The Best Gingerbread Play Dough Ever: How to Make Homemade Play Dough

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make the best gingerbread play dough.

There’s something magical about the smell of gingerbread during the holiday season.

Imagine that cozy, spiced aroma filling your kitchen, but instead of cookies, you’re whipping up the softest, most delightful play dough your kids will ever get their hands on.

Our gingerbread play dough is not only fun to make, but it’s also safe, non-toxic, and lasts for months when stored properly.

As an educator and a mom, I stand by our recipe. It is soft, squishy and comes out amazing every single time. I first made this recipe over 20 years ago and I have been loyal to it ever since!

There are endless benefits to exploring play dough. Among many things, it can be used as a tool for self-regulation. One major benefit of sensory play is how it can help to regulate emotions and reduce the effects of big emotions.

Play dough is inclusive. There is NO wrong way to play.

It is also ageless. Children (and adults!) of all ages can explore playdough at their own developmental level. It provides an opportunity for them all to play together, separately.

Here is why you will LOVE this recipe:

• Smells like Christmas: Cinnamon brings that authentic gingerbread scent into your dough and it will make your entire house smell amazing.

• Perfect texture: Cooking on the stovetop gives the dough a smooth, pliable consistency that’s better than store-bought.

• Holiday activity: Great for sensory play, holiday crafts, or even as a homemade gift.

Want to extend your learning and play? Try some of these options!

• Add in your favorite rollers, cookies cutters and trinkets.

• Add in plastic letters or numbers and practice letter identification, sound production or building simple words.

• Add in plastic numbers and practice identifying numbers, counting, quantifying numbers and simple addition or subtraction.

• Roll play dough into a "snake." Use safety scissors to practice cutting skills.

Sensory Play supports:

• Language development & vocabulary

• Cognitive growth

• Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)

• Gross motor skills (big movements)

• Problem-solving skills

• Communication

• Exploration of textures

• One's ability to make connections

• The concept of cause & effect

Materials:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup salt

• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan.

Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 3: When it forms a ball, remove from pan.

Step 4: After it cools, knead well.

Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!

If you have ground ginger, sprinkle a teaspoon or two of that in as well! I tend to skip that part mainly because I never have it on hand!

Our stovetop gingerbread play dough is more than just a craft, it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. The smell alone will transport you straight into the Christmas spirit, and the endless play possibilities make it a win for kids and adults alike.

A Play Filled Life Tips:

• Squirt your food coloring into your water & stir before pouring into the pan.

• Mix slowly & consistently to incorporate all of the ingredients together.

• You can also experiment with spices to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your dough! Try cinnamon, cocoa powder or apple pie spice.

• It is normal to see salt crystalize on the dough. Knead it back in before use. If you see mold, throw away immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of flour do you use for play dough?

• White, all-purpose flour works best for homemade play dough.  Using whole-wheat flour may alter the color and texture of your dough.

What is creme of tartar? 

• Cream of tartar is used to prolong the shelf-life of the dough, as well as help to create a silky-smooth texture. If you do not have COT, substitute the same amount of either white vinegar or lemon juice.

What does the salt do in the dough?

Salt is an important ingredient in play dough and should not be eliminated.

• It acts as a preservative, making the dough last longer.

• It adds texture to the dough.

• When combined with oil and cream of tartar, it creates a super soft and moldable play dough.

What oil should be used?

Oil is used to improve the play doughs texture and consistency.

• You can use anything that you have: vegetable oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Are you looking for more gingerbread activities? Check out this BLOG post!

Six Gingerbread-Themed Sensory Set-Ups