20 Simple Cooking Recipes for Kids to Try Today

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Cooking with kids isn’t just about making food, it’s about sharing laughs, learning together, and creating memories that last. Whether you’re whipping up quick snacks or tackling a full meal, the kitchen becomes a place where everyone can join in, try new things, and feel proud of what they’ve made.

It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary day into something special. Even the simplest recipe can spark creativity, encourage teamwork, and bring everyone to the table with big smiles.

If you’re ready to add some fun to your routine, here are 20 simple, kid-friendly snacks and meal ideas you can make together right now. Let’s get cooking and make some delicious memories!

20 Easy Cooking Recipes for Kids You Need To Try Now

These 20 easy cooking recipes for kids to make include healthy snacks, like no-bake cereal bars, and hearty meals like cold pasta salad, perfect for any time. Each one lets kids get creative, practice new skills, and feel confident in the kitchen.

Ready to try something tasty together? Let’s dive in!

1. PB&J Waffles

PB&J Waffles are a fun twist on the classic sandwich that kids absolutely love! Crispy waffles come alive with layers of creamy peanut butter and sweet jam, creating a delicious balance of flavour and texture.

They’re super easy to assemble, making them a perfect snack or breakfast that even little chefs can prepare on their own. Serve with fresh fruit for a colourful, filling treat that brings smiles all around!

Check out our recipe for Buttermilk Waffles!

2. Yogurt Parfait with Berries

Yogurt Parfaits are a simple, colourful snack that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. With layers of creamy yogurt, juicy berries, and crunchy granola, this treat is packed with flavour and nutrients.

Let kids build their own parfaits and get creative with their favourite fruits and toppings; it’s a great way to make snack time both healthy and exciting.

3. Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham is a playful spin on a breakfast classic that makes mealtime exciting for kids. Whisking fresh spinach into scrambled eggs adds a vibrant burst of colour and a boost of nutrition, while crispy ham brings in that perfect savoury bite.

This fun, easy recipe encourages little chefs to get involved, explore new flavours, and enjoy a wholesome meal they’ll be proud to create themselves.

4. Vegetable Maggi Noodles

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Vegetable Maggi noodles are a quick, delicious favourite that’s perfect for lazy evenings and little noodle fans. By tossing in colourful veggies like carrots, peas, or capsicum, this instant classic transforms into a healthier, more filling meal.

It’s one of those easy Indian cooking recipes for kids that not only tastes great but also helps them build confidence in the kitchen while having fun together.

Click here to get the full recipe for our Veg Fried Noodles!

5. Overnight Cinnamon Oatmeal in a Jar

Overnight Cinnamon Oatmeal in a Jar is one of those easy cooking recipes for kids that makes breakfast fun and hassle-free! Kids will love mixing oats, milk, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a jar before bedtime.

By morning, they’ll have a delicious, creamy oatmeal ready to enjoy. Let them top it with fruits or nuts for a healthy, tasty start to the day that they made all by themselves!

Explore healthy breakfast ideas with these Indian oats recipes.

6. No-Bake Cereal Bars

No-Bake Cereal Bars are the perfect treat for little chefs to whip up with zero fuss! Made by simply mixing together crunchy cereal, honey, and peanut butter, these bars set in the fridge, no cooking needed.

It’s one of those healthy cooking recipes for kids that teaches them to measure, mix, and create tasty snacks all on their own. Great for tiffin boxes or an after-school bite, these bars are as fun to make as they are to eat!

7. Veggie Sticks with Hummus or Dip

Veggie Sticks with Hummus or Dip is a colourful, crunchy snack that kids will love to prepare and munch on! Let little chefs peel, slice, and arrange veggies like carrots, cucumber, and capsicum, and serve them with their favourite dip or creamy hummus.

It’s one of the easiest cooking recipes for kids, teaching them healthy eating and simple prep skills while adding fun to snack time!

8. Cheese Quesadilla

Cheese Quesadilla is a fun and easy dish that lets kids create a warm, melty snack in minutes. With just a tortilla or roti and some grated cheese, they can fold, toast, and watch the cheese turn perfectly gooey.

A great way to learn basic cooking skills, this quick recipe is perfect for tiffin, after-school hunger pangs, or even a light meal they’ll be proud to make!

Looking for an alternative? Try our Spinach Quesadillas.

9. Mini Sandwich Skewers

Mini Sandwich Skewers are a colourful, bite-sized treat that makes cooking fun for kids! Little hands can easily thread soft bread cubes, cheese slices, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers to create tasty, no-cook snacks.

This playful recipe helps kids explore flavours and build simple kitchen skills, all while making a snack that’s perfect for tiffin, parties, or an after-school bite they’ll be excited to share!

Try our easy sandwich recipes!

10. Fruit Kabobs

Fruit Kabobs are a bright, fun way for kids to get creative in the kitchen while making a healthy snack! All they need to do is thread colourful fruits like mango, banana, grapes, or watermelon onto skewers in any pattern they like.

This simple, no-cook recipe lets kids enjoy hands-on cooking, learn about fresh ingredients, and proudly serve a tasty, refreshing treat that’s perfect for anytime snacking or parties.

11. Cold Pasta Salad

Cold Pasta Salad is a tasty, colourful dish that’s perfect for kids to put together on their own. Using cooked pasta (prepared in advance), kids can mix in veggies like sweet corn, capsicum, and cucumber, and toss everything with a simple dressing.

