22 Easy And Fun Cooking Activities For Kids

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Cooking activities for kids can be fun and educational simultaneously. Cooking does not only help children relax but also helps develop physical, social, mental, and emotional skills. For example, cooking together can help children learn the values of teamwork and communication. While cooking, they can also learn to measure, count, and cut food items.

measure, count, and cut food items. It fosters their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of nutrition. Cooking also provides an opportunity for children to explore different textures, colors, and tastes, making it a stimulating sensory experience.

These skills help children all through their lives. Moreover, the efforts they put in meal prep make them appreciate food. Picky eaters can especially benefit from cooking as they know how food comes on a plate. Cooking is ultimately a life skill, and children can learn to appreciate it.

Read on as we talk about the benefits of cooking and some excellent cooking activities for children. These activities are safe for children; however, parental supervision is recommended for younger children.

Benefits Of Cooking Activities For Children

Cooking is not merely the activity of making food. It entails planning, preparation, cooking, and serving. Here are some benefits your children will reap when they cook.

1. Helps control child obesity

Children are surrounded by attractive and extremely palatable fast foods and junk foods. Cooking will help your children learn about nutrition and healthy eating. According to the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years was 19.7%. To combat this issue, it is crucial to introduce children to cooking as it can help them make healthier choices.

2. Boosts their self-esteem

Creating a new dish from scratch can give a massive boost to their self-esteem. Whenever your child feels low, indulging them in cooking can give them a good dose of self-confidence.

3. Increases bonding time with family

If your children are glued to their gadgets during the holidays, working on developing their culinary skills can be the perfect way to spend some quality time together. Create some beautiful memories as you cook or bake in the kitchen together.

4. Makes them more enthusiastic about eating

If your child has made something, they are more likely to be enthusiastic about eating it. The effort of creating something will give them the enthusiasm of consuming it more than if you make something and feed them.

5. Increases their contribution to family

When your children cook, they are contributing to the family. Teach your children this essential life skill early on, and as they grow a little older, you will get some time to do other chores while they cook.

6. Promotes teamwork

Cooking together in the kitchen is an excellent way for your children to learn teamwork. They will have to learn to communicate well to get work done quickly and efficiently in the kitchen.

Becca Ross, a teacher, shares her experience of cooking with her students on her blog. She says, “For the past several years of my teaching career, I have enjoyed working with my students in a cooking unit. I love to cook and bake at home with my own kids. I believe all children should grow up feeling confident in the kitchen and be given the opportunity to learn about food preparation (ⅰ).’’

7. Improves decision-making skills

Chicken or fish? Cheese sandwich or bacon? We make many decisions in the kitchen. While cooking, children will learn to make these decisions too. This will give them a sense of importance and also hone their decision-making skills.

8. Sparks imagination

Cooking is not a passive activity. It requires a lot of imagination and exploration. As they experiment with the ingredients or find creative ways to plate the dish, their creativity and imagination will be sparked.

Did you know?

The sound of the grinder, aroma of the food, color of the vegetables, and the texture of each ingredient help children engage all their senses in the kitchen and have a fulfilling experience (1).

22 Cooking Activities For Kids

These cooking activities for kids are simple, fun, and engaging.
Before you start cooking or baking with your children, make sure you

• Place all the ingredients and cooking tools at an accessible distance.
• Spread kitchen rolls or newspaper on the surface to prevent spills and stains.
• Keep washcloths handy.

You also need to remember that children need a lot of time to measure and mix things. Choose age-appropriate recipes or opt for fireless cooking for kids, and give them the freedom to spill things and experiment as much and however, they want.

Quick tip

Always start with simple recipes that take less time to prepare. When children get fast results, they become interested in the activity and are encouraged to cook more (2).

1. Apple donuts

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Children love donuts, and apple donuts are healthy. Make these super simple donuts and let your child decorate them as they wish.

You will need:

• Apples
• Cream cheese
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles
• Cookie cutter or knife
• Butter knife

How to make:

• Cut the apples into thin slices, around ¾” thick.
• Use the cookie cutter or knife (or an apple corer) to make a hole in the center of the slices.
• Add food coloring to the cream cheese in separate bowls and mix well.
• Apply the cream cheese to the apple slices and add the sprinkles on top.

2. Hedgehog rolls

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These cute hedgehog rolls are easy to make and delicious. Your children will enjoy making these and eating them too.

You will need:

• 500g brown bread mix
• Butter
• Plain flour
• Raisins
• Almonds

How to make:

• Follow the instructions on the bread mix pack to make the dough.
• Cut the dough into six pieces.
• Using flour for dusting, roll each piece into a ball and shape it into a hedgehog.
• Place the pieces on a baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Leave it for an hour.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Use raisins to form the eyes and almonds to form the snout.
• Bake for 15 minutes.

