Soft Gingerbread Play Dough for Preschool Fun

The best thing about having the perfect play dough recipe is that it is effortless to substitute ingredients (like this Apple Cinnamon dough) to make it into something new. In this case, adding a few spices makes a dough that is perfect for Christmas – super soft Gingerbread Play Dough.

Play dough is the perfect tool for developing the hand strength and fine motor muscles necessary before young children can write. When the play dough also smells delicious and encourages creative dramatic play, it’s definitely a win! Play dough is more than just a fun way to keep young children occupied and entertained. (More about that here!)

Be sure that you read one of your favorite gingerbread books to the students first! Add rolling pins, small buttons, googly eyes, small pieces of foam or fabric for additional fun. They will naturally want to retell the story as they create their little gingerbread men.

Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe:

1 cup salt

2 cups water

4 Tbsp. oil

2 Tbsp. cream of tartar

1 Tbsp. ground ginger

2 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 cups flour

• Mix the first six ingredients (everything except for the flour!) into a saucepan.
• Cook on the stove over medium heat, stirring well.
• Then, add the 2 cups of flour.
• Reduce heat and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball.
• Remove from heat.
• Let the dough cool and knead well.
• Store in an airtight container. It will last for months!

Troubleshooting:

If your dough is too sticky, either cook a little bit longer until it gets hard in the pan and forms a solid ball of dough. OR, add a bit more flour as you knead the finished dough.

Gift Idea:

Children love to receive this gingerbread play dough as a gift. Roll it into a ball and place it inside a gift bag or plastic bag. Attach one of these “Gingerbread Play Dough” gift tags and a cookie cutter. Student gifts = done!

Check out the Gingerbread Circle Time Unit!