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  • 10 Best Cookbooks for Kids in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Cookbooks for Kids in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Have you spotted your little one sauntering into the kitchen while you're prepping dinner? Do they ask questions like, "Whatcha making?" as you cut, slice, and dice? Perhaps it's time to hand them a spatula and get them to join you in the fulfilling activity that is cooking.


There are countless cookbooks nowadays that excel at encouraging kids to learn valuable cooking skills in creative and fun ways. Our favorite is America's Test Kitchen's The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs. It contains over 100 tried-and-tested recipes that kids are sure to enjoy making for everyone. We've also included a buying guide for those keen on grabbing a few more cookbooks for young home chefs! We explain what to consider when picking out a particular recipe book.

Last updated 09/26/2023
Jim Quast
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Executive R&D Chef
Jim Quast

Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Cookbook for Kids - Buying Guide

Choosing a cookbook is never easy, even for adults! We're never sure if the recipes will actually be used and enjoyed, and there's always the risk of it collecting dust on a shelf. 


The same goes for cookbooks for kids, and perhaps even more so! It can be complicated since we need to ensure that the material is fitting for their age while still being engaging.  

① Choose a Cookbook Based on Skill Level and Age

We recommend choosing a cookbook based on the child's level of expertise - the basics for little ones and more complex recipes and techniques for those in grade school level. 

Simple Recipes for Toddlers and Young Children

Simple Recipes for Toddlers and Young Children

A cookbook for toddlers should be accessible, meaning that it's easy to comprehend and follow. Go for a "my first cookbook" kind of approach for very young kids. Look for recipes with simple ingredients and minimal steps, like learning how to create a heart-shaped egg or cookies.


Your toddler will be excited to get in on the action, so it's also helpful to consider how much they'll be able to participate. Recipes that involve ovens or other dangerous aspects might have your kiddo doing more watching than cooking.


At this age, any chopping should be done with a plastic knife. While they should avoid sharp tools, don't be afraid to hand them a mixing spoon, measuring cup, or whisk! You can also choose to have them do the mixing and pouring as they watch you handle the more complex tasks. 

Learn Basic Skills With Grade Schoolers

Learn Basic Skills With Grade Schoolers

As a child gets older, they can try recipes with more autonomy and less parental supervision. You might be surprised that a nine-year-old can learn how to handle a knife and fire! To start, chefs recommend giving your child a lettuce knife, as it is sharper but still safer than larger cooking knives. As they become more comfortable with that, around 10, they may be able to start using larger knives. 


However, as always, make sure to keep an eye on them, especially when using new appliances or techniques for the first time. Remember to remind them to use a towel or oven mitt when handling hot food and utensils. It can also be fun to be your child's sous-chef! Older kids will enjoy sharing their new knowledge and skills with you.


If your child is more independent, finding a book at their reading level is more important. Cookbooks for grade-schoolers involve more exploration about kitchen concepts, practices, and even scientific processes. The recipes branch out into more steps and include more ingredients.

② More Complex Recipes for Tweens and Teens

More Complex Recipes for Tweens and Teens

Once your kids are tweens or teenagers, they have a lot more independence and can usually be trusted in the kitchen. At this age, they should be able to easily use the oven and most kitchen tools and utensils.


After practicing with plastic knives, tweens are safe to graduate to larger knives in the kitchen. However, beware of any complex tools, especially electronic appliances, that may become dangerous without proper supervision and guidance.


Their reading comprehension will also be better at this point, so they should be able to follow more complex recipes. This way, they are constantly challenging themselves in the kitchen and learning new skills.

Your teen or tween might have a stronger preference concerning what kind of cooking they are doing. They will want the freedom to focus on what they want to cook the most. For example, they might want to focus on baking or a specific type of cuisine. This is a great age for them to explore their interests and refine their skills. 

③ Pick a Cuisine or Theme That Sparks Interest

One way to narrow down your cookbook choices is to focus on a theme or particular cuisine that your kid has an interest in. This allows them to explore their interests with the best information.

Cuisine-Centered Cookbooks for Exploring Cultures

Cuisine-Centered Cookbooks for Exploring Cultures

Cookbooks also can focus on a particular cuisine, such as Italian, French, Mexican, or Japanese. You can go for one that explores a specific country's food or get a cookbook with a mix of international dishes. Some have maps showing where a particular recipe originated, which provides a more engaging experience.


