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The Best Cookbooks for Kids of All Ages in 2023
Whether your little one is into Pokémon or Disney, a picky eater or already vegan, there's a kid-friendly cookbook for them.
Getting your kid excited about spending time in the kitchen with you can be a daunting task. From moans and groans of not being interested, to TV, phone, and tablet screens taking over their attention, making your favorite recipes with kids may not live up to the expectation you've set. Of course, there are times where they absolutely enjoy spending time cooking with you, but if your goal is to get them comfortable in the kitchen at a young age, finding the best kids cookbooks to help them learn the basics and explore their creativity is a great place to start.
Our top picks:
Whether you're on the hunt for food gifts for your kid's birthday, want healthy, kid-friendly breakfast ideas, or need inspiration for easy dinner recipes for kids that they'll actually eat, cookbooks for kids offer a viable solution. And while there are a number of cookbooks for beginners that could also get the adults in your household a little more comfortable in the kitchen, cookbooks that are specifically created for (and even by) kids are tailored to their interests, making them a much better fit.
Not sure where to start when it comes to finding the best cookbooks for kids? This list — which features a number of options to fit their growing palates, passions, and imaginations — is a great place to start.
'Chef Junior: 100 Super Delicious Recipes by Kids for Kids!'
'Chef Junior: 100 Super Delicious Recipes by Kids for Kids!'
Pros
- Recipes created by kids
- Recipes range in difficulty
- Family-friendly recipes
Cons
- Some ingredients are less common and may not already be in your pantry
While most cookbooks for kids take a super light approach to cooking, this Chef Junior option calls for your young chef to put their skills to the test. With 100 recipes that range from easy to advanced, kids will learn how to make delicious drinks and dishes as well as how to set up a working pantry, shop for high-quality ingredients, and create family-friendly meal plans.
RELATED: 40 Best Chicken Recipes for Kids That Are Fast and Simple
| Number of Recipes | 100 |
|---|---|
| Pages | 208 |
| Publication Date | May 19. 2020 |
| Ages | 7-12 |
'My Pokémon Cookbook: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Pikachu and Friends'
'My Pokémon Cookbook: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Pikachu and Friends'
Pros
- Recipes for every skill level
- Vegetarian-friendly
Cons
- Does not include recipes from the actual games
- Younger kids may need adult assistance with challenging recipes
If your kid is obsessed with the Pokémon universe, this is the cookbook for them. Equipped with more than 45 recipes, including quick snacks and epic meals, this cookbook is chock-full of delicious dishes that are perfect for aspiring Pokémon Trainers of any level.
| Number of Recipes | 45+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | October 25, 2022 |
| Ages | 9-12 |
'Delish Kids (Super-Awesome, Crazy-Fun, Best-Ever) Cookbook'
'Delish Kids (Super-Awesome, Crazy-Fun, Best-Ever) Cookbook'
Pros
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Includes color photography
Cons
- Recipes aren't all "healthy"
Looking for an easy-to-follow cookbook that actually teaches them how to cook? The Delish Kids Cookbook is exactly that. Though most cookbooks just supply recipes, this one delivers basic skills and even shows them how to upgrade their favorite store-bought foods. From breakfast and snacks to lunch and dinners, your little one will love spending time in the kitchen if this book is involved.
| Number of Recipes | 100+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 192 |
| Publication Date | August 31, 2021 |
| Ages | 8-12 |
'Disney Princess Tea Parties'
'Disney Princess Tea Parties'
Pros
- Full-color photography
- Has suggestions for alternate ingredients
Cons
- Younger kids may need adult assistance with challenging recipes
Whether for the Belle of the ball or the Ariel of the sea, the Princess Tea Parties cookbook is true Disney magic. Not only does it include more than 50 kid-friendly recipes inspired by Disney Princesses, but it also delivers facts about them and gives suggestions for alternate ingredients.
| Number of Recipes | 50+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | April 19, 2022 |
| Ages | 8-11 |
America's Test Kitchen Kids 'The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs'
America's Test Kitchen Kids 'The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs'
Pros
- Kid-tested recipes
- Includes product recommendations
Cons
- Some ingredients are less common and may not already be in your pantry
Making cupcakes together doesn't have to be the extent of your little one's baking knowledge, and this cookbook will help them cultivate their skills. With over 100 recipes that were tested by more than 5,000 kids, this cookbook delivers step-by-step tips and techniques and even offers a few product recommendations along the way.
| Number of Recipes | 100+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 224 |
| Publication Date | October 1, 2019 |
| Ages | 8-12 |
'Milk Bar: Kids Only'
'Milk Bar: Kids Only'
Pros
- Teaches kitchen skills
- Can be for all ages
Cons
- Younger kids may need adult assistance with challenging recipes
Dessert will constantly be on the menu once your little chef gets their hands on this stellar cookbook. Featuring more than 85 desserts and treats, the Milk Bar: Kids Only cookbook will help their creativity reach new heights.
| Number of Recipes | 85+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 240 |
| Publication Date | October 27, 2020 |
| Ages | 7-12 |
'Kid Chef Vegan: The Foodie Kid's Vegan Cookbook'
'Kid Chef Vegan: The Foodie Kid's Vegan Cookbook'
Pros
- Detailed cooking instructions
- Great for adults, too
Cons
- Younger kids may need adult assistance with challenging recipes
Getting kids to eat healthier doesn't have to be a daunting task — especially when you have the right cookbook. Providing hands-on learning and vegan kitchen basics, the Kid Chef Vegan cookbook will bring excitement into eating better, one recipe at a time.
