Smells like cookies. Looks like cookies. Is NOT cookies
If your kitchen suddenly smells like a bakery and your child is staring at the dough like it’s dessert — mission accomplished. This gingerbread playdough is meant only for play, not for eating, even though it smells ridiculously tempting. Think pretend gingerbread men, cozy winter play, and lots of “NO, THIS IS FOR PLAY ONLY!” reminders.
Ingredients (Yes, They Smell Amazing — Still Not Food!)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar or scroll down for other options!
1 tablespoon dry ginger powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder or scroll down for other options!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Gingerbread Playdough
Since I forgot to click pictures mid-process (classic mom move), here’s a clear visual-free method you can follow easily:
Mix everything together
In a saucepan (before switching on the stove), add flour, salt, ginger powder, cinnamon powder, cream of tartar, water, and oil. Stir well so there are no dry lumps.Cook on low heat
Place the pan on low flame and keep stirring continuously. In about 5–7 minutes, the mixture will start thickening.Watch for the magic moment
When it comes together like a soft lump and leaves the sides of the pan clean — turn off the stove. Don’t overcook; it should be soft, not stiff.Cool and knead
Let it cool until warm to touch. Knead well for 2–3 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
That’s it. Gingerbread playdough ready for action.
Why This Playdough Lasts 2 Weeks (Without Spoiling)
Salt acts as a natural preservative
Cream of tartar stabilizes texture and prevents stickiness
Oil locks in moisture
Stored in an airtight container, this playdough easily lasts 2 weeks.
If it feels dry later, knead in 1–2 drops of oil and it’s back to life.
If cream of tartar is hard to find:
Use 2 tablespoons lemon juice OR
2 tablespoons white vinegar
Texture will be slightly less stretchy, but still perfectly usable for play.
Which Flour Can You Use? (Indian Kitchen Friendly)
Maida (all-purpose flour) – best texture, smooth and soft
Wheat flour (atta) – works well, slightly grainy
Multigrain atta – playable, more rustic look
Rice flour – not recommended alone (too crumbly)
👉 For best results: maida or 50:50 maida + atta
Oil Options (Use What You Have)
Coconut oil – mild smell, kid-safe
Vegetable oil – neutral, easy
Sunflower oil – works perfectly
Avoid ghee or butter — smells too edible and spoils faster.
No Cinnamon? South Indian Spice Swaps
You can replace cinnamon with:
Nutmeg (jaathikai) – tiny pinch only
Cardamom (elaichi) – crushed powder, mild
Allspice – closest bakery smell
Can We Skip Ginger?
Yes. Without ginger → smells like plain bakery dough. Substitute with vanilla essence (½ teaspoon) if you want a softer scent. But ginger gives that real gingerbread feel, so I recommend keeping it.
Can We Add Color?
Absolutely. Add food color while mixing liquids Or knead color in after cooking
For natural colors:
Cocoa powder – darker brown
Beetroot powder – reddish tone
Turmeric – yellow (very little!)
Important Parent Warning 🚨
This dough smells delicious and looks edible.
You must keep an eye on younger kids — remind them:
“THIS IS FOR PLAY, NOT FOR EATING.”
(It’s non-toxic, but still not food.)
Pretend gingerbread men
Cookie cutters & rolling pins
Bakery role-play
Holiday or winter sensory play
