Make a Kid’s Cookbook
Hey there! I’m Liz! A busy wife and mother who is always on call for my family. I love sharing recipes, crafts, DIY projects and free printables to help make a busy parent’s life easier on my blog Liz on Call. I’m super excited to be here to share a fun summer project, perfect to do with your kids who love helping in the kitchen.
This project started as a simple idea to get my kids involved in the kitchen, but it turned into something so much bigger. Not only did my kids learn valuable cooking skills, but we also made memories that I’ll treasure forever. Creating a Kids Cookbook together is an incredible way to spend time as a family, teach life lessons, and end up with something tangible — a complete cookbook full of their favorite recipes, stories, and even a few kitchen experiments that didn’t go quite as planned.
If you’ve ever wanted a fun and meaningful family craft that combines creativity, teamwork, and delicious results, this is it. So roll up your sleeves, grab your aprons, and let’s dive into how to make a Kids Cookbook of your very own!
Make a Kids Cookbook – A Fun Family Project
My kids love helping in the kitchen. My daughter loves it so much that she tells me she wants to be a cook when she grows up. She has been taking some cooking classes and has loved them. My daughter is always excited to share with us her creations. She has a folder with all the recipes she has made in her cooking class and it’s in the drawer with all of my recipes.
I thought it would be fun to help her create her own recipe book with recipes she knows how to make all on her own. Of course, supervision is always required with younger kids. As a parent, you will know at what age it’s appropriate to let your kids cook alone.
I worked with my daughter in creating this free printable kid’s cookbook. I let her write all the words for the cover and recipe cards and scanned them into my computer. Then I created the cute faces, inspired by my kids. Once I had them all printed, I needed to decide how to put the kid’s cookbook together.
Why Make a Kids Cookbook?
There’s something magical about cooking with your kids. The kitchen becomes a place for learning, laughter, and maybe a little bit of flour on the floor. Whether your kids are still in preschool or growing into teens, they can all contribute in their own ways.
By building their own Kids Cookbook, children learn more than just recipes — they gain confidence, develop cooking skills, and understand how to work as a team. It’s a great way to practice math (measuring ingredients), reading(following directions), and even creativity (decorating pages or naming dishes).
Plus, a homemade Kids Cookbook makes the sweetest gift for grandparents, teachers, or other family members. Imagine giving a handmade book filled with your kids’ favorite snacks, desserts, and family recipes — complete with photos and funny notes. It’s the kind of keepsake that will be cherished for years.
I found these photo books at the dollar store and knew they would be perfect for the cookbook.
This kid’s cookbook has a cover, a belongs to page, 3 pre written recipes that my daughter has made and loves, and blank recipe cards to add your own kid friendly recipes. There is even a space at the bottom to check if the kids can make the recipe on their own, or with a parent’s help.
You can download the free printable kid’s cookbook by using the link below. These are for personal use only.
Step 1: Gather Your Recipes
The first step in creating your Kids Cookbook is deciding which recipes to include. Start by brainstorming with your kids. Ask them questions like:
- What’s your favorite meal we make together?
- What snack do you love to eat after school?
- Which cookies or desserts do we bake every holiday?
- What’s your favorite vegetable or salad recipe?
Make a list of at least a dozen ideas — that’s enough for a complete cookbook. Be sure to include recipes from all categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Encourage each child to choose a few of their favorites so everyone feels included.
If you have younger kids, stick to simple recipes with minimal steps and supervision, like fruit kabobs, mini pizzas, or chocolate chip cookies. For older kids, try more challenging options like homemade pasta, roasted vegetables, or layered salads.
Kid’s Cookbook
I printed this out on card stock, cut them apart and then added them to the pages of my dollar store photo book.
My daughter was super excited when she saw the finished kid’s cookbook. I then had to make one for my son and my other daughter. They can’t wait to start adding recipes to their cookbooks and making yummy things in the kitchen with mom.
Step 2: Cook Together in the Kitchen
Now comes the fun part — cooking! Set aside time to make each recipe together as a family. You don’t have to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few weekends or make it a weekly tradition.
While cooking, let the kids take the lead whenever possible. Let them measure the ingredients, stir the batter, or wash the vegetables. Younger children can help by pouring, mixing, or setting the table, while older kids can practice chopping (with supervision!) or reading recipes aloud.
As you cook, take photos of each dish and a few candid shots of your kids in action. These photos will make your finished Kids Cookbook feel personal and memorable — just like a mini photo book filled with family stories and delicious memories.
Step 3: Keep Adding to It!
The best part about this project is that your Kids Cookbook can keep growing. Every time your family discovers a new favorite dish or tries a new recipe together, add it to your book!
As your kids’ cooking skills improve, you’ll watch their confidence soar. Before long, they’ll be whipping up salads, roasting vegetables, and baking cookies all on their own. The kitchen will become a place of connection, laughter, and lifelong learning.
What kinds of recipes do your kids like making with you? Here are some other ideas of things to make with the kids.
Happy Cooking! Liz
Final Thoughts
Making a Kids Cookbook is more than a craft — it’s an experience. It’s about teaching, teamwork, and a shared love for food and family. It’s about seeing your kids take pride in their work, from mixing ingredients to decorating pages.
Liz’s story reminds us that some of the best family memories are made in the kitchen — with flour on your hands, laughter in the air, and something delicious in the oven.
So, whether you’re starting with a simple download and free printable, or designing a full photo book, remember: this isn’t just a cookbook — it’s a piece of your family’s story. ❤️
Find more cooking with kids ideas here!
I cannot find the link to the cook book cards for kids. Where is that free downloadable file? Thanks so much – it looks great!
Sorry this was a guest post and she put the free printable link on the words that say Kids’ Cookbook. It is larger print. Just scroll down and it will highlight pink.