Make your own delicious-smelling apple pie playdough and then use it to make pretend apples, pies, cookies, cupcakes and more!
Have you made homemade playdough? Not only is it easy and inexpensive to make, but it also invites open-ended play and creativity for kids of all ages. We have so many recipes to try, but one of our all-time favorites is apple pie playdough, a fall-inspired twist that fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon while your kids play.
This recipe is a wonderful activity for autumn afternoons, cozy weekends, or even as part of a fall celebration. Kids can pretend they’re baking apple pies, roll out “crusts,” or shape apples and leaves. The scent makes the experience extra sensory-rich, encouraging imaginative play that feels almost like the real thing.
Check out this video of apple pie playdough in action, and then keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions!
How to Make Apple Pie Playdough
MATERIALS
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 Tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp oil
- Food coloring or liquid watercolors
- 2 cups boiling water
- Tools for playing: rolling pin, cookie cutters, muffin tin, mini pie pan, pipe cleaners, beads, buttons
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make your playdough
Print the recipe below, or start by mixing your dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add oil and coloring. Pour in boiling water and mix.
It will look like a goopy mess and you’re going to be sure that you’re going to have to add a lot of flour to make it work. Just let it sit for a few minutes. It will firm up!
Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it a bit to form a ball. If necessary, add a bit more flour. Make additional batches of playdough in other colors, if desired.
Set out your materials for making some pies!
- Make your apple pies!
Use tan playdough to roll out a pretend crust. Lay it in a mini pie pan. Add your filling!
You can even set out cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon for your kids to add to their pies. Once your pie pan is filled, try your hand at a lattice top crust!
- Other ways to play
Shape the playdough into apples. Add stems and leaves with pipecleaners or other pieces of playdough.
Roll out the playdough and use the cookie cutters to make pretend cookies. Press beads or buttons on for cookie decorations.
Press playdough into muffin tins for pretend muffins and cupcakes. Add pretend candles and decorations.
Make a pretend food picnic for your dolls or stuffed animals.
Draw a picture of a tree and use the playdough to add apples and leaves to the tree
Store your apple pie playdough in an airtight container or zip-top bag when not in use. It should stay soft for days or even weeks of play.
Here’s a printable recipe for you to save!
Print
How to Make Apple Pie Playdough
Description
Make your own delicious-smelling apple pie playdough and then use it to make pretend apples, pies, cookies, cupcakes and more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 Tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp oil
- Food coloring or liquid watercolors
- 2 cups boiling water
- Tools for playing: rolling pin, cookie cutters, muffin tin, mini pie pan, pipe cleaners, beads, buttons
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center and add oil and coloring.
- Pour in boiling water and mix. It will look like a goopy mess and you’re going to be sure that you’re going to have to add a lot of flour to make it work. Just let it sit for a few minutes. It will firm up and work perfectly.
- Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it a bit to form a ball. If necessary, add a bit more flour.
- Make additional batches of playdough in other colors such as red, green, and tan, if desired.
- Store playdough in airtight container such as a jar or plastic storage bag. Keeps for a few months.
Apple pie playdough is a fun, fragrant way to bring the warmth of fall into your kids’ playtime. We hope you try it with your family!
More Playdough Activities for Kids
- How to Make Playdough for Kids
- How to Set Up a Dramatic Play Bakery with Playdough
- 30 Ideas with Playdough for Kids
- How to Make Edible Playdough for Kids
- How to Set Up a Playdough Play Tray
- 10 Fall Sensory Bins for Kids
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