Cooking with kids – Both challenging but totally rewarding when you see the skills kids pick up so quickly
I have broken this down into 3 age groups into a 3 part series.
You can find the guide for 2-5 year olds here
And 10 -13 years olds here
I have included suggested utensils for them to use and at the end is a selection of recipes that are age appropriate that you can try out with your children now.
The middle years
Children between the ages of 6 and 9 are really wanting to be more independent and there are many things they can help you with and even do on their own.
I find that the main thing at this age is that they lose interest quickly and just want to get to the finished product!
Make sure that the tasks can easily be done in a few minutes during the actual baking/cooking stage.
At this age icing and decoration cakes and cookies is a great way to get some creativity happening and many kids will happily sit and create their masterpieces
Let’s look at what they can do and you should encourage them.
When we look at the kids of today, the lack of life skills is clearly missing with many kids in their teens and early 20’s and many of the skills are simple ones like cooking, cleaning, social skills and time management.
Being able to prepare simple meals is a really valuable skill not just for while they are still living at home – but when they leave home too!!
These are the cooking skills that 6-9 year olds can do now
Reading out the recipes
Cracking eggs
Whisking eggs
Kneading dough
Using a peeler to prep fruit and vegetables
Using a grater
Measuring and weighing ingredients
Chopping fruit and vegetables
Learning to turn on the stove and oven
Stirring things on the stove top
Decorating cupcakes and cookies
Getting kids ready to cook
At this age they will also have a great understanding of working in a safe environment and following hygiene and safe food practices and of course being able to clean up as they go!
Some of the utensils that are great for kids
Using a Peeler
Fruit and vegetable peeler
There are some styles/models that are easier for children to use.
And they can be something fun to get them excited about helping peel the veggies
Care does need to be taken when using a peeler
Grating
Now again I have issues with grater ( I use to be a hairdresser so I use to always be getting finger cuts so I am always careful with sharp implements)
I think I was emotionally scared when as a kid we had to eat a meal and watch out for a bit of skin that mum lost off her knuckle while grating up carrot in the spaghetti sauce.
Choose a grater that is easy to hang onto and has a non slip bottom
And just in case – You can buy finger guards that would work for sturdy vegetables like carrots.
Measuring and Weighing
This is where you can really have some fun with math
You have volume, weights and of course fractions
Simple equations will make sense when you can show a child simple things like 4 quarter cups equal 1 cup
Also learning metric and Imperial measurements
A great set of measuring cups and spoons will have metric measurements
And of course the ones we sell also come with a bonus conversion chart showing metric and Imperial
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Kitchen scales are also great to use and this is the same model that I use.
Very easy to use and you can switch between metric and Imperial
Or maybe a set with a handy bowl maybe easier to balance ingredients on the scale
Chopping fruit and vegetables
They should be able to cut up most fruit and vegetables. Especially if they have been prepped before and cut into manageable sizes
This knife set is for kids 7 and up and comes with a nifty finger guard and a veggie peeler!
Decorating cupcakes and cookies
Now here comes the fun part – decorating cakes and cookies!!
The main area to watch for is easy to manage for kids – Not too fiddly with assembling and using it and of course easy to wash and put away for next time.
Here are the 3 levels in decoration.
Starting with a simple design tools leading right up to intricate frosting flowers.
And here are 5 recipes that suit this age group that you can try out now
Rainbow Vegetable Tortilla Wrap
Recipe by Recipes from a pantry
Great lunchbox item that your kids can make for themselves.
Skills used
Using a peeler
Chopping Vegetables
Fresh Guacamole Recipe
Recipe by Courtney's Sweets
Yummmm…Who doesn't love Guacamole!
This almost went into the younger age group of recipes but there are some good skills in this for older kids and it is a great stepping stone to making nachos or wraps
Skills used
Chopping onions and herbs
Cutting limes and juicing them
Semolina Vegetable Muffins
Recipe by The Belly Rules The Mind
Great muffins that are perfect for lunch boxes or after school snacks!
Skills used
Chopping vegetables
Lots of measuring
Using the oven
Kid-Friendly Broiled Zucchini with Mozzarella and Pepperoni
Recipe by Kalyn's Kitchen
This is a sure fire way of getting zucchini into kids!
Skills used
Chopping vegetables and pepperoni
Grating cheese
Using the broiler/oven
Monster Cookies
Recipe by Gonna want seconds
Well these look super delicious and I know all kids would want a part in making and eating these!
Skills used
Cracking eggs
Measuring ingredients
Using the oven
Thanks so much for including my rainbow wraps! They’re so fun to make with kids. I’ll definitely be trying these other recipes with my own kids.
You are welcome!! Hope it gets some kids cooking!!
Getting kids into the kitchen can really open up a world of creativity and independence for them. Cooking together can be such a bonding experience, too. It’s not just about making a meal; it’s about sharing stories, learning new skills, and even experimenting with flavors.
I love these recipes I’m going to cook them right away .
That’s awesome to hear! Cooking can be such a fun adventure. Do you have a favorite recipe you’re planning to try first? If you need any tips or want to share how it turns out, I’d love to hear about it. Sometimes a little twist on the original recipe can make all the difference. Happy cooking!
I love that you mentioned making rainbow wraps with kids; it really does spark creativity while also encouraging healthier eating. It’s such a vibrant way to get them involved in the kitchen. What fillings do you usually use? I’ve found that letting them pick their own ingredients can make a huge difference in their excitement to try new things.
It’s great to hear that you resonate with the idea of making rainbow wraps with kids. There’s something so wonderful about that burst of color and variety, isn’t there? Getting kids involved in the kitchen can turn that process into a shared adventure, and I’ve found that they often surprise you with what they come up with.
