The best cooking classes for team building

Making a delicate, flaky croissant from scratch is something that many French pastry chefs spend years trying to perfect. These events eliminate the guesswork and allow everyone in your group to learn essential tips straight from an expert. Some of these workshops provide students with premade dough and focus on shaping and filling croissants, while others walk students through the entire process to build their confidence in recreating this delicate dough at home. These classes will typically teach everyone how to make a traditional croissant, a chocolate variation (Pain au Chocolat), and a savory ham and cheese version. Once the class is over, you’ll be able to host an impressive brunch and show off your newfound pastry skills to friends and family.

Baking and decorating a sweet and fluffy cupcake is one team building activity that’s sure to please a crowd. Depending on your preferences, you can select a workshop that teaches participants the ins and outs of baking the perfect cupcake or one that focuses on decorating skills. A baking class might be better suited for a group that values precision since baking requires exact measurements and attention to detail. At the same time, a more creative crowd might appreciate the opportunity to jump straight into the decorations. In a cupcake baking class, you’ll learn how to perfect a moist and airy batter before moving on to frosting techniques. A cupcake decorating workshop provides pre-made cupcakes so participants can focus on elevating their home baking through a range of essential skills with a classic buttercream frosting.

Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own ice cream from scratch? These workshops will show you everything you need to know as you bond and make lasting memories with your coworkers. In an ice cream making class, you and your teammates will learn to make a sweet base ice cream before adding your own flavors and fillings. Some classes even teach the recipe made famous by Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi herself. Your group will also learn techniques to make and flavor your own batch of ice cream at home and learn some fun ice cream facts as well. If you’re looking for something that allows you to think outside the cone, so to speak, you could check out a mochi making workshop instead. Mochi is a Japanese dessert made of ice cream wrapped in sweetened rice flour, often flavored with something like matcha or cocoa powder. Some boozy ice cream classes are also available if you’re really in the mood to unwind with a sweet treat.

A macaron is a meringue-based cookie sandwich filled with a flavored ganache. They can be made in nearly any flavor you can imagine and are beloved because of their delicate, chewy texture. There are macaron workshops that focus on French macarons and Italian macarons. The French variation tends to be slightly chewier, while an Italian macaron generally has a sweeter flavor. These unique pastry classes make great team building events because many people haven’t made a macaron from scratch, so everyone will learn together on a relatively even playing field. Making macarons also requires a variety of techniques, so these classes are an excellent choice for avid home bakers looking to elevate their skills further. Since they’re traditionally made with almond flour, macarons are also a gluten-free dessert, making them an excellent choice for a group that needs to accommodate some dietary restrictions.

No matter where you’re located, you can bring a taste of New York City into your home with this simple, beloved street food. In these cooking events, each member of your group will receive a kit of ingredients ahead of time, including cornmeal, baking soda, sugar, and coarse salt for topping. The kit also includes flour or a gluten-free substitute, so those with dietary restrictions are still welcome to participate. To start things off, everyone in your group will get their hands dirty as they roll and shape authentic pretzel dough into that iconic twisted shape that everyone knows and loves. After your pretzels have been baked and cooled, you can flavor them with various sweet or savory toppings, depending on your preferences. Once this class is over, you’ll be able to make tasty pretzels at home whenever you have a craving.

Baking bread at home is much simpler than you might think, especially if you learn from an expert in one of these bread making events with your coworkers. These private workshops provide all the ingredients you’ll need to bake the perfect loaf, whether you choose to make bagels, challah, focaccia, or sourdough. The host will teach participants each step to achieving the perfect crusty bread with a chewy interior while also explaining the science behind the delicate art of baking bread. Some of these classes also allow students to bring their own bottles of beer or wine, which will undoubtedly encourage additional conversation and laughter. If you have a larger group, you could even choose a few different bread making classes and break your team up into smaller cohorts, then let everyone come back together to share what they’ve learned.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a tasty dessert with your colleagues and elevate your next family party, a cake baking or cake decorating class is a perfect choice. Just like the cupcake classes, you can choose from cake classes that focus on baking and decorating or just decorating by itself. A cake baking class will teach participants the secrets to achieving a light batter that has been baked to perfection. In contrast, a decorating class allows students to experiment with vibrant colors of rich buttercream frosting to create simple but elegant designs. Learning professional cake skills is something that anyone can find valuable. We all celebrate multiple birthdays a year with family and friends, and knowing how to create a beautiful, fluffy cake from scratch is a simple skill that can add a heartfelt touch to any event.

