Play with Your Food

Hands-On Culinary Experiences in Northeast Florida

A class on the porch at Sweet Pete's in downtown Jacksonville making gummy candies is one of many opportunities to learn how to make sweet treats. Photo by Tanner Boyles.

In many professions, there are teachers and there are doers, but in the world of culinary classes, both doing and teaching come together. Whether you're a budding young chef, an adult hoping to gain culinary skills or a passionate home baker eager to elevate your craft, Northeast Florida's diverse cooking class experiences have something for everyone. From downtown Jacksonville to historic St. Augustine, our local chefs, chocolatiers and culinary educators prove that cooking is more than just preparing a meal. It's an art form that connects people, sparks creativity and brings joy to the taste buds and table. Here’s a list of local spots to learn, create and taste if you want to entertain the kids, plan a date night or explore your own culinary passions.

Sweet Skills: Candy and Pastry Workshops

Located at 400 North Hogan Street in downtown Jacksonville, Sweet Pete's three-story "candy mansion" spans 23,000 square feet. Owner “Sweet Pete” Behringer offers classes like chocolate pizza making, gummy candies and boozy truffle workshops. Book classes at sweetpetescandy.com.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier brings its sweet magic to the cooking class scene with 25 locations across the South. "We love tailoring our events to meet guests' unique preferences," explains Manager Rosemary Duggan. Peterbrooke's summer chocolate camps teach young chocolatiers how to dip and decorate, while adults can enjoy team-building chocolate making. Camp times vary by location, with ages ranging from six years old. Check rates at peterbrooke.com.

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop offers specialized baking classes where pastry enthusiasts learn to craft "jaw-droppingly beautiful, delicious and fun pies." Natasha Burton's "O.M.G. Becky Look At That Crust!" 3-hour classes are priced at $85, covering everything from preventing pie crust from sinking to choosing the best pie pan. You'll leave with a recipe, a fresh-baked pie and a gift. Find details at mixedfillingspieshop.com.

Cooking Camps: Kids Culinary Exploration

Sticky Fingers Cooking combines hands-on cooking with S.T.E.A.M. education and cultural exploration. Children create globally inspired dishes from Brazilian mini carrot cakes to Salvadoran stuffed pupusas at locations including Jacksonville Classical Academy. Find more information at stickyfingerscooking.com.

JAX Cooking Studio offers a wide range of classes for kids of all ages, including Star Wars brunch, baking techniques, afterschool sessions and summer camps. Check the schedule at jaxcookingstudio.com.

Sur La Table at St. Johns Town Center offers an exceptional kids' summer cooking series for ages seven to 17. Four- to five-day camps explore themes like "Bakeshop," "Global Flavors" and "Sweet & Savory Baking." Participants get a menu, graduation certificate, apron and in-store discount. Book camps at surlatable.com.

Gourmet Gatherings: Adult Cooking Classes

JAX Cooking Studio (pictured above) provides hands-on classes with themes from "California Coastal Brunch" to "Flavors of India." Their modern teaching kitchen off Beach Boulevard is perfect for developing new skills while enjoying cooking together. Check classes at jaxcookingstudio.com.

Sur La Table classes offer a perfect date night out with immersive experiences like "From Paris with Love," where the class makes pan-roasted chicken with fine herbs and whole-grain mustard sauce, brown butter mashed potatoes, salade verte and French vanilla crème brûlée. Adult classes typically run $75-$125 per person at surlatable.com.

La Petite Kitchen in St. Augustine is an innovative cooking school that shares space with two distinct restaurants, Little Miss Ha and The French Pantry. Classes are led by Little Miss Ha founder Janice Hudgins, a Vietnamese chef, and French-trained executive chef Waylon Rivers, offering an exciting fusion of French and Vietnamese cooking traditions. The intimate kitchen hosts classes for up to 12 people, with hands-on chef-led instruction, a full meal and complimentary wine. Discover upcoming culinary adventures at 36granada.com/la-petite-kitchen.

A. Chef's Cooking Studio in Ponte Vedra specializes in "Make & Take" baking classes. Chef Andrea's home baking focus covers everything from Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Buns to Sourdough 101. Classes run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for ages 18 and up. Find details at achefs.com.