Gingerbread Scented Playdough Recipe
- Jessie
- Nov 28, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 13
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There’s nothing quite like the smell of gingerbread to fill your home with the warmth and coziness of the holidays. This Gingerbread Scented Playdough Recipe brings that festive feeling straight to your kitchen table—combining creativity, sensory play, and the irresistible aroma of Christmas baking. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for a hands-on holiday activity, this homemade playdough is soft, fragrant, and full of Christmas magic. Kids will love molding, squishing, and shaping it while enjoying the comforting scent of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.
As a child, the kitchen was my playground—especially during the holidays when I helped my mom whip up treats like Reindeer Scotcheroos and even homemade playdough. I absolutely loved those cozy afternoons spent together, and now I get to carry on that tradition with my own kids. Making this gingerbread playdough is more than just a craft—it’s a way to make memories, share laughter, and fill your home with holiday joy. It’s a simple, heartwarming activity that turns an ordinary day into something magical.
This homemade gingerbread playdough recipe is easy to make using everyday pantry ingredients, and the results are nothing short of delightful. The secret is a blend of warm holiday spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—that fill the air with the scent of Christmas cheer. The playdough has a beautiful natural brown color that looks just like a real gingerbread cookie, and its soft, pliable texture makes it perfect for molding and shaping. Kids can roll it, press it, and use their favorite cookie cutters to create gingerbread people, stars, trees, and other festive shapes.
Not only is this DIY Christmas playdough fun, but it’s also educational! Sensory play helps children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. As they roll, squish, and sculpt, kids are strengthening their muscles and practicing essential developmental skills—all while having fun. The gingerbread scent also makes this activity perfect for sensory bins, classroom holiday centers, or cozy afternoons spent crafting at home.
For this particular creation, I took inspiration from my mom’s classic playdough recipe and gave it a festive twist. By adding holiday spices and a touch of creativity, I transformed a simple childhood favorite into the ultimate gingerbread-scented sensory activity. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and lasts for weeks when stored properly. Plus, it makes an adorable homemade gift idea—just package it in a jar with a ribbon and tag for a sweet stocking stuffer or classroom treat.
If your kids love this festive playdough, be sure to explore all of the other fun Christmas crafts for kids on the blog! From 3D Christmas Tree Coloring Pages and Printable Santa Puppets to Paper Reindeer Masks and Nativity Paper Bag Crafts, there’s something magical for every child to enjoy this season. You can also find Snowflake Salt Paintings, Elf Paper Puppets, and Gingerbread House Coloring Pages—each designed to bring creativity, joy, and the spirit of Christmas to your home or classroom. Artsy Kids Zone is full of festive projects that make the holidays even more memorable.
What makes this Gingerbread Scented Playdough so special is how it combines creativity and comfort. The warm spice scent instantly fills your home with holiday cheer while your kids engage in hours of imaginative play. They can pretend to bake cookies, decorate gingerbread shapes, or even make their own little gingerbread village. It’s the perfect blend of crafting, sensory fun, and seasonal tradition all rolled into one.
Whether you’re looking for a fun holiday classroom activity, a homemade gift, or a simple way to make the season more special, this Gingerbread Scented Playdough Recipe is a must-try. It’s festive, fragrant, and full of family fun! Gather your ingredients, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to create something magical with your little ones. With every squish and roll, you’ll be building not just playdough creations—but memories that will last a lifetime.
Gingerbread Scented Playdough Recipe
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoons ground ginger
1/3 cup ground cinnamon
2 tablespoon ground cloves
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cream of tartar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Pro Tip: This presents a fantastic opportunity for your little ones to practice their kitchen skills. The forgiving nature of this Gingerbread Scented Playdough recipe allows room for error, making it a great learning experience. Even if the measurements are a tad off, the dough is likely to turn out just fine. Share the trick of getting an exact cup of flour by slightly overfilling the cup and using a butter knife to level off the excess – a handy kitchen tip!