Calling all chocoholics! A chocolate making workshop is an ideal activity for groups that want to learn how to satisfy their sweet cravings in the comfort of their homes. There is a wide range of chocolate activities to choose from, including fudge making workshops and truffle making workshops. Regardless of which class you choose, your group will receive high-quality ingredients and a few hours of professional instruction. You’ll also learn some of today’s chocolatiers' favorite techniques, like foolproof methods for perfectly tempered chocolate and smooth, creamy ganache. In some of these workshops, you can take some of your creations home to show off to family and friends. Because chocolate can make a sticky mess, it’s recommended that students wear casual clothes that can handle getting dirty and that participants with long hair tie it back.

If your group wants to simply relax with your tasty treats, a chocolate tasting class could be the way to go. These classes are interactive and engaging without the risk of covering your hands and clothes in chocolate. Each workshop is led by a professional Chocolate Sommelier who will guide participants through the process of using all their senses to experience chocolate like never before. Your group will be able to sample different types of chocolate from around the world as you explore their unique flavors and characteristics. Depending on which class you choose, you might also experience some chocolate trivia with special prizes as well. These chocolate tasting events are a great way to learn more about the history of chocolate and enhance your appreciation of this internationally beloved treat.

If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on cooking activity, a cheese making class could be an ideal option. Taught by an experienced chef, these classes aim to teach participants the science behind creating authentic cheese. Each student will receive a cheese making kit complete with essential tools like a thermometer, vegetable rennet, citric acid, and cheese salt. The instructor will help explain the deceptively simple process of making cheese at home and demonstrate how these ingredients work together to achieve different textures of cheese. Some of the in-person cheese making classes also include a wine tasting component and provide students with samples of local artisanal cheeses. By the end of the workshop, everyone in your group will walk away with a batch of rich and creamy Italian cheese like ricotta, mozzarella, or burrata.

For those who would prefer to eat and enjoy a variety of cheeses rather than make them, plenty of activities focus on tasting artisanal cheese instead. These events are engaging and interactive, allowing everyone in your group to learn exciting facts that will elevate conversations at their next dinner party. These classes often start with an explanation of how various cheeses are made before diving into the tasting portion. Participants will get a chance to sample several types of cheese and learn more about what flavors pair best with each variety. Some of these events include a wine pairing component that allows everyone to ask questions about the best flavor combinations and tips on creating unique pairings at home. You’ll also learn proper storage techniques if you want to keep certain cheeses handy in your kitchen once the event is over.

If your teammates are looking to unwind from the workday with a classic cocktail, one of these mixology workshops will be just the ticket. You can choose from classes focusing on vodka cocktails, rum cocktails, or variations on the classic margarita. Regardless of what class you choose, your host will share some information about standard bar tools and skills and a touch about the history of mixology. You’ll also learn more about standard bar substitutions to create classic drinks at home, even if you don’t have all the typical tools and ingredients. There are also a few virtual wine or beer tasting workshops if you’d like to sample a variety of beverages and learn more about exploring your palate rather than making drinks from scratch. If folks in your group prefer to abstain from alcohol, mocktail versions are available upon request so everyone can participate and enjoy themselves. Chin chin!

Groups looking for a more relaxing drink making experience may prefer a tea making class instead. There are a variety of tea classes to choose from, depending on your preferences, including a chai workshop and several different bubble tea workshops. Whether your group participates in-person or virtually, you’ll receive a batch of high-quality ingredients like various types of tea, tapioca pearls, different flavored syrups, and paper straws. You’ll receive ingredients to make multiple servings of your tea, so you’re welcome to experiment with different flavors and ratios until you make a drink that suits your palate perfectly. These classes are all led by a professional instructor who will guide the group through creating these unique drinks. You’ll also learn some historical facts about the region your chosen drink comes from. 