Trying different cuisines can also be a great way to learn about new cultures or connect to your own cultural heritage through food

Themed Cookbooks for Enjoying Favorites

Themed Cookbooks for Enjoying Favorites

Another way to choose a cookbook for kids is to focus on a course or dish. You can get one on pizza making, which is a favorite among kids because of the dough preparation and process of creating something from scratch!


How about a baking cookbook for someone who adores desserts and sweets and wants to discover how they're made? Some cookbooks are more focused than others, which is a great way to dive into the nitty-gritty concepts of a particular field. Plus, your child might adore learning how to master their favorite food!


For those with kids who are a little hesitant to cook, you may be able to capture their interest if a cookbook teaches them recipes with a theme they love, such as Harry Potter, Disney princesses, or Star Wars cookbooks.


If you already have a budding young chef, a themed cookbook makes a great gift as well! Imagine a child's sense of achievement if they could recreate meals that they see on TV or learn how to turn regular fried eggs into Rapunzel's Frying Pan Eggs! 


Perhaps your older child already has a background in cooking and wants to level up their skills? You can get a MasterChef Kids cookbook, which contains the recipes inspired by the young chefs themselves.  

④ Look for Accessible Information and Doable Recipes

When you're looking for the best cookbook for your child, it's important to pay attention to how accessible the information included is. You should also remember to keep in mind that these recipes have to be doable in terms of skill level and any dietary restrictions. 

Ensure That There Are Lots of Images

Ensure That There Are Lots of Images

The more images, the better! Because this is a cookbook for kids, bright and bold illustrations should be displayed throughout the book, with the finished product as well as additional photos in between to inspire and assist young chefs


This is especially true for kids who don't have prior experience cooking, as they may need more guidance along the way. Photos help to easily demonstrate steps and techniques!

Keep Your Pantry and Dietary Restrictions in Mind

Keep Your Pantry and Dietary Restrictions in Mind

Make sure the ingredients are accessible to you, as it'll be easier to cook if they are already a staple in your pantry or easy to grab at the store.


There are plenty of cookbooks for kids that are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free. These are often explicitly labeled on the cover or mentioned in the product description of the cookbook. You can also get one that offers suggestions for substitutions in case you need to alter a recipe to suit your child's dietary restrictions. 

Confirm Clarity With Reviews and Previews

Confirm Clarity With Reviews and Previews

Online reviews are your friend! Here you will find useful information, like if a cookbook was prepared in an easy-to-navigate manner. Those who've purchased the cookbook already are often very vocal if they absolutely loved it or found it lacking in some aspects.


It's also worth checking book previews, like summaries or the table of contents. You will find out if a particular cookbook uses kid-friendly language.


Lastly, check and see how the recipes turned out! Were kids able to follow the recipes without a hitch? Were the steps too difficult? You'll want to make sure other kids enjoyed making the recipes and whether they're as tasty as they look in the photos.

Extra Information for Deeper Learning

Extra Information for Deeper Learning

Some cookbooks teach critical kitchen skills, facts about food, culture and history, essential kitchen safety tips, and more! They're not just about dictating a recipe for a child to follow, and the young chef walks away having learned so much more


You can even get cookbooks that double as activity books. These are filled with stickers and labels, food quizzes, fun trivia, or placards for kids to write their own recipes. This approach makes a cookbook more engaging for little ones. However, as kids get older, they may prefer cookbooks that feel more "grown-up!"

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How to Choose a Cookbook for Kids - Buying Guide

Choosing a cookbook is never easy, even for adults! We're never sure if the recipes will actually be used and enjoyed, and there's always the risk of it collecting dust on a shelf. The same goes for cookbooks for kids, and perhaps even more so! It can be complicated since we need to ensure that the material is fitting for their age while still being engaging.
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Key features
1

America's Test Kitchen

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

America's Test Kitchen  The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs  1枚目

Best Way to Foster a Well-Rounded Chef

2

Food Network Magazine

The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook 1枚目

Best for Cooking With Creativity

3

Heather Wish Staller

Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook

Heather Wish Staller Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook 1枚目

Best for Encouraging Toddlers to Cook and Eat Well

4

MasterChef Junior

MasterChef Junior Cookbook

MasterChef Junior MasterChef Junior Cookbook 1枚目

Best for Kids With Advanced Skills

5

America's Test Kitchen Kids

The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

America's Test Kitchen Kids The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs 1枚目

Best for Aspiring Bakers

6

Robin Davis

The Star Wars Cook Book

Robin Davis The Star Wars Cook Book 1枚目

Best for Star Wars Fans

7

Christina Hitchcock

Cooking Class

Christina Hitchcock Cooking Class 1枚目

Best for Teenagers Learning the Basics

8

Disney Book Group

The Disney Princess Cookbook

Disney Book Group The Disney Princess Cookbook 1枚目

Best for Disney Princess Fans

9

Nicola Graimes

Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook

Nicola Graimes Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook 1枚目

Best for Making Healthy Snacks and Meals

10

Erin Gleeson

Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls

Erin Gleeson Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls 1枚目

Best for Vegetarian Cooks

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No.1

America's Test Kitchen The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs  Image 1
Source:target.com
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs  Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.86

Best Way to Foster a Well-Rounded Chef

Pros:

  • Includes a wide variety of recipes for all occasions
  • Has been kid-tested and approved for accessibility
  • Includes photos for each step for clarification

Cons:

  • Some parents seemed to think this cookbook is better for kids who have some experience in the kitchen

If your child wants to experiment with their areas of interest, or just can't choose, this book offers recipes for all types of cuisines. Whether it's a recipe for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, dessert, or beverage, there's a recipe that any aspiring chef can do


A few parents noted that this was a cookbook for kids who already have some know-how in the kitchen. However, parents loved that the book teaches the basics, such as dicing and slicing. The book also explains the tools that they'll need, which makes it very comprehensive for young chefs.

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No.2

Food Network MagazineThe Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

Best for Cooking With Creativity

Pros:

  • Includes quizzes and games
  • Easy to follow recipes with pictures
  • Food for kids by kids

Cons:

  • There aren't many healthy options

It can be hard to keep kids engaged in the kitchen, but you won't have that problem with this book. It includes quizzes and games, and there's even an option for a choose-your-own-adventure recipe, which gives young chefs more control over their creations. This makes your child associate cooking with fun!


Although some reviews expressed there aren't many healthy recipes, they love how easy the directions were to follow. They appreciate that the book is patient and geared towards those still learning how to cook, saying it even places emphasis on kitchen safety.

No.3

Heather Wish StallerLittle Helpers Toddler Cookbook

Best for Encouraging Toddlers to Cook and Eat Well

Pros:

  • Made specifically for toddlers
  • Includes difficulty rankings and clear instructions
  • Includes a list of kid-friendly kitchen tools

Cons:

  • Some parents wished more of the recipes could be made without adult help

Boost and satisfy your toddler's curiosity by getting them involved in the kitchen with you! This cookbook has been designed to incorporate the help of smaller hands. Aside from the recipes being easy-peasy, they're enjoyable for everyone in the family and meant to encourage a diverse palate. 


A few reviewers noted that the directions are aimed towards adults, and kids are just helping. However, parents were especially pleased that the cookbook focuses on health and nutrition. Even picky eaters ate their creations just because they had a hand in making them. 

No.4

MasterChef JuniorMasterChef Junior Cookbook

Best for Kids With Advanced Skills

Pros:

  • Provides recipes to challenge your child
  • Uses recipes from the show
  • Includes tips and advice

Cons:

  • Parents warn that this book is not very accessible to kids who don't have a lot of experience in the kitchen

From the flavorful recipes to the kitchen techniques, this cookbook is for the aspiring master chef. It's filled with tips, advice, and recipes inspired by the popular cooking show for kids to try on their own. The end result may be an artistic kitchen masterpiece!


The recipes are quite complicated, said a few reviewers. They advise handing it to kids who have some experience in the kitchen. Satisfied parents said that kids who love cooking shows and cooking enjoyed the cookbook immensely. The recipes required minimal assistance and were offered at varying levels of difficulty

No.5

America's Test Kitchen KidsThe Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

Best for Aspiring Bakers

Pros:

  • Focuses on baking breads, sweets, and more
  • Includes photos for each step
  • Kid-tested and approved for accessibility

Cons:

  • Some reviewers noted that a few of the recipes are complex

This cookbook is for the young chef who is keen on dabbling with everything baked, from bread and pizza to cookies and cupcakes. It also includes testimonials from kids themselves to help encourage your young baker along the way. 


Some reviewers worried that some of the recipes were too complex for kids. However, parents commented that the ingredients were easy to acquire and everything was explained clearly.

No.6

Robin DavisThe Star Wars Cook Book

Best for Star Wars Fans

Pros:

  • Perfect for Star Wars fans
  • Wide variety of recipes
  • Bright images keep kids engaged

Cons:

  • Some reviewers noted that the recipes were too basic

There's a recipe included in this well-loved Stars Wars cookbook that is guaranteed to satisfy the cooking urges of any child. Whether it's getting toddlers to help with C-3PO pancakes or letting your nine-year-old make some Wookiee cookies, the recipes are delicious and fun.


A few reviewers noted that the recipes were basic. Still, Star Wars fans enjoyed making the recipes, and those who've tried making a few of the recipes weren't disappointed. They especially loved the bright images on every page and found the instructions very easy to follow. 

No.7

Christina HitchcockCooking Class

Best for Teenagers Learning the Basics

Pros:

  • Targeted towards teenagers
  • Simple recipes that are easy to follow
  • Includes safety tips

Cons:

  • Not many photos
  • May be too basic for those with some cooking experience

If your teen is just getting started in the kitchen and is worried about being challenged, they can relax knowing that this cookbook is here to guide them. This book includes simple recipes with detailed instructions, pictures, and safety tips. The recipes are age-appropriate for teens, but provide the extra support beginners may need.


Although some parents thought the instructions were too detailed, others appreciated that this book allows their teens to work independently in the kitchen. They say that each recipe is delicious and that their teens love that they are able to learn how to cook in a fun and easy way.

No.8

Disney Book GroupThe Disney Princess Cookbook

Best for Disney Princess Fans

Pros:

  • Engages Disney fans with beautiful art true to the movies
  • Includes instructional photos
  • Easy to follow

Cons:

  • Some parents note that the recipes are mediocre


If your child dreams of Disney-themed snacks, this is the right book for them. This cookbook contains charming recipes with clear instructions for every princess to try. There are photos of every dish, and tips from the princesses to help kids cook and stay engaged.


Although a few parents thought that some of the recipes were mediocre or didn't yield good results, many said that they absolutely loved the cookbook! There are even pre-planned menus included for kids to try and serve to family or friends. The cookbook was highly recommended by parents and kids alike.

No.9

Nicola GraimesKids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook

Best for Making Healthy Snacks and Meals

Pros:

  • Includes healthy alternatives for familiar favorites
  • Recipes are clear and concise
  • Adaptable for picky eaters

Cons:

  • Some of the ingredients may not be common pantry items
  • Very picky eaters might need coaxing to try some dishes

This book is all about making fun and healthy recipes. It's filled with essential trivia about healthy eating and even teaches kids how to turn classic dishes into healthier alternatives. This is a great way to make healthy eating fun and engaging at any age.


A few reviewers noted that their picky eaters wouldn't try things like tofu. However, parents shared that most kids had fun cooking and eating their masterpieces. Happy parents noted that the recipes are clear, concise, and most agree they're healthy. The cookbook is also described as colorful.

No.10

Erin GleesonBetty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls

Best for Vegetarian Cooks

Pros:

  • Targeted towards vegetarians
  • Includes photos of other children preparing the meals
  • Has party and decoration ideas

Cons:

  • Some parents noted that the recipes are closer to snacks than full meals
  • If you already own The Forest Feast original book, you can skip it

Cooking with diet restrictions can be difficult, but this book makes it easy for you and your child to make delicious vegetarian meals together. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and even include pictures of other children preparing the meals. It also has party and decoration ideas.


Some reviewers noted that a lot of the recipes are closer to snacks than full meals, and most come from the author's original book. However, many parents loved the variety of vegetarian recipes exhibited and confirm they are kid-friendly. They also say their kids find the tips very helpful

Must-Have Cookbooks for All Ages

Amazon's Best Selling Cookbooks for Kids

To find even more great recommendations for children's cookbooks, check out Amazon's bestsellers list.

Top 5 Cookbooks for Kids

No. 1: America's Test Kitchen | The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

No. 2: Food Network Magazine | The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

No. 3: Heather Wish Staller | Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook

No. 4: MasterChef Junior | MasterChef Junior Cookbook

No. 5: America's Test Kitchen Kids | The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

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