3. Applesauce

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This is an evergreen recipe loved by adults and children alike. Preschool children will love making applesauce and relishing it.

You will need:

• 10 Apples
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Slicer and peeler
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Blender
• Slow cooker

How to make:

• Wash, peel, and core the apples
• Cut the apples into small pieces and add them to the slow cooker.
• Add cinnamon and nutmeg and stir.
• Add two tablespoons of lemon juice and mix well.
• Cover and cook for four hours until the apples are soft.
• Blend the mixture with a blender or potato masher, and your applesauce is ready.

4. Tomato spaghetti

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If your child is a pasta lover, they will love whipping up this super simple and yummy tomato spaghetti in no time. Watch them prepare and devour it in minutes.

You will need:

• Spaghetti
• Butter
• Oil
• Onion, tomato, carrot, and celery (finely chopped)
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Capers, cut in halves
• Salt and pepper

How to make:

• Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add onion and cook until it softens.
• Add carrot and celery. Crush garlic and add it as well. Fry for 2-3 minutes while stirring regularly.
• Put in chopped tomatoes, oregano, and capers. Mix well.
• Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti.
• Once done, add spaghetti to the sauce and mix well.
• Add salt and pepper according to your taste and serve.

5. Christmas crispy treats

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Why wait until Christmas to make this delicious dessert? You can make it any day of the year and decorate it the way you want.

You will need:

• Unsalted butter
• Crispy rice cereal
• Marshmallows
• Candy canes
• Decorations – sprinkles, M&Ms, icing gel, etc.
• Baking sheet
• Waxed paper or parchment paper

How to make:

• Melt the butter and marshmallows in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Once the marshmallows melt completely, remove the saucepan and pour in the rice cereal. Mix well so that the butter and marshmallow mixture coats the cereal evenly.
• Line the baking sheet with waxed paper and spread the rice cereal mixture on it evenly. The thickness should be around ½” to ¾”.
• Spray cooking spray on a sharp knife and cut the rice cereal in triangles or whichever shape you wish.
• Break candy canes into three-inch pieces and insert one into each crispy rice treat piece.
• Let the cereal cool completely before decorating it.

6. Fairy cakes

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This is one of the easiest cake recipes. You can make a dozen within half an hour and see them disappear even faster.

You will need:

For the cake:

• 100g softened butter
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 100g self-raising flour
• 1tsp baking powder

For the icing:

• Icing sugar
• Warm water
• Decorations

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a bun tin with cake cases.
• Put the ingredients into a large bowl. Whisk them well until the mixture is smooth.
• Fill the cake cases and place them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
• Remove the cakes and cool.
• For the icing, pour icing sugar into a bowl and add two-three tablespoons of warm water.
• Whisk well.
• Spread over the cakes and decorate.

7. Easy vegetable soup

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If your children are not very fond of eating vegetables, this recipe is an excellent way to acquaint them with different veggies. Who knows, your children might even gobble up the soup in seconds. Besides, this is an excellent activity for developing your child’s fine motor skills.

You will need:

• Onions
• Potatoes
• Celery
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano
• Slow cooker

How to make:

• Ask your child to chop up all the vegetables as finely as they can. This is a great exercise for your children to develop their fine motor skills.
• Add the spices to the slow cooker.
• Stir occasionally.
• When the vegetables are cooked, and the soup gives off a delicious aroma, you can serve it.

8. Mini pumpkin pies

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Halloween or no Halloween, pumpkin is a vegetable that children love. Maybe it is because of its sweet taste or unusual color. You can hardly go wrong with pumpkin. Make these mini pumpkin pies with your children and enjoy.

You will need:

For the pie crust:

• 300g all-purpose flour
• 1tsp salt
• 90g unsalted butter
• 150g chilled vegetable shortening
• 120ml ice water

For the filling:

• 285g pumpkin puree
• 150g brown sugar
• 120ml heavy cream
• 60ml whole milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼tsp salt
• 1tsp ground cinnamon

How to make:

• Make the crust by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl.
• Add butter and shortening.
• Use two forks to cut the butter and add it to the flour. Mix well until you get a coarse mixture.
• Add ice water and mix with a spatula.
• Transfer the dough to the work surface dusted with flour. The dough should come together easily and should not be sticky.
• Fold the dough, divide into two halves, and roll each half into one-inch-thick disks.
• Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours.
• In a mixing bowl, take pumpkin, brown sugar, heavy cream, milk, egg, salt, and cinnamon and blend well. Refrigerate.
• Preheat the oven to 190°C.
• Grease the muffin pans.
• Remove the dough from the fridge and place it on the work surface dusted with flour.
• Roll the dough into a large circle. Using a cookie cutter, cut out rounds from the dough.
• Place the dough into the muffin pans and press the dough flat to the bottom and sides.
• Add the filling in equal quantities in all the cups.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. The center should be set, and the edges should be light brown.
• Remove the pies and let them cool for five minutes before removing them from the pan. Cool and serve.