It is one of those easy recipes for kids to cook by themselves, helping them learn to combine flavours while making a refreshing meal for tiffin or a light lunch!

Not a fan of cold pasta salad? Here is our recipe for Warm Pasta Salad. Check it out now.

12. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries is amongst the fun cooking recipes for kids that transform fresh fruit into a delicious, fancy-looking treat! Little chefs can dip juicy strawberries into melted chocolate and decorate them with colourful sprinkles, nuts, or coconut shavings.

It’s a simple, hands-on activity that sparks creativity and lets kids proudly serve a sweet snack that’s perfect for parties, gifting, or just enjoying at home with family.

Click here for more easy strawberry recipes.

13. 1 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

Banana Ice Cream is a magical one-ingredient recipe that kids will love making on their own! All they need to do is slice ripe bananas, freeze them, and blend till smooth and creamy.

It’s a fun, hands-on way for little chefs to whip up a healthy, natural dessert without any added sugar. Let them top it with nuts, choco chips, or honey for an extra treat!

14. Fruit Smoothies

Fruit Smoothies are a colourful, refreshing drink that kids can blend up in minutes. With just fresh fruits, a splash of milk or yogurt, and a little honey if needed, they can create their very own healthy drink.

From mango and banana to berries and apple, the combinations are endless! This simple recipe helps kids experiment with flavours while enjoying a nutritious, filling snack they’ll be excited to sip.

Here’s our take on simple smoothie recipes!

15. Lemonade from Scratch

Lemonade from scratch is a fun way to get kids started with basic kitchen skills. Squeezing fresh lemons, mixing water and sugar, and tasting as they go teaches them to balance flavours while making a refreshing summer drink.

They can even add mint leaves or a pinch of black salt for an extra twist! It’s a great recipe to help kids feel independent while cooling down on a hot day.

16. Pita Pocket Pizzas

Pita Pocket Pizzas are a quick, hands-on meal that kids will love assembling on their own. Using soft pita bread as the base, they can spread pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add their favourite toppings like capsicum, corn, or olives.

With a quick toast or bake, the mini pizzas are ready! It’s a fun way to introduce kids to easy cooking and let them customise their meal just the way they like.

17. Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

Spiced Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier twist on a classic snack that kids can help prepare with ease. All they need to do is toss sweet potato sticks in olive oil, salt, and mild spices like jeera powder or pepper, and bake them till crisp.

The natural sweetness and gentle spice make them super tasty. It’s a fun, mess-free recipe that teaches kids about simple seasoning and baking.

18. Egg Muffins

Egg Muffins are a simple, protein-packed recipe that’s perfect for kids learning to cook! All they need to do is whisk eggs with a pinch of salt, pour into muffin moulds, and add toppings like cheese, chopped veggies, or herbs.

With light supervision for the oven, kids can create these mini meals for breakfast or tiffin. Soft, fluffy, and fun to customise, these muffins are sure to be a hit!

19. Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispies Treats are a no-bake wonder that kids will love making. Just mix crispy rice cereal with melted marshmallows and a little butter (adult help for melting), press into a tray, and let it set.

This sticky, delicious snack teaches kids to measure, mix, and shape their creation, all while having loads of fun. Perfect for parties, sharing, or a sweet after-school bite!

20. Mini Mug Cakes

Mini Mug Cakes are a quick fix for kids with a sweet tooth! With a few spoons of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and oil mixed in a mug, kids can pop it into the microwave and watch it rise in minutes.

They’ll love how easy it is to make their own soft, chocolaty cake without any mess. It’s a playful recipe that turns simple ingredients into a warm, tasty treat.

For delicious cake ideas, check out our recipes on Awesome Cuisine.

Conclusion

Cooking with kids can be fun and can also help them learn. It gives them a chance to be creative and to try things on their own in the kitchen. The 20 easy recipes above are a good way to start. They let you and your kids get into cooking together. These dishes are simple to follow. You can also change them to fit what your family likes to eat or any needs you may have.

Cooking will help them feel more sure about what they can do. Why not try it now? Watch as your kids get happy about cooking and making good food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some safety tips when kids cook in the kitchen?

Keep your whole family safe by giving everyone jobs that match their age. Kids can help mix batter, put together snacks, or use tools that are far from hot stoves and ovens. Use child-safe utensils and stay away from sharp things. Always keep an eye on the kids while they work. Frozen fries and muffin trays are fun options that beginners can use without risk.

Which recipes are best for younger children to start with?

Recipes such as overnight oats, rice krispers, or chocolate-dipped strawberries are great for younger children when they start learning to cook. These recipes are easy, and you do not need sharp knives or use hot stoves. Kids can also have fun by putting spreads on crackers or decorating a muffin. All this makes cooking both safe and fun for them.

How can I make these recipes healthier for kids?

Make these meals better by swapping in some healthy options. You can use yogurt in your sauces, make smoothies with lots of berries, or add granola to parfaits to give them more crunch. Try adding some vegetables to salsa or lowering the sugar in any baked goods. There are so many ways to make these foods better for you.

Can these recipes be made without using a stove or oven?

Yes, that is right! You can make snacks like yogurt parfaits, overnight oatmeals, no-bake cereal bars, or fruit kabobs without using a stove or oven. These are good if you want easy and safe food for kids. They can help make these snacks by themselves.