behind.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

Mini pumpkin-shaped cheese balls on crackers with pretzel stems. — Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls are playful back-to-school treats that prep in minutes and chill in under an hour. Cream cheese and cheddar form the base while crumbs add texture. Their fun pumpkin shape makes kids reach for them, and parents appreciate the simple prep. These little bites make ordinary days more memorable in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

White Chocolate Party Mix

White Chocolate Party Mix takes only minutes to stir together and chills quickly, making it one of the easiest back-to-school treats. Pretzels, cereal, and candy coat evenly once the chocolate sets. Parents appreciate the convenience while kids love the grab-and-go style. This mix fuels long afternoons without slowing down the day.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles

Four chocolate truffles on a white plate. — Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles chill into bite-sized back-to-school treats that are simple to prepare. About 15 minutes of prep and a short time in the fridge make them a practical choice. The smooth chocolate and peanut butter pairing appeals equally to parents and kids. These truffles make even the busiest afternoon feel a little sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles