Easy Christmas Play Dough Recipes: Scented Candy Cane, Christmas Tree, and Gingerbread

The Christmas season is the perfect time to bring some festive fun into your home. One of my favorite ways to do this with my kids is by making scented Christmas play dough. It’s a hands-on activity that sparks creativity and fills the house with amazing holiday aromas, and great for homemade gifts too. Today, I’m sharing three simple recipes for play dough scented like candy cane, Christmas tree, and gingerbread.

Candy Cane Play Dough Recipe

Candy cane scent instantly brings holiday cheer. This recipe uses peppermint extract to create that classic minty smell.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• Red food color gel

• White food color gel

  
  

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar.

2. Add water, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract. Stir well.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the dough thickens and forms a ball.

4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Knead the dough on a clean surface until smooth. If the dough is sticky, add a little flour.

6. To create the candy cane stripes, divide the dough into two parts. Color one part red and leave the other white. Roll both into thin ropes and twist them together.

   
   

This dough smells amazing and is soft enough for little hands to shape. Use candy cane-shaped cookie cutters to make festive decorations or ornaments.

Christmas Tree Play Dough Recipe

The fresh pine scent of a Christmas tree is a holiday classic. This recipe uses *essential oils to capture the aroma of fresh cut pine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• *5 drops balsam fir essential oil * (optional)

• Green food color gel

*Safety Note About Essential Oils:

Balsam fir oil is typically regarded as safe. I strongly suggest buying your essential oils from a reputable brand with established quality standards. As with any essential oils., some individuals may experience skin sensitivity. Always supervise children when using essential oils.

Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.

2. Stir in water, vegetable oil, and balsam fir essential oil.

3. Add green food color gel to the mixture.

4. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the dough forms a ball.

5. Let the dough cool, then knead until smooth.

6. If you want a deeper green, add a few extra drops of food coloring while kneading.

   
   

This dough has a subtle pine scent that brings the outdoors inside. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to make mini Christmas trees or garlands.

Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe

Gingerbread scent is warm and comforting. This recipe uses common spices to create that cozy smell.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• Brown food color gel

  
  

Instructions

1. Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan.

2. Add water, vegetable oil, and brown food color gel.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the dough thickens and forms a ball.

4. Let cool, then knead until smooth.

   
   

This dough smells like fresh gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to create fun shapes for play or decorations.

Tips for Safe and Fun Play Dough Time

• Always supervise young children during play dough activities. Not recommended for under 3's.

• Store play dough in airtight containers to keep it fresh.

• If you want to make the dough last longer, refrigerate it between uses.

• Use only natural food coloring, food grade extracts, and child-safe essential oils..

• Encourage kids to create holiday-themed shapes and decorations to boost their creativity.

  
  

Making scented Christmas play dough is a wonderful way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. These three recipes are easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, the scents and shapes add a special touch that kids love. Try these recipes with your family and enjoy hours of festive fun.

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