Do Not Eat This Gingerbread!😄 Sweet-Smelling DIY Gingerbread Playdough for Kids

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:

1. 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.

2. Cook on low heat
   Place the pan on low flame and keep stirring continuously. In about 5–7 minutes, the mixture will start thickening.

3. 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.

4. 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.

                                                       

No Cream of Tartar? Indian Kitchen Fix

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.)

Fun Play Ideas

• Pretend gingerbread men

• Cookie cutters & rolling pins

• Bakery role-play

• Holiday or winter sensory play

If it smells like cookies but isn’t for eating, you’re doing playdough right. Keep a close eye, enjoy the pretend baking, and let imagination do the rest.

Happy Parenting !