Gingerbread Playdough Recipe for A Cozy Preschool Christmas Activity

The scent of gingerbread drifting through the house. A toddler giggling at the table, rolling and squishing soft, spiced dough. Mama sipping her coffee, watching snowflakes drift lazily outside.

Make the dough.

Give it to your toddler.

Morning peace—complete.

This simple homemade gingerbread playdough is one of those preschool Christmas activities that turns an ordinary morning into something truly heartwarming. The warm spices of cinnamon and ginger fill the air as little hands press and shape, creating memories that smell like Christmas itself.

And if you’re homeschooling older kids, this playdough can be a lifesaver. While you’re working through lessons or reading aloud with your big kids, your littlest one can stay happily engaged, rolling, pressing, and shaping their own little creations. It’s not just busy work — it’s meaningful play. The soft resistance of the dough helps strengthen tiny hands and build fine motor skills. And beyond festive cookie cutters, your child can form letters, numbers, or anything else their imagination dreams up. It’s learning, peace, and play all in one simple bowl.

Homemade Gingerbread Playdough Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup salt

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon cloves (optional for a stronger scent)

• A few drops of brown or tan food coloring (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and all the spices.

2. Add the oil and warm water, stirring until smooth.

3. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to thicken — keep stirring until it forms a soft ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Then turn it out onto parchment paper.

5. Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead until smooth and soft. If it’s sticky, add a touch more flour. If it feels dry, knead in a few drops of oil.

6. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will keep for several weeks at room temperature (longer if refrigerated).

   
   

   

A Cozy Christmas Morning Activity

There’s something so peaceful about watching your child play with gingerbread-scented playdough on a cold December morning. The dough feels warm and soft in their little hands, and the aroma of cinnamon and cloves fills the air like freshly baked cookies.

It’s the kind of simple, sensory play that brings a hush to the chaos — grounding for both mama and child. The kitchen hums quietly, the Christmas tree twinkles softly, and for a few golden moments, everything feels still and content.

This isn’t just playdough. It’s a memory in the making.

A slow, gentle rhythm of Christmas at home.

If you’re looking for more preschool Christmas activities to fill your homeschool days with wonder and creativity, you’ll love our Dramatic Play Christmas Café — a delightful printable set that lets your little one pretend to serve hot cocoa, cookies, and Christmas cheer.