Step 2: Add Boiling Water & Oil
Ensure an adult presence while completing this step. Begin by adding the boiling water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture diligently until a cohesive dough starts to form. The use of boiling water demands caution, an adult completing this step is crucial to maintain safety throughout this process.
Step 3: Knead
After the Gingerbread Scented Playdough has cooled slightly—but is still warm to the touch—it’s time to knead! Carefully take the dough and begin kneading it with your hands until it becomes smooth, soft, and pliable. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that all of the ingredients are evenly combined. Once your playdough feels silky and easy to shape, set it aside to cool completely before handing it over to the kids for playtime fun.
Sensory Play with Gingerbread Magic
Once your Gingerbread-Scented Playdough is ready, it’s time for the real fun to begin! Encourage kids to dive into a world of sensory creativity by rolling, shaping, and sculpting their own festive masterpieces. They can make miniature gingerbread people, candy canes, snowmen, or even an entire gingerbread village! The warm, comforting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills the air as they play, turning your home into a cozy holiday bakery. This simple activity not only sparks imagination but also provides a wonderful sensory play experience that engages sight, touch, and smell—bringing the magic of gingerbread season to life!
Benefits of Sensory Play:
Engaging in sensory play, like exploring scented playdough, offers various developmental benefits for children. It enhances fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and provides a calming sensory experience. As they knead, mold, and shape the gingerbread-scented playdough, kids are not only having fun but also honing essential skills.
Gingerbread Playdough as a Gift:
Consider creating batches of gingerbread-scented playdough as festive gifts for friends and family. Packaged in charming containers with holiday-themed decorations, this DIY playdough becomes a thoughtful and delightful present.
But the fun doesn’t stop with Gingerbread-Scented Playdough—there’s a whole world of delightful scents to explore! If your kids loved this festive recipe, be sure to try our other scented playdough variations, including Lemon, Orange, Mint, and Strawberries & Cream. Each one brings its own unique sensory experience to playtime, filling the room with fresh, fruity, or refreshing aromas. These scented playdoughs are perfect for year-round creativity—whether it’s zesty citrus for summer, cool mint for winter, or sweet strawberry for spring. With so many fun scents to choose from, your kids can enjoy hours of hands-on play, no matter the season!
How Do I Store Gingerbread Scented Playdough?
Storing homemade playdough properly ensures its longevity and continued usability. Here are some tips on how to store homemade playdough and how long it typically lasts:
Airtight Container: Place the playdough in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and keeps it fresh.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend the playdough's life, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, be sure it's in a sealed container to avoid absorbing unwanted odors.
Avoid Moisture: While playdough should be stored to prevent drying, it's also important to keep it away from excessive moisture, as this can lead to mold growth.
Check for Signs of Spoilage: Regularly inspect the playdough for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, changes in color, or the presence of mold. If you notice any of these, it's time to discard it.
How Long Does Homemade Playdough Last?
The shelf life of homemade playdough varies depending on factors like ingredients and storage conditions. In general, well-stored playdough can last for several weeks, and refrigerated playdough can remain usable for a few months. However, always rely on visual and olfactory cues to determine its freshness and safety. If it shows signs of spoilage or becomes dry and crumbly, it's time to make a new batch.
Incorporate the joy of sensory play and the delightful aroma of gingerbread into your holiday festivities with this simple and engaging homemade playdough recipe. Watch as the kids revel in the magic of the season, creating their own gingerbread-scented wonders!
At Artsy Kids Zone, creativity and imagination come to life through a world of fun, hands-on crafts for kids! From roaring Dinosaur Paper Masks that let little paleontologists stomp and play, to magical Mermaid Clothespin Puppets that make a splash under the sea, there’s something for every child’s imagination. Adventurous kids will love crafting a Paper Pirate Hat and setting sail on pretend voyages, while those who dream of fairy tales can bring enchanting 3D Fairy Paper Dolls to life with color and sparkle. And for some silly animal fun, the Hippo Paper Bag Puppet always brings big smiles! With so many creative projects to explore—covering every season, theme, and interest—Artsy Kids Zone is the perfect place for kids to craft, learn, and let their imaginations soar!
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