5 Best Children’s Cookbooks Kids Will Love In 2025
Kids love hands-on fun, and the kitchen offers the perfect mix of learning and excitement. Cooking builds confidence, sparks creativity, and encourages healthy eating habits. With the right cookbook, young chefs can explore new flavors, follow simple steps, and enjoy delicious results.
The best cookbooks for kids mix colorful photos, easy instructions, and fun facts that make every page feel like an adventure. From silly snacks to bold breakfasts, these books help children gain real skills while having a blast.
Parents also get a chance to bond with their little ones while whipping up tasty meals together. Some books even sneak in important lessons about science, math, and culture all through food.
Whether the goal is pancakes, pizza, or playful desserts, these five cookbooks turn every recipe into a joyful journey. Get ready for sticky fingers, flour-covered counters, and proud smiles all around. Let’s dig into the five best children’s cookbooks.
5 Best Children’s Cookbooks 2025
1.
Cookbook Overview
Tested by Kids for Kids
Over 750 kids helped test the recipes. That means every dish works. Nothing tricky. No hard-to-find ingredients. Each step makes sense to young minds. The recipes cover it all breakfast, snacks, dinner, desserts, and more. The book speaks their language.
Southern Favorites Made Simple
Grits, biscuits, chicken tenders, and peach cobbler this book offers comfort food made kid-friendly. The flavors feel Southern. The methods stay easy. Kids can mix, stir, flip, and serve with pride. Each page invites young chefs to explore real food without pressure.
Built by Experts
America’s Test Kitchen made this book. They test everything again and again. They break down recipes so anyone can follow. This time, they focused on kids. They made sure each part feels fun, not scary. The goal? Help kids cook like pros.
Features
Step-by-Step Photos
Every recipe comes with photos. Kids see what to do, not just read it. The photos show tools, ingredients, and techniques. This helps kids feel safe and ready. No guessing. Just cooking.
Simple Instructions
Words stay short. Sentences stay simple. The book teaches cooking in a friendly voice. It doesn’t talk down to kids. It cheers them on. It turns a recipe into a mini adventure. A few ingredients. A few tools. Big smiles at the end.
Real Kid Reviews
Young cooks helped make this book. Their thoughts and tips appear on the pages. These notes feel honest. They show kids that others just like them cooked these meals and loved them.
Builds Skills and Confidence
The book isn’t just about food. It teaches measuring. Timing. Mixing. Safety. It encourages questions and choices. A child might start with tacos and end up planning a full meal. Cooking becomes more than a task it becomes a joy.
Covers All Meals
From cheesy breakfast eggs to evening treats like banana pudding, this book has range. Need a snack? Try a simple smoothie. Want dinner? Try baked chicken strips with a side of sweet potatoes. The variety keeps it fresh.
2.
Cookbook Overview
Created by Experts
This children’s baking cookbook comes from America’s Test Kitchen. Their team tests every recipe again and again. They use science to make things simple. Kids don’t just follow steps—they understand what they are doing.
Kid-Tested Recipes
More than 5,000 kids tested these recipes. Each one had to be fun, tasty, and easy to make. The cookbook includes dishes for all times of day. Morning muffins, cheesy pizzas, crusty breads, and gooey desserts. There’s something for every mood and meal.
Step-by-Step Photos
Clear photos guide each step. Kids see what their food should look like. They feel more sure about what to do. No guesswork. No confusion. Just one clear step at a time.
Real Feedback from Real Kids
Young testers didn’t just try the recipes. They shared what they liked. Their notes help new readers feel ready to cook. It feels like learning with friends.
Features
Recipes for All Levels
Whether a child is new to baking or already makes cookies, this book works for everyone. The steps start simple. As kids grow, they try more detailed recipes. It’s like climbing a ladder—with fun on every step.
Wide Variety of Foods
This book goes beyond sweets. Yes, it has cupcakes and cookies. But it also includes savory treats like empanadas and breads. Kids learn that baking isn’t just sugar. It’s also soft dough, flaky crusts, and warm cheese.
Learning Made Easy
Each tip comes with a photo. That makes hard parts easier. Kids can match their work with the pictures. They learn fast because they see what’s right.
