Easy Holiday Playdough: 4 Scented Recipes for Festive Sensory Play

And honestly? Making it is half the fun.

Toddlers love helping pour, stir, and knead — it feels important and exciting to be part of the process. Even if things aren’t perfectly measured (they won’t be), it becomes a shared moment instead of just another activity you set up for them.

• Easy & Quick: No stove-top required, and it comes together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Amazing Sensory Experience: The festive extracts and spices engage your child’s sense of smell, making the play more immersive and calming.
• Perfect for Open-Ended Play: Pair it with cookie cutters, rolling pins, or even little pine sprigs and natural materials for hours of fun.
• Non-Toxic Fun: Safe for toddlers and kids to explore.
• Long-Lasting: When stored correctly, this playdough can be used for weeks, making it a budget-friendly go-to.

This base recipe is what you need for a silky-smooth, vibrant dough that holds up perfectly to rolling, cutting, and shaping.

• Flour
• Salt
• Cream of tartar
• Oil (I use vegetable or coconut oil)
• Hot water
• Food coloring

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the oil.
• Add Water Slowly: This is the key step! Slowly pour in the hot water, starting with 1.5 cups, and mixing until a sticky ball forms. Add more water slowly until the dough is just slightly sticky.
• Knead: Turn the dough out onto your counter and knead for 3-5 minutes until it is soft, smooth, and no longer sticky. If it is too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour. If it is too dry, add a few drops of water
• Play! Once you hit that perfect consistency, it’s time for the fun!

Sugar Cookie Playdough

Soft, sweet, and classic.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

This one smells just like baking cookies together — perfect for pretend play with rolling pins and cookie cutters.

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Gingerbread Playdough

Warm and cozy with all the holiday spice vibes.

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon allspice

Press in beads or buttons for “gumdrop” decorations.

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Peppermint Candy Cane Playdough

Fresh, festive, and fun for December.

• 1–2 teaspoons peppermint or mint extract

Add red and white dough together for a candy-cane swirl effect.

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Cinnamon Playdough

Simple, warm, and calming.

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

This is a great option if you want something subtle and soothing. This one pairs wonderfully with natural items like pinecones, acorns, and sticks.

• Hot Water is Crucial: Using hot water helps dissolve the salt and cream of tartar completely, resulting in a much softer, smoother dough texture.
• Use the Cream of Tartar: Don’t skip this ingredient! It acts as a preservative and makes the dough incredibly soft and elastic, helping it last longer.
• Add Water Gradually: This is the most important tip. You may not need the full 2 cups. Stop adding water the minute the dough starts to come together in a shaggy, slightly sticky ball. You can always add more water, but it’s harder to take it away.
• Knead Until Smooth: Keep kneading the dough for a few minutes even after it looks mixed. The heat and friction from your hands will smooth out the texture and make it less sticky.

Playdough is the ultimate open-ended toy, but adding a few simple accessories can unlock endless creative possibilities. Gather a tray of these common items to elevate your sensory station:

• Tools:
  • Rolling Pins: Use small kids’ rolling pins or even clean, smooth water bottles.
  • Cookie Cutters: Festive shapes like stars, trees, gingerbread men, and snowflakes.
  • Plastic Knives/Scissors: For cutting and shaping the dough.
  • Garlic Press: Kids love using this to make “spaghetti” or “noodles” out of the dough.
• Loose Parts:
  • Buttons: Great for decorating gingerbread men or making ornaments.
  • Googly Eyes: To bring playdough creations to life!
  • Small Pinecones or Pine Sprigs: Adds a beautiful natural texture and holiday look (especially with the cinnamon dough!).
  • Small Beads or Jewels: Perfect for decorating Christmas trees or making “lights.”

To ensure your holiday dough lasts well past New Year’s:

• Store in an Airtight Container: Always keep the playdough in a sealed container or a zip-top bag with all the air removed.
• Keep it Cool: Store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dry pantry for the best longevity. It can last for 3-4 weeks this way!
• Refresh it: If the dough starts to feel a little dry over time, simply add a few drops of water and knead it in until it’s soft again.

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