10 Deliciously Easy Recipes To Make With Your Grandkids

I absolutely love spending time in the kitchen with my grandkids. There’s something about mixing up a batch of cookies or stirring a pot of soup together that just brings us closer.

That’s why I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes to make with the grandkids, whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.

We’ve got everything from classic chocolate chip cookies to savory shepherd’s pie, and each recipe is simple and fun enough for your little helpers to get involved.

So grab your apron, dust off the mixing bowls, and let’s get cooking!

Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are the ultimate comfort food, and baking them with your grandchild is a great way to make memories together. Whether it’s measuring ingredients or shaping the dough into little balls, your grandchild will have a blast helping you in the kitchen. Who doesn’t love sneaking a few bites of cookie dough along the way?

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Banana Bread Bliss

Banana bread is a classic recipe that’s perfect for grandmas and grandkids to make together. It’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas, and your grandchild will love mashing them up and mixing the ingredients. The smell of freshly baked banana bread is absolutely heavenly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Homemade Pizza Party

Who doesn’t love pizza? Making your own pizza from scratch is a fun and creative way to spend time with your grandchild. Let them choose their favorite toppings and help them roll out the dough. You get to enjoy a delicious homemade pizza at the end of it all!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
3. Gradually add in the water and olive oil, stirring until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
6. Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Marvelous Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s always a hit with kids. Let your grandchild help with measuring and mixing the ingredients, and watch their eyes light up when they take that first bite of ooey, gooey cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
7. Drain the macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce.
8. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Perfect Pancakes

Pancakes are a simple and fun recipe that’s perfect for breakfast.

Get your grandchild involved in mixing the batter and flipping the pancakes on the griddle. They’ll love seeing the pancakes puff up and turn golden brown. Plus, you can serve them with their favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Spoon 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and nourishing recipe that’s perfect for a chilly day. They’ll love watching the soup simmer and come together into a delicious, warming meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme, and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the chicken breasts and simmer until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles.
7. Cook until the noodles are tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing snack that’s easy to make with your grandchild. Let them help with washing and cutting the fruit into bite-sized pieces (again, if it’s safe!). They’ll love the bright colors and sweet flavors of all the different fruits.

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruit of your choice, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Honey or fresh lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash and chop your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the fruit in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle with honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Mouthwatering Muffins

Muffins are a versatile recipe that can be made with a variety of fruits and flavors. Let your grandchild help with measuring and mixing the ingredients, and watch as they carefully fill the muffin cups with batter. Enjoy a warm, freshly baked muffin together for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• Assorted add-ins of your choice (blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in your favorite add-ins, such as blueberries or chocolate chips.
6. Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Tasty Tacos

Tacos are a fun and interactive meal that’s perfect for getting your grandchild involved in cooking. They can chop vegetables and assemble the tacos (if it’s safe!). Getting to choose their own toppings and building their own taco creations is the best.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Assorted toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, etc.)

Directions:

1. Cook ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Stir in your favorite taco seasoning mix and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Warm up taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions.
4. Set out bowls of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sour cream.
5. Let your grandchild assemble their own tacos with their favorite toppings.

Savory Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Let your grandchild help with peeling or mashing the potatoes and layering the ingredients. The delicious pie at the end is worth every moment.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth.
4. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat until browned.
5. Add diced onion, carrots, and peas, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
7. Spread the meat mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Making these recipes with your grandchild is a fun and memorable way to spend time together. Whether you’re baking cookies, making pizza, or cooking up a pot of soup, you’ll both enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. So get your aprons on, crank up some tunes, and get cooking!