If you live in the United States, I can’t imagine that you haven’t heard that a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024. And if are anything like me, you can barely find time to get your hands on solar eclipse glasses let alone play some solar eclipse treats and activities for the kids. So all those gorgeous galaxy mirror cakes and galaxy macarons that I’ve seen on Instagram? Not sure I’ll be able to get those together. Instead, fellow busy parents, I found fun solar eclipse treats that are super easy to make.

Because last minute. And, busy.

Plus, with everyone looking up into the sky that afternoon (safely using NASA’s instructions for DIY eclipse glasses, right?) I think the kids will hardly notice that these treats are a little more homespun.

Related: Easy solar eclipse party ideas for a once-in-a-lifetime bash. Literally.
5 expert tips for watching the solar eclipse with kids
Make your own safe eclipse classes with these instructions from NASA

Solar Eclipse Treats: 7 Super Easy Recipes

This post updated since the last once-in-a-lifetime eclipse in August, 2017
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Moon and Star Cookies

These Moon Cookies by Oh Sugar Events were up for sale back in 2017 (the company has since closed), but I say that you can make them yourself. Well, at least the star-shaped ones. Just follow your favorite cut-out sugar cookie dough and royal icing recipes — or follow this well-reviewed recipe for Buttery Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing that Hardens — and use a star-shaped cookie cutter and a good yellow food dye to make it happen. You got this!

Solar Eclipse Ring of Cookies

These U.S. Eclipse Cookies at Sky at Night Magazine (web archive link) are easier if, like me, you don’t love working with royal icing, but they do take a bit of time. The recipe and method are simple, though you have to make two separate doughs and cut them out at different angles. If you have older kids who are willing to help, though, the time you invest will pay off — because so cool!

The easiest of all the cookies I found are the Solar Eclipse Cookies from Parade’s Community Table. First off, the recipe calls for refrigerated sugar cookie dough, so it’s already winning. And the icing isn’t just easy to make, but it’s easy to use, too, for a crafty look that’s right up my alley.

Galaxy Slushies

The second easiest recipe: These semi-homemade Galaxy Slushies from Kraft-Heinz, made easy with 2 flavors of unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix, sugar, water and ice. Just add a straw! And that star fruit garnish is pretty inspired. Also — it makes a healthy eclipse-themed treat all on its own if you can find some in a local market.

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Galaxy Marshmallow Treats

Keep things entirely no-bake with these Galaxy Marshmallow Rice Krispies Treats originally from Kraft, makers of Jet-Puffed Marshmallows. (above & top). Unfortunately, they’ve taken it down — whyyyy!!! — but It’s the same basic recipe you know and love, with food dye mixed in that you might even have leftover from Easter egg decorating. Sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows over the top if you’re making these for Instagram, ha.

Galaxy Popcorn

Want another easy, no-bake treat? Try this Galaxy Popcorn from Christie at Raising Whasians, who never lets us down. With all those candy melts (hey, everything in moderation), you might want to keep the popcorn more wholesome with our super easy DIY microwave popcorn recipe that skips the chemicals you find a lot of store-bought brands. Or hey, make it easy with natural popcorn that’s microwaveable or ready to eat.

Glittery Galaxy Bark

The Galaxy Bark recipe at MomDot is another easy eclipse-themed treat that you can make with the kids. If you don’t have edible glitter on hand, you can grab some off Amazon or hit your local kitchen store or a nearby Michael’s. Or, I think his works just as well without it. Again: This is going to go down fast while the kids are mostly looking up.

Homemade Galaxy Ice Cream

This No-Churn Galaxy Ice Cream at The Flavor Bender is my favorite of all the recipes. It can be made as written without any artificial colors, though you probably don’t have some of the ingredients that Dini uses to naturally color hers. If that’s the case, you might want to pull out some easily found artificial colors — but only use what you have to. The rest is so easy! And that black magic shell on top? Genius.

Tags: baking, cookies, dessert, ice cream, party ideas, snack recipes