Explore Even More: Holiday Scented Playdough

Playdough is an invaluable tool for creative, open-ended play. Children can engage in sensory play with playdough, building nerve connections in the brain, and developing language and fine motor skills during the process. You and your child can make December-themed playdough together with this special no-bake playdough recipe. What makes this recipe special? For extra sensory play, we’ll be adding cinnamon, peppermint extract, or cocoa powder for a winter-scent sensory experience.

  • 1 bowl, measuring cups & spoons, 1 mixing spoon  
  • 1 cup flour
  • ¼ cup salt 
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, baby oil, or coconut oil)
  • A few drops of food dye (optional)
  • ½ to 1 cup hot water 
  • Now, for the extra sent I would add: 
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, OR
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon, OR 
  • ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract 

To be clear: I do not recommend mixing all these smells in one batch!

Mix all dry ingredients: flour, salt, cream of tartar, (cocoa or cinnamon). Then add oil, food dye, (peppermint extract) followed by the hot water. Mix the water in. If your dough is sticky, add a little extra flower. If your dough is too dry, add a little extra water. Kneed the dough once the consistency is ideal for a minute.

I’ve also made a tray with cookie cutters, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and different spices to expand play as well. Learning how to use scissors with playdough is great too!

Have fun!

-Ms. Jackie

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