Kids Cooking 101: Tools, Tips & Recipes
Kids cooking can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family! With my comprehensive list of kid-friendly cooking utensils, tips, and easy recipes, you’re well on your way to teaching your kids how to cook safely while enjoying the process.
I love making memories with my little ones. Check out our family trips to Grande Colonial in La Jolla and Rancho de los Caballeros next!
Kids Cooking
Ever since I started posting cooking videos featuring my toddler Crew, I’ve gotten tons of questions! I try my best to reply to all the inquiries in my DMs and comments sections. But I figured it’s time to keep everything in one place.
My Background in Children Nutrition
My interest in childhood nutrition began as a health coach. I noticed many clients' relationships with food were formed young and impacted their adult eating habits. This realization sparked my passion for helping children develop healthy food relationships and enjoy nutrient-dense foods.
I expanded my business by teaching nutrition lessons through the SNAP-funded Pick a Better Snack program. I visited K-3rd grade classes to discuss the benefits of fruits and vegetables, where they grow, and tasty ways to eat them.
I paused the lessons to stay home with my sons after Crew was born, however, I look forward to returning to in-classroom education in the future. Meanwhile, I incorporate these teachings into my own kids' lives as well as share tips and techniques for other parents/caregivers on my digital platform.
Why You Should Start Cooking with Your
Kids
Bonding Experience: Cooking with Crew offers us quality time together. We communicate, problem-solve, and most importantly, laugh! And while kids cooking classes and play kitchens are great, I see this as an opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond as mother and son.
Encourages Development: I’ve found that involving kids in the kitchen helps develop their fine motor skills and fosters creativity. These activities boost their confidence and give them a sense of independence.
Fosters a Healthy Relationship with Food: Introducing kids to cooking early helps them develop a positive and balanced approach to eating. Understanding the nutritional value of foods and participating in meal preparation encourages healthier eating habits they can carry into adulthood.
Kids Kitchen Tools
Montessori Kitchen Stool: Also known as kitchen helpers or toddler stands, these stools encourage coordination and independence. They’re easy to assemble and feature a safety rail. Crew has been using this stool daily since he was 1 so he can safely reach the countertop.
Measuring Cups: Perfect for teaching kids about measurements and proportions, these cups are essential for any recipe. Crew loves using them to measure out ingredients, which also helps with his counting skills.
Whisk: A whisk is great for mixing ingredients and is easy for little hands to use. It’s one of Crew’s favorite tools, and it helps him develop his fine motor skills while making batters and sauces.
Stackable Bowls: These bowls are great for organizing ingredients and make cleanup a breeze. They nest together for easy storage.
Animal Cookie Cutters: These fun-shaped cookie cutters make baking more exciting for kids. Use them to make animal-shaped cookies and finger sandwiches. It adds an element of play to our cooking sessions so we love them!
Crinkle Cutter Veggie Knife: This kid-safe knife has a wavy blade that makes cutting vegetables fun. Crew uses it to help prep veggies for our meals, making him feel like a real chef while staying safe.
Kids Chef Coat & Hat: Crew loves his personalized chef’s coat and I love how clean it keeps the rest of his clothes. It adds to the fun and preserves the rest of his clothes when things get a little messy!
Wooden Kitchen Knife Sets: This set includes safe wooden knives, serrated plastic knives, potato slicers, a sandwich cutter, a peeler, and a cutting board. It's perfect for teaching kids how to cut and prepare ingredients safely. Crew loves using these tools, which are designed specifically for little hands.
Easy Cooking Recipes for Kids
Dessert: Crew and I bake all the time. Try recipes like Animal Cookies and Wacky Cake (Eggless Chocolate Cake) with your little ones. For a stovetop recipe like 3-Ingredient Clementine Posset have children mix the filling and pour it onto the clementine peels. They can also assemble these Easy Peach Crisps.
Breakfast: French Toast Roll Ups are a hit in our house. Let your kids help with rolling the bread and dipping it in the egg mixture. Another great breakfast recipe is pancakes, where kids can add mix-ins and stir the batter.
Lunch: Have them prepare sandwiches and wraps. Kids can choose what they add and layer their favorite veggies and spreads.
Dinner: Pizza is always a favorite. Let your kids roll out the dough, spread the sauce, and add their favorite toppings. Crew loves helping me with the filling for my Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
Tips for Cooking with Kids
Go big. Using larger bowls and utensils helps minimize spills and makes mixing easier for small hands.
Keep it simple. Start with simple, age-appropriate tasks like stirring, whisking, or pouring ingredients to keep kids engaged without overwhelming them.
Safety first. Teach kitchen safety basics, such as washing hands, not touching hot surfaces, and handling knives carefully, using kid-safe knives for cutting tasks.
Age-appropriate tasks. Assign tasks based on your child's age (and skill level), from washing vegetables for toddlers to chopping with supervision for older kids.
Involve them in planning. Engage your kids in meal planning by letting them help choose recipes and make shopping lists. Getting them involved in the process gets them excited to cook.
Be patient. Enjoy the process. Celebrate their efforts and results, no matter how imperfect, to build their confidence.
Create a safe workspace. Ensure a safe and accessible cooking area with a sturdy step stool and a well-lit, clutter-free workspace.
Encourage creativity. Allow kids to experiment with different ingredients and come up with their own combinations, fostering creativity and taste exploration.
Make it fun! Play music, laugh, dance— whatever you need to do to create positive experiences that encourage a lifelong love for cooking.
Delight in the messes. Embrace the inevitable messes as part of the fun and learning experience, and involve your kids in the cleanup process.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Kids can start cooking from about 1.5 years old. I began with Crew when he was just 1. Start with simple tasks like rinsing produce and gradually introduce more complex activities as their attention span, interest, and abilities grow. As they get older, they can help with measuring, stirring, and eventually more advanced tasks like chopping and baking. The key is to make the experience enjoyable and educational.
-
Cooking with kids strengthens family bonds and fosters a positive relationship with food. It also helps develop their motor skills, creativity, and confidence while teaching them about nutrition and healthy eating habits.
-
Cooking with a toddler starts with simple, fun tasks like rinsing vegetables, stirring ingredients, and using kid-friendly utensils. I make sure to create a safe and accessible workspace, keep the tasks age-appropriate, and always embrace the mess and fun that comes with it!
