Kid Recipe: Panna Cotta with Jam & Crunchy Cookies

Easy to make, fancy to eat

Panna cotta is vanilla pudding that feels a little fancy. You may have had it at an Italian restaurant, presented as a beautiful, sculpted, smooth dome. But it’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s one of those desserts that feels impressive to serve and earns a lot of “You made this?” reactions, which is just what a young cook wants to hear.

Most of the work in this recipe happens on the stove while the sugar dissolves into the milk and the gelatin does its job. Kids will set a ten-minute timer and check back in periodically, with reminders built directly into the recipe. While letting your kid use the stove can feel intimidating for adults, the active time at the stove is minimal. Kids aren’t hovering or constantly stirring; they’re practicing patience, monitoring change, and returning to the task. If you’re looking for a gentle way to build comfort with the stove, this is a great place to start.

After cooking, the panna cotta sets in the fridge for a few hours and is finished with simple, pantry-friendly toppings. The result is a dessert that feels special but is very much within reach for a kid.