| Number of Recipes | 50 |
|---|---|
| Pages | 154 |
| Publication Date | September 21, 2021 |
| Ages | 8-12 |
'Star Wars: The Padawan Cookbook'
Pros
- Teaches the science of cooking
- Full-color photography
Cons
- Specific to fans of 'Star Wars'
The Force can be with your kid in the kitchen with this flavor-filled Star Wars cookbook. The ultimate guide to creating dishes inspired by the cult-favorite franchise, The Padawan Cookbook offers supplementary content that covers physics, chemistry, and nutrition.
| Number of Recipes | 50 |
|---|---|
| Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | August 16, 2022 |
| Ages | 8-12 |
'Barbie Cooks! A Healthy Cookbook'
Pros
- Step-by-step instructions for basic culinary skills
- Full-color photography of every recipe
Cons
- Younger kids may need adult assistance with challenging recipes
Fans of Barbie and her Dreamhouse Adventures friends will fall in love with this easy-to-follow cookbook. It has over 50 recipes that encourage kids to develop healthier eating habits through increasing their creativity in the kitchen. From Loaded Avocado Toast to Spaghetti Squash Pizza bowls, these nutritionally-balanced recipes will be essential to their next step as a junior chef.
| Number of Recipes | 50+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | May 24, 2022 |
| Ages | 6-9 |
'The Peanuts Family Cookbook'
Pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Kids will need help from an adult
Both for the kid and the kid-at-heart, this family cookbook includes a number of recipes that are perfect for the junior chef to make with their favorite grown-ups. In addition to dishes like Warm Puppy Pancakes, Eggs "Badcal" Bennydict, and Snoopy's Golf Club Sandwich, the cookbook also features comic strips and original illustrations to enjoy.
| Number of Recipes | 75+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | October 9, 2018 |
America's Test Kitchen Kids 'The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists'
America's Test Kitchen Kids 'The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists'
Pros
- Family-friendly recipes
- Translates science into cooking
Cons
- One reviewer notes that the index is incomplete
Kid-tested and kid-approved, this science-focused cookbook will become a staple in the kitchen. Both emerging scientists and young chefs will step their confidence up a notch as they try their hand at 75 interesting recipes that also supply a bit of education.
| Number of Recipes | 75+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 240 |
| Publication Date | September 28, 2021 |
| Ages | 8-11 |
Food Network Magazine Food Network Magazine: The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook
Food Network Magazine Food Network Magazine: The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook
Pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Includes games and coloring pages too
Cons
- Not many "healthy" recipes
From the television screen to the page, young Food Network fans can make delicious, kid-friendly dishes for any meal — breakfast, lunch, dessert, you name it! They might even fall in love with cooking and become the next Ree Drummond or Guy Fieri.
| Number of Recipes | 150+ |
|---|---|
| Pages | 192 |
| Publication Date | April 7, 2020 |
| Ages | 6-11 |
Good Housekeeping Good Housekeeping 123 Cook!: My First Cookbook
Good Housekeeping Good Housekeeping 123 Cook!: My First Cookbook
Pros
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Teaches readers about kitchen tools and vocabulary
Cons
- May not appeal to older kids
Great for cooking and learning, this easy-to-follow cookbook includes animal-shaped recipes, definitions for common kitchen terms and tools, and colorful pictures to excite young readers. The cookbook also includes jokes to keep kids entertained. It's a great starter cookbook to create positive memories in the kitchen.
| Number of Recipes | 50 |
|---|---|
| Pages | 160 |
| Publication Date | October 18, 2022 |
| Ages | 4-8 |
What to look for when shopping for kids cookbooks
✔️ Age Level: Though it may seem as if all cookbooks are created equal, you'll want to be sure that each one is intended for the age group your child is in. Elementary-aged students may find recipes for middle school or teenage chefs too advanced and teens may find those for ages 5 to 7 too easy. Be sure to find the right book for your intended audience.
✔️ Engaging Photography: Younger chefs may need a little more explanation on how to use certain kitchen ingredients and items, so having cookbooks that offer step-by-step imagery will come in handy. Though this may not be available for every recipe in the cookbook, parents should be looking for the majority of options to have at least a finished shot of the dish.
✔️ A Desire to Grow: While choosing age-appropriate cookbooks is imperative to children enjoying the process, finding cookbooks that range in ages can also be useful. Options that have recipes ranging from easy to advanced and are family-friendly can ensure that your child has room to grow in the kitchen without having to constantly purchase new cookbooks.
✔️ Supplementary Info: From food substitutions to culinary terms explained, cookbooks that offer supplementary info are extremely helpful in teaching children real cooking skills that will be easy to build on.
FAQ
- Do I have to know how to cook in order to buy my child a cookbook? No! Learning together will be a great bonding and growing experience for you both.
- When can I start cooking with my kids? This depends on your child. Where are they in their developmental stage? Have they shown interest in cooking previously? Can they perform simple cooking tasks? Starting at a young age with things like pouring and stirring or whisking ingredients can be a good place to begin. As their motor skills become a bit more fine tuned, you will be able to advance the stages of their culinary experience.
- How do I know a recipe is kid-friendly or family-friendly? Kid-friendly recipes are usually more simple and easier to follow. They also require fewer ingredients and appeal more to the age group that will be making them. Family-friendly recipes are similar to the aforementioned, but are made for both kids and family. While they can also be easy-to-follow, these recipes may use more ingredients or add a bit more spice than recipes that are solely kid-friendly.
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.
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