Cookies and kids just go together, don’t they? Baking is one of the easiest ways to turn a rainy afternoon into a fun family activity — and these easy cookie recipes you can bake with the kids are a great place to start. You won’t have any trouble finding tasters either!
Baking cookies isn’t just a treat to eat, it’s a lovely activity to share together. Even toddlers can get hands-on, since most cookie recipes are wonderfully forgiving. As your child grows, they can take on more of the steps themselves, always with your supervision.
If you’re a novice baker, don’t worry — start with these easy cookie recipes and you’ll pick up the basics in no time. And if you’re after more baking inspiration, we’ve also got cookies for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas that are sure to go down a treat.
Looking For More?
Kids will love helping you bake and decorate these ice cream cone cupcakes — and we’re pretty sure everyone will enjoy eating them too!
Master These Easy Cookie Recipes
1. Jello Cookies & Jello Play Dough
Image: I Heart Naptime
The nice thing about this recipe for Jello cookies from I Heart Naptime is that you can turn the leftover mixture into homemade playdough too — tasty and fun in one go.
Wash the kids’ hands (and the counter, of course!) and let their imaginations run wild. It’s a great example of play and cooking combined, and it will keep little ones happily occupied for quite a while.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Easy Peasy Baking Recipes for Kids to Inspire and Delight
2. Emma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love the really sticky, gooey chocolate chip cookies you get in the States, then Emma’s Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is for you.
It’s a super-easy cookie recipe to follow, and the kids will love helping out, knowing they get to sample the end result!
3. Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Image: Sally’s Baking Addiction
This is one of our favourite easy cookie recipes, and one we come back to time and again. The straightforward recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction for soft cut-out sugar cookies has crisp edges and plenty of room for icing and sprinkles.
Use your favourite cookie cutter shapes and have fun baking and decorating together.
You May Also Enjoy 7 Tempting Valentine Cookie Recipes That Say I Love You
4. Eloise’s Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
We couldn’t do a cookie round-up without mentioning the winner of our Christmas cookie competition. But there’s no need to wait until Christmas to bake these — they’re delicious any time of year.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Tips for Stress-Free Cooking with Kids
5. Peanut Butter Cookies
Image: I Am Baker
This gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe from I Am Baker is wonderfully simple to follow, and you’ll find plenty of other great recipes on the site too. Fair warning — these are seriously moreish.
6. Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Cookies
This Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip cookie recipe was shared with us by Mykidstime parent Deirdre C, and it’s easy to make and delicious.
Perfect at Christmas, or any time of year you’re after a sweet treat to bake with the kids.
You May Also Enjoy 12 Useful Kids Cooking Skills Easily Mastered by Preschoolers
7. No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These chocolate oatmeal cookies need no baking at all, so they’re perfect for letting the kids get stuck into the messy fun of melted chocolate.
We especially love that step-by-step videos are included, so there’s no room to go wrong — and what’s not to love about a recipe that doesn’t need the oven at all!
8. Gummy Bear Thumbprint Cookies
Image: The Baking Robot
Melt your favourite colour gummy bear into the middle of these cookies for a colourful cookie surprise. This thumbprint cookie recipe from The Baking Robot is simple to follow and ideal for getting the kids involved in the baking fun.
You May Also Enjoy The 20 Best Things about Cooking with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids start baking cookies?
Most children can start helping with simple cookie recipes from around age 2 or 3, with close supervision. Toddlers love mixing, pouring and pressing shapes, while older children can gradually take on tasks like measuring, cracking eggs and using cutters.
How do I get very young toddlers involved safely?
Give toddlers jobs that don’t involve heat or sharp tools — stirring a bowl, adding pre-measured ingredients, or pressing cookie cutters into rolled-out dough. Keep them well away from the oven and hot trays, and always supervise closely.
Can these cookie recipes be adapted for allergies or dietary needs?
Some of the recipes above, such as the peanut butter cookies, are already gluten-free, and many cookie recipes can be adapted using dairy-free or egg-free substitutes. If your child has a specific allergy or dietary requirement, check the full ingredient list on the original recipe site before baking, and adapt as needed for your family.
Can we make the dough ahead of time or freeze the cookies?
Most cookie doughs can be made ahead and chilled in the fridge for a day or two, and many freeze well either as raw dough or baked cookies. Check the individual recipe for specific storage guidance, as this can vary between recipes.
Save These Ideas for Later
Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite recipe folder so you’ve always got a go-to list of easy cookie recipes ready for the next rainy afternoon, school holiday, or spontaneous baking session with the kids.
Want More Baking Inspiration Every Week?
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free newsletter, packed with fun things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions — delivered weekly.
More Cookie and Baking Ideas You’ll Love
- 7 Tempting Valentine Cookie Recipes That Say I Love You
- 10 Cute and Easy Easter Cookies Kids Love
- 11 Easy Halloween Cookie Recipes Kids Adore
- Get Festive: 10 Easy Christmas Cookies to Make and Enjoy
- 10 Easy Peasy Baking Recipes for Kids to Inspire and Delight
- The 20 Best Things about Cooking with Kids
Have your say! Easy cookie recipes are essential with kids — what’s your favourite? Leave a comment below and let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
