Groundhog Grub: Easy Groundhog Day Treats for Kids
Fun, No-bake Groundhog Day Treats
We love Groundhog Day at our house, and I think it’s because it brings the very first thoughts of spring.
We obviously are big into the holidays from October through New Year’s, but January and February can feel long, cold, and gray. So, anything that nudges us toward hope, light, or even just a little fun feels worth celebrating. Honestly, Groundhog Day might be the holiday our family talks about most outside of the big end-of-year ones.
Every year, without fail, we make these Groundhog Day treats we’ve lovingly named Groundhog Grub. I’ve made them for my kids, their friends, and even for co-op groups around Groundhog Day… and they’re always a hit.
Why We Call Them Groundhog Grub
I definitely didn’t reinvent the wheel here. My husband’s family loves no-bake cookies (something I somehow missed growing up). If you’ve ever had them, you know they already look a bit like little piles of dirt… which made them perfect inspiration.
I kept seeing Groundhog Day treats online that involved pudding cups, crushed cookies, and gummy worms, it finally clicked… Why not add gummy worms to classic no-bake cookies?
And just like that… Groundhog Grub was born.
These treats are especially fun because:
- They’re no-bake
- Kids can help
- They feel silly and seasonal without being over-the-top
They’d also work beautifully for other themes, especially anything involving dirt or worms. (A Diary of a Worm party would be adorable.)
❤️ A Flexible Recipe (Easy to Adapt)
This recipe is very forgiving and easy to adapt based on your family’s needs.
You can:
- Use dairy-free milk or butter alternatives
- Swap regular oats for gluten-free oats
- Use a different nut butter if needed
Just remember… any substitution can slightly change texture or taste… not bad, just different.
⭐ If you’re mindful about dyes or ingredients like we are, there are also organic gummy worms and even top-allergen-free options available now, which is wonderful. I used to use Black Forest Organic Gummy Worms, but they are hard to find. They usually are unavailable at the store and online, however, even their non-organic ones are free of dyes and have coconut oil… so, they are much better than others.
What You’ll Need – Print Recipe Below
- Sugar
- Cocoa
- Butter
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla
- Oatmeal
- Gummy worms
Important note:
Allow the mixture to boil for a full 90 seconds to 2 minutes. This step matters and helps create the classic no-bake cookie texture.
If you’d like to make plain no-bake cookies instead, simply skip the gummy worms.
Enjoy (and Make It a Tradition)
We only make Groundhog Grub once a year, on Groundhog Day… and that’s part of what makes it special. I can’t say we never have no-bakes but honestly, we don’t make them unless it is Groundhog Day. They are usually at an event put on by my husband’s family… and they are good, but the little gummy worm makes it special, so to us… it’s different.
It’s simple, a little silly, and tied to a moment in time. Those are often the traditions kids remember most.
Make Groundhog Day Fun
If you’re planning a full Groundhog Day experience, these treats pair beautifully with:
-
Groundhog Day for Kids – our main hub with activities, learning ideas, books, and printables
-
9 Fun Facts About Groundhog Day – great for older kids and adults
If you like having everything in one place, my Groundhog Day printable pack includes this recipe plus learning activities, a craft, writing prompts, and an online game… perfect if you’re planning a full day or week around Groundhog Day.
👉 Find the Groundhog Day printable here
Groundhog Day Fun
If you make Groundhog Day treats, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @bemandfam… seeing your traditions is one of my favorite parts of sharing these ideas.
Happy Groundhog Day!
BEM + Fam 🙂
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PS. This post has some affiliate links, read more about those here.
👇 Print the Groundhog Grub Recipe
Fun treat for Groundhog Day or anytime!
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 Tbsp cocoa
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 3 cups oatmeal
- 20+ gummy worms
-
In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil ON MEDIUM HEAT sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk. Stir often. Let boil for 90-120 seconds.
-
Once boiled. take off heat and add peanut butter, vanilla, and oatmeal. Stir well.
-
Drop mixture, by the spoonful, on wax paper and push in a gummy worm. Allow to cool.
It is important that the instructions are followed. The mixture needs to be brought to a boil for 90-120 seconds or it will not have the right consistency.
I made this once for a coop party for several kids and there were several allergies. Many were gluten free, some were dairy intolerant but could handle butter, there was a peanut allergy, and many were dye free. I started by using dye-free, organic gummy worms for our family, however, for the allergies I used gluten-free oats, another nut butter, and coconut milk. They turned out splendid... the only things I haven't really substituted are the butter and sugar. Perhaps something like Monk Fruit in the Raw and coconut oil might work. If you do try these, let me know how they turn out!