Builds Real Skills
This book teaches more than baking. Kids follow instructions. They measure, plan, and problem-solve. They also feel proud. Making real food gives them a sense of success.
Encourages Independence
The book uses a friendly tone. It talks to kids like equals. It tells them they can do it. That kind of message matters. It helps kids try new things without fear.
Supports Curious Minds
Some parts of the book explain why things work. Why dough rises. Why brownies get chewy. That makes the book perfect for kids who ask questions. It turns baking into a fun science lesson.
3.
Cookbook Overview
A Taste of Princess Magic
This cookbook brings food and fairytales together. Each of the 50 recipes is inspired by a Disney Princess. Kids get to cook like Tiana, Rapunzel, or Moana. That makes every dish feel like part of an adventure.
For example, kids can try Frying Pan Eggs like Rapunzel or Bayou Meatloaf from Tiana’s kitchen. There’s also Te Fiti Tropical Punch that brings Moana’s island vibes to life. These recipes help kids connect food with fun stories.
Designed for Young Beginners
The book gives clear step-by-step instructions. Every step feels easy to follow, even for kids who are new in the kitchen. With each page, they learn basic cooking skills while staying safe and having fun. There’s also a helpful kitchen guide in the beginning. It shows the tools kids need and explains how to use them. The book teaches safety, cleanliness, and good habits from the start.
Princesses on Every Page
Each recipe comes with beautiful pictures. Kids can see how the dish looks before they begin. That builds confidence. Charming drawings of the Disney Princesses also decorate the pages. They bring joy and color to the cookbook. Every turn of the page feels magical. The pictures keep kids interested and excited to try the next meal.
Features
50 Easy Recipes
This cookbook includes 50 beginner-friendly dishes. They range from snacks and lunches to desserts and drinks. The recipes are simple enough for kids to try on their own or with a little help.
Some favorites include:
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Rapunzel’s Frying Pan Eggs – a simple and fun breakfast
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Tiana’s Bayou Meatloaf – hearty and savory for dinner
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Moana’s Te Fiti Tropical Punch – sweet, fruity, and colorful
Every recipe is full of flavor. None are too hard to make.
Difficulty Ratings
Each recipe has a difficulty rating. That helps kids pick the right one based on their experience. Beginners can start with easier dishes. As they learn more, they can try the harder ones. This feature lets kids learn at their own pace. They don’t feel rushed. They feel supported.
Kitchen Basics Section
Before jumping into the recipes, kids get a full kitchen introduction. This part explains tools, ingredients, and cooking terms in simple language. The tone stays friendly and helpful throughout. Kids feel more confident after reading this section. They understand how to stay safe and prepare correctly. It sets a strong foundation for future learning.
Food Photography
Each recipe includes a photo of the final dish. The photos are bright and colorful. They show kids what the food should look like once it’s ready. These pictures encourage kids to try the recipe. They make the food look tasty and fun.
Princess Illustrations
Each page features lovely illustrations of the Disney Princesses. These images bring energy and excitement. Kids feel like their favorite characters are with them in the kitchen. The artwork fits each recipe’s theme. Ariel swims near seafood snacks. Cinderella stands beside her elegant treats. These pictures spark joy.
Magical Menus
The cookbook also offers bonus menus. These are groupings of recipes that work well together. They help kids plan meals and serve full feasts. For example, a Moana-themed meal might include a main dish, drink, and dessert. Kids can mix and match or follow the menu for a fun dining experience.
4.
Cookbook Overview
Made for All Ages
The cookbook works for kids of all ages. Beginners will find clear steps and photos that make things simple. Older kids will enjoy trying fun twists and creative food ideas. It suits a wide range of ages without feeling too young or too hard. That makes it a perfect pick for families with more than one child.
Created by Food Network’s Test Kitchen
Trusted chefs from Food Network built this book. These are experts who know how to make tasty food that’s easy to follow. Their test kitchen made sure every recipe works well. So kids and parents can trust the results.
Great for Families
This book invites everyone to join in. Parents, siblings, and even friends can cook together. It turns cooking into a family moment. From breakfast to dessert, there’s something for every time of day.
