In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make candy cane play dough and my best play dough tips!
This is such a fun twist on our classic play dough recipe!
It is soft and squishy and smells amazingggg. Not only is it fun, festive and adds an extra layer of sensory-goodness with
Want to extend your learning and play? Try some of these options!
Add in your favorite rollers, cookies cutters and trinkets.
Add in plastic letters or numbers and practice letter identification, sound production or building simple words.
Add in plastic numbers and practice identifying numbers, counting, quantifying numbers and simple addition or subtraction.
Roll play dough into a "snake." Use safety scissors to practice cutting skills.
Sensory Play supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
Sensory Play Recipes are:
An excellent way to connect with your kids (and your own inner child!) as you spend time together making the recipes even before play begins!
Eco-friendly: you control the ingredients that go into it and use much less packaging.
Budget-friendly: most recipes last up to 6 months if stored properly.
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Red and green food coloring
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a ball, remove from pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well (add essential oils now, if using).
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
When making multiple colors (one red and one white), make one batch for each! The white dough we left as is and did not add any coloring, but we did sprinkle in some glitter before we kneaded it!
Here is where you can add an extra layer of sensory goodness!!! When you are kneading the red dough, add in a few drops of peppermint extract OR peppermint essential oil. Knead well and it will smell amazinggggg.
It is important to note that you want to mindful of young kiddos who may put their fingers in their eyes/nose/mouth. Direct contact with oils may sting if they get it in their eyes!
Once both of your doughs are made, roll them into a long snake shape. Twist them together to create the red/white rope and then shape it into a candy cane!!
As they explore, you can ask them questions such as:
What does the dough feel like?
What happens when the red and white dough mixes together?
Does the smell remind you of anything?
A Play Filled Life Tips:
Squirt your food coloring into your water & stir before pouring into the pan.
Mix slowly & consistently to incorporate all of the ingredients together.
You can also experiment with spices to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your dough! Try cinnamon, cocoa powder or apple pie spice.
It is normal to see salt crystalize on the dough. Knead it back in before use. If you see mold, throw away immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of flour do you use for play dough?
White, all-purpose flour works best for homemade play dough. Using whole-wheat flour may alter the color and texture of your dough.
What is creme of tartar?
Cream of tartar is used to prolong the shelf-life of the dough, as well as help to create a silky-smooth texture. If you do not have COT, substitute the same amount of either white vinegar or lemon juice.
What does the salt do in the dough?
Salt is an important ingredient in play dough and should not be eliminated.
It acts as a preservative, making the dough last longer.
It adds texture to the dough.
When combined with oil and cream of tartar, it creates a super soft and moldable play dough.
What oil should be used?
Oil is used to improve the play doughs texture and consistency.
You can use anything that you have: vegetable oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Try these Variations of our Play Dough Recipe:
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.