Cooking as a group is a wonderful way for coworkers to get to know each other better and learn more about one another’s personal lives. As you work side-by-side in the kitchen, you’ll likely find out what else your colleagues enjoy cooking and eating at home and what they grew up eating. These conversations encourage people to learn more about each other’s cultural backgrounds, allowing for a greater appreciation of diversity in the workplace. These lighthearted conversations also ensure team members get a chance to break out of their daily routines and relax together. 

Choosing a cooking class for a team building activity also ensures that participants strengthen their communication and collaboration skills. In a group, people understandably bring various strengths and skill levels to the table so participants can learn from one another and build trust by asking others for help. A cooking class also allows people to show off their different strengths. For instance, someone with a lot of organizational skills may enjoy prepping ingredients, while a more creative team member with a keen eye for detail can assist with beautiful and thoughtful plating techniques. An activity that requires a variety of different skills is sure to keep a group of colleagues entertained and engaged regardless of their initial comfort level in the kitchen.

No matter what cooking class you select for your team building event, there are several things you can count on. All of these workshops are led by professional chefs who are there to answer questions, offer support, and keep the group engaged and on-task. If your class has some downtime built in, like waiting for something to bake or cool, you can likely expect a lesson about the history of your dish, the science behind why certain ingredients react to each other, or even a fun trivia game to pass the time. Hosts are also happy to answer questions as students progress through the activity. They also provide helpful kitchen tips that everyone can apply in their home kitchens once the class ends. 

Whether your group participates virtually or in person, most of these events provide all the necessary ingredients to each student. In-person students will arrive at a fully-stocked kitchen, while virtual students will have a kit of supplies shipped directly to their homes prior to the event. Virtual students will likely need to have some kitchen staples on hand, but this information will be provided well in advance to ensure everyone is prepared. Most of these classes will end with a portion of time where everyone can eat and enjoy their creations together, providing additional opportunities for bonding and relationship building.

Team building events provide different benefits based on the activity and the group’s objective. Looking at cooking for team building, these are hands-on classes that require participants to collaborate with one another to successfully complete a recipe. The nature of this leads to many benefits for teams and groups, including improved communication, stronger bonds, better teamwork abilities, and uncovering hidden strengths. Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in more detail:

Improved communication

Team-building cooking classes, whether done in person or virtually, are ideal for improving communication skills among team members. This is because they provide an opportunity for individuals to sit back in a relaxed environment and get to know one another, especially for those who may not have a chance to speak often in the workplace or if they work remotely from their team. Working together to complete a recipe requires delegating tasks, keeping each other updated on the process, and coordinating steps, which may seem like a standard part of cooking, but beyond the surface, it builds fundamental communication skills that can carry over into the office.

Stronger bonds

Similar to improving communication skills, cooking team building activities are a great way to encourage stronger bonds between colleagues. When your group has to work together to create a meal, it allows them to connect in ways that go beyond standard work interactions. It’s not an extremely time-consuming activity, but it requires an hour or two of availability. This is more time than colleagues usually have to sit back and relax together and can encourage them to share with one another while working towards a common goal. There’s also the added bonus of being able to enjoy the meal together after putting in all the hard work to cook it. In the workplace, stronger bonds between members can lead to improved morale and a more supportive environment overall. 

Better teamwork abilities

Cooking classes are structured in a way that encourages teamwork between participants, even in a virtual environment. To start, all recipes require working through multiple steps, from prepping the ingredients to timing every portion of the dish. This means each person at the event is a crucial piece of the puzzle, and everyone has to work in sync to make sure the recipe is a success. In a way, this mimics some of the dynamics of a work project in that each member has a specific role, tasks must be delegated, and, at times, decisions must be made quickly and under pressure. The time-sensitive nature of cooking and being a part of a professional project both thrive when participants are organized and willing to collaborate, which are areas your team can focus on during these classes.