9. Thai green turkey meatballs

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If your child watches CBeebies’ “I Can Cook,” they might have come across this amazing recipe. Try it with them.

You will need:

• 75g minced turkey
• 90g breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1tsp Thai green curry paste
• 2tsp plain flour

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• In a large bowl, add one egg and beat it. Add 30g of minced turkey, 30g of breadcrumbs, and Thai green curry paste and mix well.
• Take another bowl and beat the other egg in it. Sprinkle flour and the remaining breadcrumbs on separate plates.
• Divide the meat mixture into small balls.
• Roll each meatball in flour, dip it in the egg, and roll in breadcrumbs.
• Place on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Serve with a dipping sauce of your child’s choice.

10. Pumpkin pie in a cup

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Now that you have made a pumpkin pie, this will be a breeze for your children to make. You can whip this up within minutes using the leftover pie.

You will need:

• Vanilla pudding
• Graham crackers
• Pumpkin pie mix
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon

How to make:

• Crush the graham crackers and add them to the bottom of a clear cup.
• Scoop vanilla pudding and add it on top of the crackers.
• Add pumpkin pie on top of the pudding.
• Top it up with whipped cream and sprinkle some cinnamon.

11. Bread in a bag

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Making bread is an exercise in patience for children. It is also an excellent activity for teaching them measurements and sequences.

You will need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2tbsp white sugar
• 2¼tsp rapid rise yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 3tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1½tsp salt

How to make:

• In a Ziploc bag, pour one cup of flour, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water.
• Make sure all extra air is out of the bag and seal and knead well.
• Let it rest for ten minutes. You will notice bubbles.
• Open the bag and add oil, salt, and a cup of flour.
• Seal the bag again and knead until they are combined well.
• Repeat the procedure for the last cup of dough.
• Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a work surface dusted with flour.
• Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth.
• Cover with a towel and allow to rise for half an hour.
• Divide the dough and bake for 25-30 minutes.

12. Ice cream in a bag

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Ice cream on a hot summer day sounds lovely. Children will enjoy making this simple recipe and will be rewarded with delicious homemade ice cream. What else could they ask for?

You will need:

• 2 Ziploc bags – one big and one small
• ½ cup half and half milk
• 1tbsp sugar
• ½tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup rock salt
• Ice

How to make:

• Fill the bigger bag halfway with crushed ice.
• Add milk, sugar, and vanilla to the smaller bag. Seal the bag and shake well to combine all the ingredients.
• Open the bag and reseal it after removing as much air as possible.
• Sprinkle rock salt on the crushed ice.
• Place the smaller bag into the large bag and seal.
• Shake both the bags until the ice cream begins to set.
• Remove the smaller bag from the bigger one and open it. Your ice cream is ready to eat.

Quick tip

You can add different flavors to the ice cream too. For mint chocolate chip flavor, add chocolate chips and peppermint extract; for strawberry flavor, add a cup of freshly chopped strawberries to the ice cream mixture.

13. Kool-Aid candy dots

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Do you need a no-bake recipe to keep your children busy for some time? This Kool-Aid candy dot recipe is just what you and your children need on a hot afternoon.

You will need:

• Wax paper
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼tsp Kool-Aid flavoring

How to make:

• In a large bowl, whip the egg white and the powdered sugar together for 4-5 minutes.
• Separate the mixture and add different Kool-Aid flavors in each.
• Transfer each colored mixture into a plastic baggie or a piping cone.
• Cut the wax paper into two-inch-wide strips.
• Cut a small piece off the end of the baggies and make dots on the wax paper.
• Let the candies harden overnight. They can be eaten when not fully hardened too.

14. Rainbow fruit salad

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Introduce your child to the wonders of different fruits by making a fruit salad. Let them cut, peel, and de-seed different fruits for an immersive sensory experience.

You will need:

• Fruits of different colors

How to make:

• Cut different fruits and de-seed them.
• Chop them into small pieces.
• Take a small bowl, put all the fruits in it, and serve.

15. Rainbow toast

Image: IStockphoto

Children are fond of rainbows and toast. So why not combine them to make some rainbow toasts? They will love making and eating them.

You will need:

• Bread
• Milk
• Food color
• Paintbrushes
• Toaster

How to make:

• Pour milk into small bowls.
• Add different food colors into the bowls.
• Using new and clean paintbrushes, paint different colors on the bread slices.
• Toast and enjoy.

16. Veggie pizza rolls

Image: IStockphoto

If you are worried about your child not eating enough vegetables, try this recipe. They will enjoy making these rolls and gobble them up in no time.

