Cooking with Little Kids: 12 Recipes Even the Tiniest Hands Can Handle

Getting the kids involved in the kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated—though it’s almost always very messy! I rounded up some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for parents cooking with little kids to make—and eat—together from breakfast to dessert, and all of the meals in between. Skip striving for perfection when the kids are in the kitchen, and plan to be flexible if things don’t turn out exactly as planned. As long as everyone has fun and enjoys the experience, you’re doing it right. (Consider investing in aprons for everyone, and keep the vacuum nearby!)

More Fun Cooking with Kids Recipes:

Cooking with Kids: 12 Recipes Even the Littlest Hands Can Handle

Overnight Oats with Berries

Get the kids to help measuring and stirring the ingredients after dinner, then pop the yogurt, oat, and coconut mixture into the fridge to chill until breakfast time. With no work to do other than carrying them to the table, everyone will enjoy a simpler morning routine.
Get the recipe at Yummy Toddler Food.
Polenta Pizza

With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking, this makes for a quick snack or simple meal that's easy for kids to help assemble. Polenta is soft enough to cut with a safe butter knife, and layering on sauce and cheese is fun for even toddlers.
Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Crunchy Fruit 'N’ Yogurt Parfait Bites

Bake up the wonton wrapper crusts, and then let the kids customize these parfaits with ingredients including yogurt (regular or Greek), chopped fruit, and granola. Bonus: They are good the next day too!
Get the recipe at Super Healthy Kids.
Blueberry Cocoa Baked Doughnuts

Gluten-free and with a hit of chocolatey flavor from cocoa powder, these doughnuts are a delicious way to start the day. Let the kids help stir (no need to worry about over-mixing since there’s no gluten) and measure out the blueberries.
Get the recipe at Yummy Toddler Food.
Steak Nachos

Nachos for dinner? That is a concept everyone in the family can get behind! Recruit help with shredding cheese and assembling the platter while a parent cooks up the steak.
Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Weeknight Chicken Quesadillas

Put leftover chicken to good use in these quick quesadillas. Let everyone assemble their own filling from an assortment of cheeses, veggies, and meat, and then have a parent do the cooking while the kids set the table.
Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Broccoli Cheese Toasties

Think grilled cheese meets broccoli in these simple open-faced toasts. Let the little ones spread, sprinkle, and top their bread slices according to their liking—and be sure to let them snack on the ingredients as they go if they want!
Get the recipe at Stetted.
Cheesy Oat Crackers with Rosemary

Many toddlers are fascinated by kitchen appliances, so let yours press the button on the food processor to make the dough for these crackers while you stand watch. Then, give them a bit of dough to roll out with a bitty rolling pin while you do the rest.
Get the recipe at Yummy Toddler Food.
Lower Sugar Vanilla Cupcakes

After these moist cupcakes come out of the oven, start making the frosting with the kids. Have them help mash the raspberries, whip up the cream cheese, and spread it onto the cupcakes once they are cooled.
Get the recipe at Yummy Toddler Food.
Peanut Butter Honey Puffed Treats

Crunchy, nutty, and slightly sweet, these treats are fun to serve and to make. Wash hands and then let the kids get them dirty as they help mix up the ingredients and roll them into balls.
Get the recipe at Food Loves Writing.
Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

Chocolate and banana are a perfect flavor match, and these pops are even more delightful since the kids can customize their own from a selection of fun toppings.
Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Frozen Peanut Butter and Jelly Pops

Peanut butter, milk, honey, and fruit come together in these healthy treats. Kids can help get the molds ready, put in the sticks, and eat them up!
Get the recipe at Super Healthy Kids.