13 Back-to-School Treats I Make to Survive the First Week Back

There’s always a moment during the first week back when I wonder why we thought everyone was ready for this. The alarms are earlier, the schedules are still being figured out, and by afternoon, everyone is a little tired of being responsible. That’s when I like having something homemade waiting in the kitchen.

The first week of school is always a bit of a blur, so I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite treats that make getting through it a little sweeter.

S’mores Bars

We did not get to the campfire as much as I wanted this summer, so I am bringing the s’mores inside. The graham crust and gooey marshmallow are the perfect welcome home treat to help them decompress after a long day of listening to teachers.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Bars

Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are a little bit of a surprise because of that hidden pocket of creamy pistachio inside. I like to make these for the first week just to do something different, and watching the kids figure out what is in the middle is always the highlight of my Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Raspberry Polenta Muffins

I love the little bit of heartiness the cornmeal gives these. They are not too sweet, so I do not feel bad about the kids grabbing one on the way to soccer practice, and the raspberries are the last little taste of summer.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Polenta Muffins

Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts

I know it feels early for pumpkin, but these are such a fun way to celebrate the start of the season. They come together in minutes, and that hint of fall spice is a great way to signal that school and autumn are finally here.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts

Pear Chocolate Granola Bars

The store-bought bars we used all last year just cannot compete with these. Since I bake them with real pears and good chocolate, I know exactly what the kids are snacking on, and they actually enjoy how chewy and fresh they are.
Get the Recipe: Pear Chocolate Granola Bars

Cosmic Brownies

I remember obsessing over these in the cafeteria when I was a kid, so baking them at home is my favorite way to connect with the kids. That fudgy center and the rainbow chips never fail to get a smile, no matter how long their day was.
Get the Recipe: Cosmic Brownies

4-Ingredient Zebra Cake Balls

I spend Sunday night rolling these out so I can just drop one into their lunchboxes. That little chocolate drizzle makes them look fancy, but to Leo and Lin, they are just the best part of their lunch. You should definitely try this if you want to be the “cool” parent without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Zebra Cake Balls

Banana Nutella Muffins

Swirling chocolate hazelnut spread into banana muffins is my quick way of making the morning rush feel a little more like a treat. They are soft and sweet, reminding me of those easy mornings before the school schedule got hectic.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nutella Muffins

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

I bake these the second the first school bell rings because they are the definition of comfort in a pan. They are soft and chewy, and since I mix everything in one bowl, I am not spending my whole afternoon cleaning up. Give these a try if you need a quick win that everyone will actually eat.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

These are the ones I let Leo and Lin help me roll. They are so simple with only four ingredients, and having them help me make them makes the first week feel more like a team effort and less like a chore. If you have little helpers at home, they will love being in charge of the rolling.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats

When the kids are feeling a little grumpy about the homework load, I pull these out. The extra crunch from the cereal and that white chocolate drizzle make them feel like a bakery find, not just a standard kitchen snack.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rice Krispie Treats

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

The mix of buttery caramel, chocolate, and salty pretzels is exactly what you need after a long first week. It is sweet and crunchy, and you can just break it into pieces and keep a stash in the fridge for whenever you or the kids need a quick reward for surviving the first few days of school.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Homemade Chocolate Brownies

When the afternoon gets hectic, I need a win, and these are it. I load them up with extra chocolate chips so they are warm and gooey the second they come out of the oven. It is the kind of treat that makes everyone stop talking about math problems and just enjoy a quiet moment.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Brownies

Sometimes a little treat is enough to make the first week feel like it went better than it did.