Uncovering hidden strengths

Hosting a cooking class for team building is ideal for groups that have members who are more reserved or tend to sit back during group events. While it can depend on your organization’s industry, cooking is usually outside the day-to-day responsibilities of most professionals. This means everyone will be in an unfamiliar role and may uncover a true hidden talent while learning new cooking skills. For example, some groups may have members who excel at tasks like organizing recipe steps or solving problems that come up in the kitchen, while others may be better at taking a leadership role and overseeing the most time-sensitive tasks. Learning about your group’s hidden strengths is valuable not only to your organization but to each person who is able to learn more about their own abilities. A boost in confidence is great for personal and professional growth, as they may be more likely to step outside their comfort zone and take on new responsibilities at work.

With so many different cooking classes to choose from, you may want to narrow down your choices before looking into courses in more detail. One way to do this is to decide what dish or cuisine you want to learn about. Many employers will have their employees participate in this process through anonymous surveys about their preferences. This will help you learn whether your group is interested in a hands-on cooking class or a more educational tasting experience, like cheese or wine tasting. Polling your employees will also give you a sense of everyone’s dietary restrictions so you can be sensitive to them and accommodate everyone’s needs.

The amount you’re willing to spend on a team building activity is the primary consideration for many groups. These cooking classes can cost anywhere from $30 to $175 per person, depending on the duration of the class and the amount of ingredients provided. Things like a pretzel making class or a pasta making class that requires minimal ingredients will cost around $40 per person, while a more intricate class like macaron making or dumpling making will cost closer to $100 per person. You’ll also want to be mindful of any classes that require a minimum or maximum number of participants. Some virtual events can host up to 200 people, while an in-person cooking class is typically capped at around 40 people. Some cooking classes allow participants to bring their own materials, which can be another way to craft an exciting team building activity without breaking the bank. These classes tend to range between $30 and $50 per person.

Before making your final decision, you can also read reviews of the activities you’re most interested in. These are a great way to learn more about the quality of the event from people who have tried the experience for themselves. Reviews often contain helpful information that will help you answer questions about whether the host was helpful and engaging and if the group felt the activity helped them achieve their overall team building goals. 

You’ll also want to consider whether you’d like to attend an in-person or virtual cooking class. Many of these activities are available in major cities like Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. However, teams who live in more remote areas can still participate online with a live host. A virtual class may not provide as many opportunities for team members to collaborate physically. However, they’ll still be able to support each other and make memories while everyone learns a new skill. Virtual classes are also more accessible and enable coworkers to participate regardless of their physical location, which is essential in today’s increasingly digital professional landscape.

If you’d like to explore other virtual team building activities besides cooking classes, several other activities will also provide your group with a memorable experience. A team building arts and crafts activity would be the most similar to a cooking class since these events are also designed to be low-stress and provide colleagues with a creative outlet. An arts and crafts class would be an excellent option for a group that wants to prioritize relaxation above all else; cooking classes are more collaborative and require positive communication skills, while a crafting activity is typically done individually. Artistic activities are also highly accessible for groups with a broader range of physical abilities since most crafts can be completed while sitting down. 

For more high-energy and engaging activities, there are plenty of virtual games for groups and escape rooms perfect for team building. Escape rooms inspire a great deal of collaboration because they require the entire group to work towards a common goal. They are also full of smaller puzzles that cater to different skill sets, allowing each team member plenty of opportunities to shine and show off their strengths. Games like trivia, Office Olympics, or brick-building are a fun chance for teams to build relationships through some lighthearted competition. These activities are also ideal for larger groups as you can break everyone up into smaller teams and give everyone a chance to work with people they might not be familiar with, helping to enhance communication in the workplace.

If you’re looking for team building exercises suitable for an end-of-the-year celebration, you can check out some of the best holiday party ideas for team building. These activities include holiday staples like white elephant gift exchanges, cookie decorating, gingerbread making, and ugly sweater contests. Scheduling exciting activities for employees during the holiday season is a wonderful way to bring teams together, celebrate their hard work, and show them they are appreciated. They’re also an excellent way to boost morale as teams prepare to enter a new year.