Features
150+ Easy Recipes
Every recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. No special tools needed. Recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Kids can make things like Ham & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches, Pepperoni Chicken Fingers, and Raspberry Applesauce. They can also try unique ideas like fake-out cakes that look like other foods.
Step-by-Step Photos
Each recipe includes color photos. Kids can follow each step visually. This helps them stay on track and feel proud of what they make.
Fun Extras and Games
Kids don’t just cook they play and learn too. The book includes food quizzes, fun facts, and silly games. These keep young readers excited and engaged between recipes. There’s even a coloring book section.
Pro Cooking Tips
Little tips from the Food Network chefs give kids an edge. These tips teach tricks and shortcuts. They also share how to fix small mistakes. These lessons build skills over time.
Custom Recipes
Some recipes let kids choose their own ingredients. Like a “design-your-own” stuffed French toast. This kind of freedom makes cooking more creative and personal. Kids feel like real chefs making real choices.
Fake-Out Cakes
One cake looks like a bowl of mac and cheese. It’s silly, surprising, and super fun to make. These clever recipes keep kids laughing while they learn. They also build confidence.
Cooking Cheat Sheet
The removable book jacket doubles as a cheat sheet. It has helpful reminders, tips, and swaps. Kids can use it as a quick guide while they cook.
5.
Cookbook Overview
Perfect for Young Chefs
Cooking Class is made for kids between 6 and 12 years old. The book matches their reading and cooking level. It doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it welcomes them into the kitchen.
Each page is full of color. Step-by-step photos help kids understand what to do. Recipes come with clear instructions in simple words. Every dish is easy to follow and fun to make. The book also teaches basics, like how to use a knife safely or crack an egg.
The focus stays on learning and having fun. Mistakes are okay. Trying again is part of the process. This helps children build confidence.
Over 50 Kid-Approved Recipes
The cookbook offers more than 50 recipes. These are meals kids want to eat and can make by themselves or with a little help. Think pancakes, smoothies, pizza, French toast, and applesauce. There’s even popcorn chicken and mashed potato clouds. Each recipe is designed with kids’ tastes in mind. Flavors are simple, but not boring. Meals are healthy, colorful, and fun to serve.
Features
Kid-Friendly Language
The words in Cooking Class are simple. Even young readers can follow along without adult help. Instructions are clear and short. Each step makes sense without fancy terms. Recipes come with helpful tips. For example, how to measure flour or stir a hot dish safely. These tips help kids learn while they cook.
Fun Food Art
Some recipes include playful designs. Like egg mice, fruit flowers, and mashed potato clouds. These small touches make the meals more exciting. They also let kids get creative. Food turns into art, which makes mealtime more fun. These ideas keep children engaged. They don’t just eat the food—they enjoy the full process from start to finish.
Award-Winning Quality
This cookbook has won several awards. These include:
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IACP Award Finalist
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NAPPA Gold Winner (2015)
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Parents’ Choice Silver Award (2015)
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Mom’s Choice Gold Award (2016)
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NPR Great Reads (2015)
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New York Times Best Cookbooks for Kids (2019)
Each award shows that parents, teachers, and reviewers all trust this book. It’s safe, fun, and educational.
Healthy Ingredients
Most recipes use fresh fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. There’s not much sugar or processed ingredients. That means kids learn to enjoy good food early. Meals are balanced and support healthy habits. Parents don’t have to worry. These recipes aim for both taste and nutrition.
Series Options
This book is part of a full series. Once kids enjoy Cooking Class, they can try:
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Baking Class — Great for cookies, cupcakes, and sweet treats
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Cooking Class Global Feast — Recipes from around the world
Each book follows the same kid-friendly style.
Final Thoughts
The right cookbook can turn kitchen time into a fun learning adventure for kids. Each of these five books offers simple recipes, colorful photos, and easy steps that help young chefs feel confident. Some focus on healthy meals, while others bring playful food art or global flavors to the table.
Whether your child wants to bake cookies or make breakfast for the family, these books provide the tools to get started. The best children’s cookbooks do more than teach recipes they inspire creativity, build life skills, and bring joy to every meal kids make.