Absolutely! I love involving them in the process—it’s amazing to see their excitement when they create their own combinations. If you’re looking for more creative ideas and delicious fillings, check out this link for inspiration!
https://cookinggods.com/DigestiveHealth
It’s great to hear that you share the same enthusiasm for rainbow wraps! Letting kids choose their own ingredients really transforms the experience, doesn’t it? For fillings, I often use a mix of fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots, along with some protein options like shredded chicken or tofu. A few fun additions can be avocado or a sprinkle of cheese, depending on their tastes. Sometimes, I even throw in some fruit, like mango or strawberries, which adds a nice twist. It’s interesting how the colors make them more curious to try things they might normally shy away from. What combinations have you found are hits with the kids?
Fun idea for a post! Thanks for the shout-out for my kid-friendly zucchini recipe!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Your kid-friendly zucchini recipe is seriously a hit in my household. I’ve started experimenting with it and even added some cheese for a little extra flair. It’s turned into a go-to dish for sneaking in veggies without the fuss.
What a lovely post on how to cook /get kids engaged while cooking! Thanks for including our semolina muffins! The cookies looks so delicious… can’t wait to try it with my boys.
I think it is great to get kids cooking and this is a great resource for someone who doesn’t know where to start. I live in a college town that is 8 miles away from another college town, the majority can not cook!! I badly want to teach a basic home ec class as they were taken out of our schools soon after my graduation in ’05-’06. If we grab these kids when they’re little and teach them, they wont be so lost by the time they go onto their next step in life from Highschool. Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Ashley – Thanks so much for your comment!! I totally agree that being able to cook or prep simple meals is a huge life skill. I hope that you can work out a way that you can get into teaching cooking to students!! I loved this subject at highschool and my teenage boys also love this class at school as well. Eating what they make is the highlight of their week at school!!
It’s great to hear that your boys enjoy their cooking class! There’s something special about learning to cook, especially at that age. It not only teaches them a vital skill but also promotes creativity and a sense of accomplishment when they taste what they’ve made. I’ve noticed that parents often appreciate when kids get to experiment in the kitchen; it can lead to healthier eating habits and even a bit of family bonding time when cooking together at home.
It’s really inspiring to hear about your passion for teaching kids to cook. I completely agree that getting children involved in the kitchen at a young age sets a solid foundation for independence later in life. It’s surprising how many young adults struggle with cooking, especially when it seems like such a vital life skill.
It’s great to hear your thoughts on this topic. Getting kids into the kitchen really can make a world of difference for their future. Cooking is more than just a skill; it’s a form of creativity and self-expression that has the power to boost confidence. When kids help prepare meals, they start understanding ingredients and flavors, and they also learn about the value of nourishing themselves and others.
I’ve always had my kids in the kitchen–now ages 5-11! These recipes look so yummy–especially the monster cookies!
I always had my kids in the kitchen helping and now my daughter has done the something with her kids. All my kids can cook and bake. The oldest grandchild who is only 6 knows how to make oatmeal cookies all by himself.
It’s really great to hear about your experience in the kitchen with your kids! There’s something special about cooking together that goes beyond just making food; it’s about creating memories and teaching life skills that they’ll carry with them. I love that your daughter is passing that down to her kids too.
This was really helpful. My 8 year old has taken a lot of interest in getting cooking and I was looking for child safe knives for him. I love the knife you suggested, it was exactly what I was looking for.
It’s great to hear your 8-year-old is diving into the culinary world! There’s something about kids and cooking that can unleash a whirlwind of creativity—and possibly a bit of chaos, too. As they say, a little flour on the floor just adds character, right?
I’m so glad to hear that you found the article helpful! If you’re interested, I’ve linked to the knife here so you can check it out and find the perfect one for your little chef. Happy cooking!
https://cookinggods.com/KetoBreads
Oh wow this is super informative!! Thank you!
I’m glad you found the article informative! It’s always exciting to discuss these topics that can impact our daily lives. One thing I’ve been thinking about recently is how the information we share can spark more conversations and inspire new ideas.
I’m glad you found it helpful! If you’re interested, I have more resources that dive deeper into this topic. Check them out here!
https://cookinggods.com/KetoBreads
I’m glad you found the article informative! There’s always more to explore on this topic. For instance, have you come across any other aspects that pique your interest? I think it’s fascinating how different viewpoints can add layers to a discussion. If you dive into the historical context or look at recent developments, it can really shape your understanding of the subject. I’d love to hear your thoughts or insights if you have any!
I appreciate your perspective on the topic. It’s true that exploring the historical context can really illuminate how we got to where we are today. I’ve been diving into some recent developments, particularly in how technology influences public opinion on various issues. For example, the rise of social media has changed the landscape entirely, giving a voice to many who were previously unheard.
I saved the chart by age, such a great idea! We will also be making those zucchini pizzas very soon, they looks simple, healthy, and delicious. Great post!
I’m glad you liked the age chart! It can really help make nutritious choices feel more personal. And those zucchini pizzas are such a winner—super easy to whip up on a busy night, right? You can also mix up the toppings based on what you have on hand or what your family likes. Did you have any specific toppings in mind? I’m always on the lookout for new flavor combos!
I’m really glad to hear that you found the age chart helpful! It’s such a handy tool for planning meals, isn’t it? You get to see at a glance what might work best for different age groups, which can make cooking for a crowd a bit less daunting.
I’m glad you found the age chart handy! It’s one of those little gems that make meal-planning feel a bit more manageable. And yes, zucchini pizzas are a total game changer—who knew a humble vegetable could do so much heavy lifting in the kitchen?