27 Easy Cooking Recipes For Kids
Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to spark their creativity, teach them valuable life skills, and encourage healthy eating habits.
Whether your little chef is just starting out or already loves to help with meal prep, these 27 easy cooking recipes for kids are perfect for all skill levels.
From no-bake treats to simple stove-top meals, each recipe is designed to be fun, safe, and delicious.
So, grab your aprons, wash those hands, and let’s get cooking!
Easy Cooking Recipes For Kids
1. Banana Pancakes
Who doesn’t love pancakes? These easy banana pancakes require just two ingredients bananas and eggs!
Have your little one mash up a ripe banana in a bowl, then whisk in two eggs until the batter is smooth.
Heat a pan with a little butter and pour small circles of batter onto the surface. Cook each side for about a minute until golden brown.
These pancakes are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. For extra fun, let your child top them with fresh berries, honey, or a dollop of yogurt.
2. Yogurt Parfaits
Building a yogurt parfait is like making a delicious, edible masterpiece! Start with a clear cup or jar so kids can see the fun layers.
Let them spoon in some creamy yogurt, followed by a layer of crunchy granola.
Then, add their favorite fruit sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas work great! Repeat the layers until the cup is full.
This easy recipe is a great way to introduce kids to healthy snacks while letting them express their creativity in the kitchen.
3. Overnight Oats
No stove? No problem! Overnight oats are a no-cook breakfast that kids can prepare the night before.
Just mix ½ cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of milk in a jar, then stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.
For extra fun, let your child add their favorite toppings chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. By morning, the oats will be soft and ready to enjoy.
4. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are one of the easiest dishes for kids to master! Start by cracking two eggs into a bowl and whisking them with a little milk and salt.
Heat a small nonstick pan over low heat with a bit of butter. Pour in the eggs and let kids gently stir them with a spatula as they cook.
The key is to go slow scrambled eggs should be soft and fluffy, not dry! Serve them with toast or a sprinkle of cheese for extra yumminess.
This simple recipe is perfect for teaching kids basic stovetop cooking skills.
5. Fruit Toast
Toast doesn’t have to be boring! Let kids create their own fruit toast masterpieces by spreading peanut butter, cream cheese, or yogurt on a slice of whole-grain toast.
Then, they can arrange sliced bananas, strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries on top.
Want to make it even more fun? Drizzle some honey or sprinkle cinnamon for added flavor.
This is a fantastic way to introduce kids to healthy eating while giving them the freedom to design their own delicious creations.
6. Mini Pita Pizzas
Making homemade pizza is exciting, and using mini pita bread makes it even easier! Have kids spread tomato sauce over their pita, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
From there, let them choose their favorite toppings pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple!
Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These mini pizzas are a great way to let kids experiment with flavors while having fun in the kitchen.
7. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a childhood favorite that kids can learn to make with just a little supervision.
Start by buttering two slices of bread. Place a slice of cheese (or two!) in between, then grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat.
Flip it once it turns golden brown and crispy. For extra fun, add ham, tomato slices, or a little pesto before grilling.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, and serve with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
8. Mac and Cheese
Homemade mac and cheese is super easy and way tastier than the boxed version! Kids can start by boiling some pasta (with an adult’s help).
While it cooks, make the cheesy sauce by melting butter in a pan, adding a little flour, and then slowly whisking in milk.
Stir in shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and mix it all together.
Want to make it more fun? Let kids add toppings like breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, or even peas for extra crunch!
9. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a simple and delicious meal that kids can easily prepare. Start with a flour tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese on one half.
Add other ingredients like cooked chicken, beans, or chopped veggies for extra flavor.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook it on a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
Let kids cut their quesadilla into triangles and dip them in salsa or guacamole. This recipe is a great way to introduce kids to different flavors while keeping things easy and mess-free.
10. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy Joes are fun, messy, and totally delicious! Start by browning some ground beef in a pan with a little oil.
Once cooked, stir in some tomato sauce and a bit of ketchup for sweetness. Simmer for a few minutes, then scoop the meat onto small slider buns.
Kids will love assembling these mini sandwiches and adding toppings like shredded cheese or pickles.
This recipe is an easy introduction to stovetop cooking while giving kids the satisfaction of making a hearty, flavorful meal.
11. Mini Chicken Wraps
Mini chicken wraps are a fun, hands-on meal that kids can make themselves! Start with a small tortilla and spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus as a base.
Then, let your child add shredded rotisserie chicken, lettuce, and grated cheese. For an extra crunch, they can toss in some diced cucumbers or carrots.
Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice it into small bite-sized pieces. These wraps are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or even a quick dinner.
You can also experiment with different fillings like turkey, ham, or avocado to keep things interesting.
12. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Forget store-bought nuggets making homemade chicken nuggets is easy, healthier, and way more fun! Start by cutting boneless chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Let your child help dip each piece into a bowl of whisked eggs and then coat it with a mix of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan.
Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you prefer a crispier texture, air fry them! Serve with a side of ketchup or honey mustard for dipping.
13. Spaghetti with Butter and Cheese
Spaghetti doesn’t always need a complicated sauce! A simple butter and cheese spaghetti is a great way for kids to practice cooking pasta while keeping things easy.
Start by boiling spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once drained, let your child toss the pasta with a pat of butter until it melts.
Then, sprinkle in some grated parmesan cheese and mix everything together. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper or even a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.
This dish is quick, comforting, and a great confidence booster for young chefs learning to work with basic ingredients.
14. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are like a blank canvas for delicious toppings! Start by scrubbing a potato clean and poking a few holes in it with a fork.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes until soft. Once cooled slightly, let your child cut it open and fluff the inside with a fork.
The fun part? Toppings! Offer a variety of options like shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, steamed broccoli, or even salsa.
Each kid can create their own unique flavor combination. This recipe teaches patience while waiting for the potato to cook but rewards them with a delicious and customizable meal.
15. Ants on a Log
This classic snack is as fun to make as it is to eat! Start with fresh celery sticks and let your child fill the groove with peanut butter, cream cheese, or even hummus.
Then, line up raisins on top these are the “ants”! If your little one doesn’t like raisins, they can use mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds instead.
This snack is crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber.
It’s perfect for an after-school treat or an easy addition to lunchboxes.
16. Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers might seem simple, but they can be turned into a fun snack-building activity!
Set out different types of crackers and cheeses cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even cream cheese.
Let kids create their own mini sandwiches by layering cheese and crackers or adding extras like cucumber slices, ham, or fruit.
For an added twist, you can use cookie cutters to shape cheese slices into fun stars or hearts.
17. Veggie Roll-Ups
Getting kids to eat more vegetables is easy when you wrap them up in something delicious! Start with a soft tortilla and spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus.
Add thinly sliced carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and lettuce, then roll it up tightly. Slice into pinwheels for easy snacking.
If your child loves extra crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or chopped nuts. These veggie roll-ups are great for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a quick afternoon bite.
They’re colorful, crunchy, and packed with nutrients plus, kids love how fun they are to eat!
18. Homemade Popcorn
Popcorn isn’t just for movie night it’s a fun and easy snack that kids can help make! Heat a little oil in a large pot, add popcorn kernels, and cover with a lid.
As the kernels start popping, let kids listen to the sound it’s like magic! Once popped, they can toss the popcorn with a little butter, cinnamon, or parmesan cheese for a tasty twist.
For a sweeter version, try drizzling melted chocolate or honey over it.
This homemade snack is way healthier than microwave popcorn and just as delicious.
19. Apple Nachos
Turn apples into a fun and healthy snack with apple nachos! Slice apples into thin wedges and arrange them on a plate.
Let kids drizzle peanut butter or yogurt over the slices, then sprinkle toppings like granola, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or raisins.
This snack is naturally sweet and packed with fiber, making it a great alternative to traditional nachos.
Plus, kids love the creativity of customizing their own plate of apple nachos!
20. Fruit Kebabs
Everything tastes better on a stick, and fruit kebabs are no exception! Grab some skewers (or even toothpicks for smaller hands) and let kids thread different fruits onto them.
Try a mix of strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, blueberries, and melon. For an extra treat, add marshmallows or cubes of cheese.
These fruit kebabs are colorful, refreshing, and a great way to get kids excited about eating more fruit.
You can even serve them with a yogurt dip for extra fun!
21. Frozen Yogurt Bites
Frozen yogurt bites are a fun and refreshing treat that kids can make with minimal effort.
Start by choosing their favorite yogurt flavor and spooning small dollops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
To make them extra exciting, let kids sprinkle in chopped fruit, mini chocolate chips, or granola before freezing.
Place the tray in the freezer for about two hours until the bites are completely frozen.
22. No-Bake Energy Bites
No-bake energy bites are the perfect snack for busy kids who need a little pick-me-up.
These little bites are packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness, making them a great alternative to store-bought snacks.
To make them, mix 1 cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of peanut butter, ⅓ cup of honey, and ¼ cup of chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Stir everything together until well combined, then roll the mixture into small balls. Place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
23. Rice Krispie Treats
Classic Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite, and they’re super easy for kids to make with just three ingredients!
Start by melting butter and marshmallows in a large pot over low heat. Once melted and gooey, remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
Let kids help press the mixture into a greased pan and smooth it out. After cooling, cut into squares and enjoy!
To make them extra special, drizzle melted chocolate on top or mix in sprinkles. These treats are chewy, sweet, and fun to customize with different flavors or toppings.
24. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a fancy-looking treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Start by melting chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each session until smooth.
Let kids dip fresh strawberries into the melted chocolate, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
For extra fun, they can roll them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before the chocolate hardens. Place the strawberries in the fridge for about 20 minutes until the chocolate sets.
25. Microwave Mug Cake
Making a cake from scratch sounds like a big job, but with a microwave mug cake, kids can have a sweet treat in just minutes.
In a microwave-safe mug, mix 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of oil, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Stir well until smooth, then microwave for about 60-90 seconds.
The cake will rise and become soft and fluffy just like a regular cake but without all the hassle.
26. Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
No ice cream maker? No problem! Making homemade ice cream in a bag is a super fun science experiment that doubles as a tasty treat.
Start by mixing 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small zip-top bag.
Seal it tightly and place it inside a larger zip-top bag filled with ice and ¼ cup of salt.
Now comes the fun part let kids shake the bag for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture turns into ice cream! Once it’s ready, snip off a corner and squeeze the creamy goodness into a bowl.
27. Banana Ice Cream
Who knew that frozen bananas could turn into creamy, delicious banana ice cream with just one ingredient? This simple recipe is a game-changer for kids who love ice cream but want a healthier option.
Start by slicing ripe bananas and freezing them for at least two hours.
Once frozen, blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy it will have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream!
Kids can enjoy it as is, or mix in extras like peanut butter, cocoa powder, or strawberries for different flavors.
