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Simple Back to School Treats for Open House, First Day, or Just Because
These back to school treats are just what you need to kick off the new school year with a smile!
Whether you’re prepping for a classroom party, packing lunchboxes, or planning snacks for an open house, this list is full of easy, fun, and totally doable ideas.
From sweet, decorated school-themed desserts to savory after-school snack ideas, there’s something here for every student, teacher, or busy parent.
Most of these recipes come together fast—perfect for those first-day jitters or last-minute school events.
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Ruler Rice Krispies Back To School Treats
Ready to make the first day of school a little sweeter? These Ruler Rice Krispies are fun, festive, and oh-so-easy—perfect for open house events, welcome back parties, or packing a little surprise into lunchboxes. If you’re short on time but still want cute back to school treats that look like you went all out, this one delivers. Get the recipe here: Cute & Easy Ruler Rice Krispies for Back-to-School Parties!
Vanilla Wafer Pencil Back to School Treats
These Vanilla Wafer Pencils are the cutest edible school supplies you’ll ever see!
They’re great for teacher appreciation gifts, back to school night snacks, or just adding a fun surprise to your kids’ lunchboxes.
No baking, no stress—just clever decorating and big reactions.
Get the recipe here: Vanilla Wafer Pencils – Easy Back to School Treats for Teachers and Kids
Apple Pretzel Back to School Treats
These sweet and salty Apple Pretzels are the perfect classroom treat or fall-themed snack for a school celebration.
They come together fast and don’t require any baking, which makes them ideal for busy moms and teachers planning back to school parties.
They also make a colorful addition to any teacher gift box or school-themed snack board.
Get this recipe here: Adorable Apple Pretzels – The Perfect No-Bake Treat!
Cookie Monster Bark
If your little one is nervous about the first day of school, this silly Cookie Monster Bark might be just the treat to cheer them up.
Packed with chocolatey goodness, mini cookies, and goofy edible eyes, it’s a fun surprise to pack in lunchboxes or serve at a classroom welcome party.
Bonus points if you pair it with a “Meet the Teacher” note or first-week-of-school reward!
Get this recipe here: Cookie Monster Bark – A Cute Blue Treat For Kids
Classroom Critter Cookies (Alligator Treats)
These goofy green alligator cookies are just the thing for a playful classroom treat or student welcome table.
You can call them “Back to School Crocs” or “Class Pets” to tie into a school theme—kids will love the silly eyes and colorful candy details.
No baking, no fuss, just a fun treat that feels special without the effort.
Get this recipe here: Fun Green Alligator Cookies Recipe
Beach Party Cupcakes
Ease into the school year with one last splash of summer!
These Beach Party Cupcakes are a great way to celebrate the end of summer break at a back to school picnic, student welcome party, or classroom meet-and-greet.
The little bear sunbathers and edible beach setup are a total hit with kids—and a cute way to say goodbye to vacation.
Get this recipe here: Beach Party Cupcakes That’ll Steal the Show!
Apple Donuts With Toppings
Looking for a healthier twist on back to school snacks? These colorful Apple Donuts with peanut butter and fun toppings are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school bites, or a light breakfast on a busy morning. They’re super customizable, kid-approved, and totally no-bake.
Get the recipe here: Apple “Donuts” with Toppings – Sweet, Crunchy, and So Simple
Carrot Cake Muffins
These mini Carrot Cake Muffins are a cozy, spice-filled treat that’s great for easing into fall.
They’re the right size for a lunchbox snack, school breakfast, or after-school treat—and you can make a big batch ahead of time for the week.
Bonus: they make the kitchen smell like back-to-school season.
Get the recipe here: Irresistible Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe
Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars
Packed with flavor and easy to slice into lunchbox-friendly squares, these Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars are a sweet treat that feels homemade without the hassle.
Great for bake sales, back to school parties, or stuffing into your kid’s backpack as a first-day surprise.
These bars also freeze well, so you can prep ahead!
Get the recipe here: Irresistible Peanut Butter Shortbread Bars Recipe
Pepperoni Pinwheels
These flaky, cheesy Pepperoni Pinwheels are the perfect lunchbox upgrade or quick after-school snack.
You can serve them warm for dinner or pop them into a bento box cold—they’re good either way.
Ideal for picky eaters and busy school nights.
Get this recipe here: Pepperoni Pinwheels That Party Hard
Taco Sandwich Sliders
These Taco Sliders are a fun, savory option for after-school snacks or casual back to school dinners when you need something filling, fast, and kid-friendly.
They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to serve for everything from lunchboxes to open house buffets.
Think of them as taco night—school edition.
Get the recipe here: Taco Slider Sandwiches
The bottom line
Whether you need classroom-friendly treats, quick after-school snacks, or something cute for a back to school party, these back to school treats have you covered.
Every one of them brings just the right mix of fun, flavor, and function to help kick off the school year strong.
✏️📚 Oh—and if you’re looking for even more school-themed fun, be sure to check out my printable back to school games and party packs!