You will need:

• Mixed veggies
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• Tomato pizza sauce
• Grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• Oregano

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• Spread tomato pizza sauce liberally on the sheet of puff pastry.
• Add mixed veggies and cheese on top.
• Roll the pastry tightly.
• Cut into smaller pieces and arrange them on a baking tray.
• Brush each roll with egg wash, sprinkle oregano, and bake for 15 minutes.
• Cool to room temperature and serve.

17. Fruit barbeque

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What is more exciting than eating barbecued fruit? This is another great way to let your children taste all fruits and enjoy their textures.

You will need:

• Long toothpicks
• Different fruits

How to make:

• Cut different fruits in different ways and skewer them on the toothpick.
• Serve.

18. Candy necklaces

Image: IStockphoto

Edible jewelry is the next level of indulgence for children. This no-cook, no-bake recipe is perfect for a colorful afternoon.

You will need:

• Froot Loops, pretzels, or Life Savers Gummies
• Thick nylon cord

How to make:

• Cut a length of the cord and tie a knot at one end.
• Insert various candies from the other end.
• When done, tie up the other end. Your edible candy necklace is ready.

19. Pretty cookies

Image: IStockphoto

After cakes, if there is something children love baking, it is cookies. Mixing and baking is often a calming activity for children. Your children can enjoy decorating these cookies as well.

You will need:

• 280g all-purpose flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 250g icing sugar
• Food coloring
• Warm water

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in egg and vanilla extract and beat well.
• Add flour gradually and knead the mixture to make a dough. Do not knead for too long or make it too hard.
• Dust some flour on a work surface and roll out the dough.
• Use cookie cutters to cut out the dough into different cute shapes.
• Transfer them to the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let cool.
• In a bowl, mix the sugar with 2-3tsp warm water to make the icing. Pour it into different cups and add food coloring.
• Let the children decorate the cool cookies as they wish.

20. Mini quiches

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Tortilla wraps are highly versatile and great for experimenting. Children can make these quick mini quiches that are tasty and healthy.

You will need:

• Tortilla wraps
• Eggs
• Chopped vegetables
• Cherry tomatoes
• Salami

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• Cut the tortilla wraps into smaller circles. Line these circles in a muffin tin, making sure the base and the sides are pressed.
• Beat the eggs and pour them into the cases. Add some vegetables, salami, and cherry tomatoes.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the egg sets.
• Remove, cool, and serve.

21. Choco bananas

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Let children go bananas with this all-time favorite snack. Chocolate and bananas taste heavenly together, and children will have something healthy.

You will need:

• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Wooden sticks
• Decorations

How to make:

• Break the chocolate into smaller pieces.
• Place a bowl with water on the stove and place another bowl with the chocolate on top of the first bowl. Ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water beneath.
• Peel the bananas and cut them in half.
• Insert the wooden sticks into the banana halves.
• Hold the pieces using the wooden sticks and dip them in the melted chocolate. Rotate them so that all parts of each banana are coated.
• Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl and then place them on a plate.
• Sprinkle toppings on them and freeze.
• Allow them to sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving.

22. Scrambled eggs

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Scrambled eggs are one of the easiest, quickest yet healthful recipes to teach your children. So, by using minimal ingredients, help your children make this appetizing, creamy, and flavorful protein-packed dish.

You will need:

• 3-4 eggs
• 1 tsp milk or water (optional)
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped chives for garnishing

How to make:

1. Crack open eggs in a bowl and add milk or water to make it more creamy.
2. Whisk the egg mix well until it smoothens and no longer has egg whites.
3. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Put a non-stick pan over a low flame.
5. Add olive oil or butter and bring the flame to medium heat.
6. Pour the egg mix into the pan and let it cook for a few seconds without stirring.
7. Continue cooking on medium-low heat and use a rubber spatula to fold, swirl, and scramble the eggs until small curds form.
8. Take the pan off the heat when the eggs appear cooked but slightly runny in places. Do not let the eggs dry in the pan.
9. Leave the eggs in the hot pan for a few seconds for carryover cooking.
10. Serve it on a plate, garnished with some chives, if you like, and enjoy.

Infographic: Precautions To Take When Cooking With Children

Cooking activities are great for children to become interested in this helpful skill while staying away from junk food. But you must know the extent to which they should be involved and how to maintain safety. So here are the measures to take to avoid unfortunate incidents and keep things fun.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Easy And Fun Cooking Activities For Kids

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Shivani SikriPublic health and Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Shivani Sikri is the chief nutritionist and co-founder of Nutri4Verve and holds about 13 years of experience in the field of nutrition. After completing her Masters, Shivani Sikri did a postgraduate in nutrition and health education, a postgraduate diploma in public health and nutrition (PGDPHN), and a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and clinical dietetics.

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Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

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Nida holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Genetics and Medical Laboratory Techniques from Goa University. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a laboratory technician. She began content writing during her college years and has been featured as a co-author in a children's short story compilation book.

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