- Updated on January 20, 2026
Cooking with kids is a great way to build confidence, independence, and real-life skills — and it can be a lot of fun with the right tools. Whether your child is just starting to help in the kitchen or ready to cook meals more independently, a kid-friendly cookbook can make all the difference. This roundup features some of the best cookbooks for kids, with clear instructions, approachable recipes, and plenty of ideas kids will actually want to make (and eat).
How to Choose a Kids Cookbook:
- For toddlers and preschoolers, look for books designed for cooking together with simple steps and fun, colourful images
- Beginner cooks will benefit from clear instructions and basic recipes they can complete by themselves (with a parent helper)
- More confident chefs may enjoy cookbooks that introduce new techniques, flavours, or baking projects
- Baking-focused books are great for kids who enjoy measuring, mixing, and creating sweet treats
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1. Super Simple Cooking for Kids
by Jodi Danen (Author)
A great starter cookbook for young chefs, this book includes 50 easy, kid-friendly recipes for breakfasts, snacks, dinners, and desserts. With clear steps, simple ingredients, and approachable techniques, it’s perfect for beginners ages 8–12 who want to build confidence and try real cooking on their own.
Available in Paperback.
2. The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
By America’s Test Kitchen Kids (Author)
Created by America’s Test Kitchen Kids, this bestselling cookbook features 100+ kid-tested, kid-approved recipes written with clear steps and helpful photos. It teaches real cooking skills — from kitchen safety to basic techniques — while keeping recipes fun and doable. Kids can make everything from breakfasts and snacks to full family meals, building confidence and independence along the way.Â
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
- A great pick for budding cooks ages 8–12.
3. The Big Fun Kids Cookbook
By Food Network Magazine
This fun cookbook from Food Network Magazine brings big-flavour, kid-approved recipes that are fun to make and even more fun to eat. With straightforward instructions and playful ideas, it covers everything from snacks and family dinners to desserts — all designed for young cooks to enjoy hands-on time in the kitchen. A great pick for kids who want approachable recipes with a bit of flair, perfect for ages 8–12.
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
4. Super Foods for Super Kids Cookbook
by Noelle Martin MScFN RD (Author)
This fun, health-minded cookbook gives kids ages 8–12 a playful way to learn kitchen basics while making 50 delicious (and secretly healthy) recipes. From Out-Of-This-World Oatmeal Pancakes to creative snacks and meals, the recipes come with clear steps and teach kids how to read recipes, use tools safely, and even understand “super foods” that fuel their bodies with good energy. It’s a great mix of learning and tasty, kid-approved cooking.
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
5. The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
By America’s Test Kitchen Kids (Author)
Also from America’s Test Kitchen Kids, this cookbook focuses entirely on baking, with 100+ sweet and savoury recipes kids can confidently make on their own. Clear instructions, helpful visuals, and kid-tested recipes guide young bakers through cookies, breads, cakes, and more while teaching essential baking skills and techniques. Ideal for kids ages 8–12 who love measuring, mixing, and creating treats from scratch.
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
6. Good Housekeeping Kids Cook!
by Good Housekeeping (Author), Susan Westmoreland (Author)
This fun, health-minded cookbook gives kids ages 8–12 a playful way to learn kitchen basics while making 50 delicious (and secretly healthy) recipes. From Out-Of-This-World Oatmeal Pancakes to creative snacks and meals, the recipes come with clear steps and teach kids how to read recipes, use tools safely, and even understand “super foods” that fuel their bodies with good energy. It’s a great mix of learning and tasty, kid-approved cooking.
Available in Hardcover edition.
- Great for first-time cooks
7. Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook
by Heather Wish Staller (Author)
Perfect for the littlest chefs (roughly 2–6 years old) and their grown-ups, this cookbook focuses on simple, healthy recipes you can make together. With easy steps, fun pictures, and toddler-friendly tasks, it’s designed to introduce young kids to basic food prep and kitchen safety while making snacks, breakfasts, and easy meals. A great way to build early confidence and positive food habits through shared cooking time.
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
8. The Vegetarian Cookbook: More than 50 Recipes for Young Cooks
by DK (Author)
This kid-friendly vegetarian cookbook offers 50+ simple, wholesome plant-based recipes that are easy for young chefs to follow. With clear instructions and tasty dishes from colourful salads and veggie bowls to satisfying mains and snacks, it’s a great pick for kids interested in meat-free cooking or families looking to introduce more vegetables at the table. Ideal for ages 8–12, it encourages creativity and healthy eating in the kitchen.
Available in Hardcover edition.
9. MasterChef Junior Cookbook
by Charity Mathews (Author)
Inspired by the hit TV show, this cookbook combines exciting, real-world recipes with approachable step-by-step instructions and essential cooking tips. It encourages kids to build confidence with flavourful dishes and practical techniques — from chopping basics to plating ideas — while keeping things fun and doable. A great choice for kids ages 9–14 who are ready to cook bold, more advanced meals and sharpen their kitchen skills.
Available in Hardcover & Spiralbound editions.
- Best for independent cooks ages 8–12
10. Good Housekeeping 123 Cook!
by Melina Hammer (Author), Bryant Terry (Foreword)
This beginner-friendly cookbook makes learning to cook feel like a fun adventure for younger kids (around ages 4–8). Packed with 50 easy recipes and plenty of step-by-step photos and visuals, it helps early readers build basic kitchen skills (like cracking eggs and simple measuring) with confidence. Fun food facts, jokes, and clear instructions keep kids engaged while they whip up simple breakfasts, lunches, and snacks — perfect for little hands and first-time chefs.
Available in Hardcover edition.
11. My Very First Cookbook: Joyful Recipes to Make Together!
by Danielle Kartes (Author), Annie Wilkinson (Illustrator)
A warm, approachable cookbook designed for younger kids cooking with a grown-up, this one features simple, colourful recipes that are fun to make and easy to follow. With bright photos, clear steps, and lots of hands-on tasks, it encourages kids ages 4–8 to mix, stir, measure, and explore new foods with confidence. A great pick for families who want to cook together and build happy kitchen memories.
Available in Hardcover edition.
- Ideal for cooking together with young kids
12. Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake!
by Deanna F. Cook (Author)
This colourful baking book is packed with 50 kid-friendly recipes that make baking feel approachable and fun. With step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and creative projects, kids can try everything from cookies and muffins to breads and fruity treats. Ideal for ages 8–12, it teaches baking basics while encouraging kids to experiment, learn new skills, and enjoy the process.
Available in Spiralbound edition.
Helpful Kitchen Tools to Pair with a Kids’ Cookbook:
- Kid-safe knives and cooking tools – great for practicing safe chopping and food prep
- Child-sized apron sets – keeps kids clean and makes them feel like “real” chefs
- Easy-grip measuring cups & spoons– kid-friendly sizes for confident measuring
- Kids’ rolling pins – perfect for baking projects like cookies and doughs
Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be complicated — the right cookbook can make it fun, confidence-building, and enjoyable for the whole family. Whether your child is just starting out or ready to tackle bigger kitchen projects, these cookbooks are a great place to start.
Looking for more ways to help your child explore cooking and creativity?
Check out a Kids Cooking or Baking Class or browse our Creative Classes for Kids Guide for more hands-on learning fun.
