Winter is a great time to get cozy in the kitchen with your preschooler! While it can be hectic, cooking with children can help teach them household skills and instill a passion for cooking and food. If you’re planning to cook with preschoolers, they can get involved in tasks like stirring, sprinkling, mashing, or rolling. In this blog, we’ll give you a few suggestions for child-friendly savory and sweet recipes!
Savory Recipes Ideas For Preschoolers
Preschoolers can help with age-appropriate tasks like washing vegetables, stirring mixtures (away from direct heat), and adding pre-measured ingredients.
Homemade Soups & Stews
Soups are an excellent way to pack in vegetables and provide a lot of chances for your child to get involved!
Activity: Your child can help wash and tear lettuce/spinach leaves, add pre-cut vegetables to the pot, and stir the mixture (with supervision).
Recipe Ideas: Chicken noodle soup, lasagna soup, or hidden veggie mac and cheese.
Mini Pizzas or Flatbreads
This is a great idea for a family that all like something a little different. Everyone in the family can add whatever they like to their pizza or flatbread.
Activity: They can spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add their favorite pre-cut toppings.
Homemade Bread
This is the perfect cozy activity for a grey winter day. Your child can get excited whenever they eat the bread they helped make!
Activity: Kids love kneading dough and watching it rise. They can also help shape the bread before baking.
Sweet Treat & Snack Recipes For Preschoolers
These recipes often involve fun, no-bake options perfect for little hands.
No-Bake Energy Balls
A healthy snack that’s fun to make and fun to eat!
Activity: Combine rolled oats, peanut butter, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and add-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Your preschooler can mix the ingredients and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
If yogurt is a big hit in your household, this is a great snack to try!
Activity: Spread plain or flavored yogurt on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let your child sprinkle on berries, granola, or mini chocolate chips. Freeze until solid, then break into pieces.
Snowman or Reindeer Themed Treats
This is great if your littles are looking to make a sweet treat that also celebrates the winter season.
Activity: Use ingredients like marshmallows, pretzels, and mini chocolate chips to create snowman or reindeer faces on cookies or treats.
Whether you’re planning to make a savory or sweet recipe, remember to prioritize food safety, provide appropriate supervision, and focus on the fun of cooking and making memories together! If your preschooler is involved, your recipe probably won’t turn out perfect, but the memories will last a lifetime!