Last year, I received a request for a reindeer-in-a-cup snack activity and wondered how I had overlooked that amazing idea. So, I got busy creating this yummy reindeer activity that will be so much fun for you and your students to make together!
Before doing this reindeer activity and snack in class, I send out a donation request to families. Even if you don’t get everything you need, this snack is doable under a tight budget.
Before making the snack, we review the ingredients and encourage predictions. We also engage in some math exercises involving prediction, surveys, and graphs. I always distribute these worksheets beforehand, and we make our predictions before beginning the recipe together.
Then, I provide my students with a mini booklet containing step-by-step instructions for making the snack. While I dismiss one table at a time for handwashing, they familiarize themselves with the booklet’s contents. At the front of the room, I have all the necessary ingredients, supplies, and the recipe laid out and ready to go.
Reindeer in a Cup Recipe
This reindeer activity is similar to the Monster in a Cup snack activity because the students will design the reindeer’s eyes and add a red circle sticker for the nose before making the snack.
Then, we move on to the mixing phase. I invite a few students at a time to participate. The filling is made from chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and milk.
While the pudding sets, students create their own cookie crumbs for the reindeer’s collar. They achieve this by crushing some Golden Oreos – this part of the activity they really enjoy! This will go at the bottom of their cup.
After the pudding mixture has set, it’s time to assemble the Reindeer in a Cup snack. The bottom layer consists of the cookie mixture, and the pudding is the top layer. We top the reindeer with two pretzel twists to make the antlers.
Reindeer in a Cup Extension Activities
Upon completing this reindeer treat, there are several extension activities to explore. Students can craft their own ”Reindeer in a Cup” creation. We usually display these crafts and create a large graph on my door, using provided posters for them to indicate whether they liked the treat with a “yes” or “no.” We also revisit the prediction, survey, and graphing activities after finishing the snack. This activity also has bonus reindeer headbands.
For further learning, there are sequencing activities to challenge students’ recall of the steps, with the mini booklet serving as a helpful reference. Additionally, there are various writing extensions to complete.
Here is what a few buyers had to say about Reindeer in a Cup:
“My students loved this snack activity for our holiday party!!!! It was so much fun and exciting for them to help me make a cool snack!”
“This was the perfect activity to end my Reindeer Week! I love that this wasn’t just an activity, but tied to so many learning experiences. The recipe was also delicious!”
“I homeschool and did this recipe with my daughter right before winter break. I really like that there is a booklet with pictures of what to do included so she could follow along with me and let me know what came next. She loved the recipe! She’s been requesting that we make it again!”
Additional Reindeer Activity
In addition to Reindeer in a Cup, we also delve into our nonfiction unit on Reindeer. Or plan a fun Reindeer Theme Day with your students!
More Snack in a Cup Activities
This activity is part of a comprehensive Snack in a Cup Bundle of activities to prepare throughout the year. Read more about my snack in a cup activities here on my blog:
