The BEST Cookbooks for Kids
If you’ve been looking for fun, confidence-building ways to get your kids in the kitchen, this roundup is for you! These are my absolute favorite kid-friendly cookbooks—packed with simple recipes, bright photos, and tons of hands-on cooking skills. Whether you have a toddler who loves to “help,” a picky eater, or a budding chef who’s ready to take over breakfast, these books make cooking feel magical.
Below are the exact books in our stack, with a quick description of why I love each one.
1. The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs
Created by America’s Test Kitchen, this book teaches kids the “why” behind recipes in a fun, approachable way. Lots of step-by-step photos, super clear instructions, and recipes kids can truly make independently once they get the hang of it.
2. Good Housekeeping: Kids Bake!
A baking-focused cookbook full of treats, cookies, bars, and kid-friendly breads. Great for newer bakers because everything includes visuals and simple science explanations for how baking actually works.
3. The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook
Perfect for families with littles! This one focuses on early eaters and simple meals the whole family can enjoy. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying to introduce more variety or need easy, nutritious meal ideas.
4. The Official Squishmallow Baking Book
Such a fun, quirky cookbook for Squishmallow fans! Kids love the bright pages and playful tone. Recipes range from simple snacks to full desserts, all with a cool pop-culture twist that keeps kids engaged.
5. Feeding Littles: Lunches
Our go-to for balanced lunch inspiration! Tons of ideas for bento-style meals, picky-eater tips, and fast prep strategies. Great for school lunches or at-home lunches that feel new and exciting.
6. The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
Another ATK favorite and probably the most comprehensive kid baking book out there. Cakes, cookies, quick breads, pastries—everything is broken down into steps kids can follow confidently and safely.
7. Sweet & Salty!
A fun mix of sweet treats and savory snacks. Good for kids who want variety beyond traditional baking. Think popcorn mixes, pretzel recipes, snack boards, and easy bakes.
8. The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
If you only buy one overall kids’ cookbook, this is the one. It covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and kitchen basics. Great for building lifelong cooking confidence.
9. Milk Bar: Kids Only by Christina Tosi
A super playful dessert and snack cookbook from Milk Bar’s founder. Bright, imaginative, and just plain fun. Kids LOVE it—lots of cereal-based treats, colorful bakes, and simple step-by-step instructions.
10. My Pokémon Baking Book
A must for Pokémon fans! Each recipe is themed after a different character, making it extra motivating for kids. Cute bakes and lots of opportunities for decorating and creativity.
How to Shop These Cookbooks
I’ve rounded up all of these titles for you in one easy place! You can shop the full list here: The Best Cookbooks for Kids.
These cookbooks make amazing Christmas gifts, birthday presents, or additions to your family cookbook shelf!
