Here is an easy pumpkin pie play dough recipe that you can make in just 4 minutes!
It’s that time of year again when the days are getting shorter and darker, the leaves are starting to fall and the idea of cosying up at home is very appealing!
This pumpkin pie play dough recipe is so evocative of warm, home baking and encourages a slower pace of play and connection together. It is perfectly paired with natural loose parts that are abundant at this time of year, such as conkers, pine cones, acorns, twigs and fallen leaves. Just wait until you smell it!
Making the pumpkin pie play dough is a key part of the activity and I strongly recommend you viola your little one in the whole process, from shopping list to visiting the store, paying for the ingredients and actually following the recipe to make it together.
There is so much value and early literacy and maths learning that takes place when we involve them in the whole process, and also so much more reward for your child as they then get to see and play with the end results.
Ingredients list:
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3 tablespoons any oil (vegetable or coconut are my recommendations)
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup boiling water
Method:
Add all of the dry ingredients to a bowl.
Add the oil and stir through.
Now slowly add the boiling water, taking care not to splash any.
Mix carefully (a stand mixer can be used here with a dough hook).
As soon as it is possible to touch it, take it out of the bowl and start to knead. The kneading process reduces stickiness and makes the dough soft and pliable.
At this stage add a little more flour if still sticky to the touch or 1-2 tablespoons of extra hot water if feeling a little dry. As with ALL doughs, play dough can take a little tweaking in the final stages of preparation. Once finished it will be soft, stretchy and will last for at least 2 months, if stored in a fully air-free bag or container.
Play Ideas:
- Once ready, set out the pumpkin pie play dough along with a roller, some seasonal cutters and decorations, as well as some natural loose parts eg twigs, pine cones, conkers, mini pumpkins and acorns.
- Try counting the items, hiding them to pull out of the dough (great for fine motor skills strengthening) and rolling them to make imprints and patterns.
- You could add a mini pie dish, cutter and plastic knife and suggest making mini pumpkin pies for a pretend dinner or to add to a pretend play bakery.
- Use the pumpkin pie play dough as a building tool to help cement loose parts in construction play eg build a tower of conkers or acorns with play dough in between each to secure them.
- Try rolling balls of pumpkin pie play dough and squishing each one as you count them. Or flatten the balls and then press in letters or numbers to create imprints.
- Roll the play dough into long sausages and chop it with a knife or play scissors, to work on fine motor skills.
If you would like to find more ideas for simple and fun daily play and creativity then join me inside my play-based parenting membership- PlayLab- for parents and educators of young children (just like you!)
You can find out more about what is included and how to sign up here. I’d love to get to know you better and help you establish a home and routine that will guarantee independent play success and creative kids!
For more play ideas and to send me direct messages for questions and support, you can find me hanging out everyday on my Instagram page here.
Please do let me know if you try out this pumpkin pie play dough recipe! It smells amazing and feels so evocative of cosy, warm, dark afternoons snuggled up together at home. I hope you love it and can feel free to tag me on Instagram @imaginationtree when you do!