Whether you’re a teacher looking for a fun classroom activity or a parent wanting to make some screen-free seasonal fun at home, this pumpkin spice play dough is easy, budget-friendly, and kid-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Play Dough
✅ Great for sensory play and fine motor development
✅ Made with non-toxic, kitchen-safe ingredients
✅ Stores for weeks in an airtight container
✅ Fun for fall, Thanksgiving, or classroom crafts
This is one of our favorite fall activities to pair with pumpkin stamps, leaf cookie cutters, or mini rolling pins. You can even turn it into a gift idea for teachers or grandparents, just add it to a small mason jar with a cute tag that says, “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice!”
🍁 Easy Pumpkin Spice Play Dough Recipe
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (you can also mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
1 1/2 cups water
Orange food coloring (or a mix of red + yellow)
Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract for an extra sweet scent
Instructions:
1. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large saucepan, whisk together flour, salt, cream of tartar, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
2. Add wet ingredients.
Pour in the water, oil, and food coloring. Stir until the color is even throughout.
3. Cook over medium heat.
Stir constantly until the dough thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Cool and knead.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Once it’s warm to the touch, knead the dough until smooth and stretchy.
5. Store properly.
Keep in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It will last up to 2–3 weeks!
🍂 Play Ideas for Kids
- Add natural materials like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and small pumpkins for a fall sensory bin.
- Pair with your favorite pumpkin-themed books for story time fun.
- Create “pumpkin pies” by adding silicone cupcake liners and a sprinkle of flour for pretend whipped cream.
🧡 Tips & Tricks
- To refresh dried-out play dough, knead in a teaspoon of oil.
- Make it sparkle by mixing in fine gold or orange glitter before cooking.
🎃 Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re creating a fall sensory bin, giving it as a gift, or just soaking in the pumpkin spice vibes with your little ones, this recipe is sure to become a yearly favorite.
Happy Fall, Y’all! 🍁
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Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy
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♥,
Diana