For an enjoyable Christmas activity featuring scented playdough, give this easy Gingerbread playdough recipe a try! Preparing this simple playdough takes 5 minutes, and making it takes another 5 minutes. Best of all, the playdough can keep for months!
RELATED: Making Playdough
Is there anything better than the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies? The scent of this playdough is one of our favorites too. It smells just like gingerbread cookies straight from the oven!
Looking for additional playdough ideas? Explore more Christmas playdough recipes. However, if your children still put objects in their mouths, this recipe may not be suitable because it is intended for pretend play (and we don’t want them mistaking it for real cookies!). Instead, try our traditional playdough recipe.
Another enjoyable feature of this playdough is that children can pretend to bake it, flatten the dough and use cookie cutters to create gingerbread men.
View the Video Tutorial
Making Gingerbread Playdough
Playdough can be prepared in several ways, either on the stovetop or with a kettle and boiling water. Our personal preference is the stovetop approach because combining the ingredients in the pot is simpler. No-cook playdough methods are available as well, but we favor this cooked version. In our experience, this recipe stays soft and lasts the longest. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and can remain usable for months!
Must I use every traditional spice found in gingerbread cookies?
We experimented with several variations. This version is simpler because it uses fewer spices. The difference in scent was barely noticeable, while the texture improved with fewer ingredients. Therefore, save some time and make our easier recipe!
These are the ingredients you will require: Flour, Salt, Cream of Tartar, Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger) Water, Oil, Vanilla. Scroll to the recipe card below for the complete preparation directions.
Is cream of tartar necessary? Yes, adding a small amount of cream of tartar is important if you want soft playdough that stays fresh longer. After trying various quantities, we determined that 2 teaspoons creates the ideal extra-soft consistency. Leaving it out may result in dough that is somewhat drier and more crumbly. It also contributes to a longer-lasting playdough.
Is food coloring required? This recipe does not need it! Thanks to the cinnamon and vanilla, the dough naturally develops a gingerbread-like color.
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Combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar, then whisk thoroughly.
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Stir in the ginger and cinnamon and whisk until well blended.
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Place the water, oil and vanilla in a pan or pot, then combine.
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Gradually pour the dry ingredients (flour, salt, cream of tartar, cinnamon, ginger) into the pot and stir thoroughly. Cook over low to medium heat.
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The cinnamon makes this playdough take slightly longer to combine and cook. Continue stirring well, spreading the mixture across the pan when possible so the salt can blend with the water and dissolve.
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Avoid stirring constantly as it cooks. Allow it to rest for a few seconds, then stir and turn the dough over in the pot. It is ready once it begins forming a ball and appears thoroughly cooked.
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Remove from the heat and leave it to cool.
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Work the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
How to Store Playdough So It Stays Soft
Begin by wrapping your playdough in saran wrap, then place it in an airtight container. Playdough becomes firm when exposed to air, so limiting the amount of air that reaches it during storage will help it last longer!
How Can I Soften Playdough Again?
If your playdough becomes dry after you make it, start by mixing in a little extra oil. Use your hands to knead it through the dough. A small amount of water can also be kneaded in.
Additional Christmas Playdough Recipes
Try these 3 other holiday-scented recipes.
