Homemade Playdough (Gingerbread & Peppermint)

This easy-peasy, non-toxic dough can be made plain or scented and shared as gifts.

Make this homemade playdough recipe with items found in your pantry and a few minutes on the stove!

Why We Love It

• Make playdough from scratch for pennies without leaving the kitchen.
• Make and take this colorful playdough to holiday parties, family gatherings, or any time the kids need a diversion from the busyness.

Ingredients & Variations

• Flour: For best results, whisk the flour before measuring for this recipe instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Cream of Tartar: Make it without cream of tartar by using equal amounts of lemon juice or white vinegar added to the liquid ingredients in step 2.
• Variations: Why stop at holiday-themed scents? Go for one or two drops of orange, lemon, banana, or coconut extract for citrusy or fruity scents.

How to Make Homemade Playdough

Teachers, daycare providers, and parents agree this easy playdough recipe is a winner!

1. Combine the dry ingredients together.
2. Whisk in the wet ingredients and add food coloring, if desired (full recipe below).
3. Stir over low heat until the mixture thickens.

Recipe Tips:

• Take the time to properly mix and knead the dough so it is fully blended and ready to use once cooled.
• Keep homemade playdough in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
• Make small zippered bags of the dry ingredients and have them ready for last-minute playdough making sessions.

Plus, I’ve even got playdough labels for you to use!! These make a super cute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!!

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Homemade Playdough (Gingerbread & Peppermint Scented)

Make homemade playdough perfect for the holidays or gifting away!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Author: JB

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• food coloring

GINGERBREAD SCENTED PLAY DOUGH

• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• blue, yellow, and red food coloring until you have a brown color

PEPPERMINT SCENTED PLAY DOUGH

• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• red food coloring

Instructions

• In a medium sized pan whisk together flour, salt, cream of tartar, spices (if making gingerbread playdough).
• Add water, oil, and peppermint or vanilla extract (depending on the playdough you are making).
• Add food coloring, if desired.
• Whisk until you have a smooth consistency with no lumps.
• Place your pan over low heat and stir constantly until your mixture thickens. This will take 3-5 minutes and you will need a strong arm. When you have a big ball/lump, your dough is finished.
• Knead your dough for a minute or two. Then store in a sealed container.

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