Suddenly my kid loves chores and these recipes are the reason why

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Getting kids excited about chores can feel like a challenge, but sometimes all it takes is a little motivation from the kitchen. Simple recipes that are fun to make together can spark interest and even create some unexpected teamwork. These recipes are easy enough for kids to help with, making them feel more involved. Plus, the reward of a tasty dish at the end can make chores seem a lot less like, well, chores.

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola

A baking sheet of pumpkin spice granola.
Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This baked granola combines pumpkin, oats, and seeds, giving it a lightly sweet, crunchy texture perfect for a morning boost. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and bake. With a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, the granola has a warm and cozy flavor that pairs well with yogurt or milk. Its crunchy bite is a satisfying way to start your day and might even get your kid excited about helping in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These green beans, sautéed in a screaming hot skillet with garlic and soy sauce, take just 15 minutes to make. They’re crispy, savory, and packed with bold flavor thanks to the soy and garlic combo. The bright green beans retain their crunch, making them a fresh side dish that’s both quick and healthy. Even picky eaters might enjoy helping with this dish due to its satisfying sizzle in the pan.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted in the oven, this blend of root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes—comes out tender and caramelized in 45 minutes. The earthy sweetness of these vegetables gets enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of thyme. It’s a simple side dish full of flavor that pairs well with any meal. With the chopping and mixing, this recipe is a great way to involve your kid in meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Overhead shot of blackberry crumble pie with one slice on a serving plate.
Blackberry Crumble Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This blackberry crumble pie takes about an hour from start to finish and features juicy blackberries beneath a buttery crumble topping. The sweet-tart flavor of the berries is perfectly balanced by the rich, crisp topping, creating a delicious dessert for any occasion. With its beautiful presentation and mix of textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Getting kids involved in assembling the crumble makes this even more fun.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These mini apple pies, made with a mix of apples and dates, take about 30 minutes to bake. The apple filling is sweet and slightly tangy, complemented by the soft, buttery crust. The bite-sized pies make for a perfect dessert or snack that’s just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to prep, making them a fun and rewarding project for young helpers in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

English Muffin Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a cutting board.
English Muffin Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This English muffin bread takes just over an hour to bake and offers a crispy crust with a soft, chewy inside. Its mild flavor and airy texture make it ideal for toast, perfect with a smear of butter or jam. The bread’s simplicity makes it approachable for kids to help measure and mix ingredients. Its quick baking time ensures they’ll see the results of their effort soon.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread

Spiced Pear Cobbler

Spiced Pear Cobbler. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Spiced with cinnamon and ginger, this pear cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that takes about an hour to bake. The sweet, juicy pears meld with a soft, fluffy buttermilk biscuit topping. Each bite delivers a balance of sweet fruit and warm spices that’s perfect for cool evenings. Kids will love layering the pears and biscuits, feeling proud of their tasty creation.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies.
Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These classic snickerdoodle cookies take around 30 minutes from start to finish, delivering a soft, chewy center with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. The warm flavor of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the slight tang of the dough. Kids can easily help roll the dough into balls and coat them in sugar, making it a fun kitchen activity. The quick baking time means they’ll be enjoying their cookies in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Halloween Bark

A plate of chocolate bark with spider webs and plastic spiders on it.
Halloween Bark. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This festive Halloween bark comes together in about 20 minutes, combining dark and white chocolate swirled with spooky sprinkles. The mix of crunchy, sweet toppings and smooth chocolate makes it a fun treat for the holiday season. It’s a playful dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Kids will love helping decorate and break it into pieces once it’s set.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Bark

Brown Butter Roasted Pecans

Three bowls of brown butter roasted pecans on a gray background next to a red tartan cloth.
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted in brown butter, these pecans take just 20 minutes to prepare and roast, resulting in a nutty, caramelized flavor. The butter adds a richness that enhances the natural sweetness of the pecans. They’re perfect for snacking or topping a salad. Kids can help by stirring the pecans as they roast, making them feel like part of the cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Pecans

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This butterscotch apple crisp takes about 45 minutes to bake, offering a sweet and slightly tart apple filling topped with a crunchy oat and butterscotch crumble. The warm, gooey apples pair beautifully with the crisp topping, making it an irresistible dessert. It’s simple to assemble, with kids enjoying the process of layering the ingredients. The satisfying crunch makes it worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken pot pie, packed with a creamy tarragon gravy, takes about an hour to bake. Tender chicken, carrots, and peas are nestled under a flaky pie crust, delivering classic comfort in every bite. The herb-infused gravy adds depth to the dish without overpowering it. Kids can help by assembling the pie and feeling proud when this hearty meal hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls, stuffed with spiced apples, take about 2 hours from prep to bake. The apples add a sweet, tangy flavor to the soft dough, creating a warm and comforting treat. Their cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese glaze make them irresistible. Having kids help roll and cut the dough makes them more excited to dig in once they’re out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A charcuterie and cheese grazing board takes 20 minutes to assemble, offering a spread of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. It’s a great combination of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for snacking or a light meal. The variety of textures makes it fun to eat, with something for everyone. Letting kids arrange the items on the board can spark their creativity and ownership of the final product.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

A white plate of a line of Spiced Shortbread Cookies lined up.
Spiced Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These spiced shortbread cookies take around 30 minutes to bake, featuring a buttery, crumbly texture with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The spices add a warm flavor that makes these cookies perfect for fall or winter gatherings. Their simplicity makes them easy to bake with kids, who will enjoy rolling and cutting the dough. Sharing the final result makes it all the more rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies

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