Well, here we are in the quiet after Christmas. My husband went back to work today after a wonderful week off (why do vacation days always go twice as fast as normal days?), and we’re getting back into our routine. It is cold outside today so I thought I’d pull out the peppermint Jello playdough for my daughter to play with.
It is amazing how long she can sit and play with this stuff. Usually she is a ball of energy running around our apartment and chattering up a storm. But when I bring out the playdough, she goes into playdough world and quietly pats and pulls pieces apart. Well, at least for 5 minutes or so. That is a long time when you’re two years old and have places to go!
I made my first batch of playdough a few years ago for my nieces and nephews and was shocked at how easy and FAST it is to make. And when I say fast, I really mean it. I am such a multi-tasker (i.e. easily distracted) that I tend to have five things going at once. Please don’t do that when you make playdough.
That said, I decided to experiment with a recipe my sister sent me. I love the smell of peppermint so wanted to try her peppermint playdough recipe but decided that instead of using food dye, I’d use Jello to color the dough. Note that Jello can be rather fragrant so if you have a baby or toddler who is still tempted to put everything in their mouths, you might need to be extra vigilant with them.
Well, I was not disappointed. (Thankfully, because that is a LOT of salt to go through!) I used raspberry flavored Jello so the color was more of a light pink and the smell wasn’t overpowering. My sister used twice the amount of peppermint extract but I halved that because of the Jello; I didn’t want those smells to clash.
I have to say that even though we have a ton of regular playdough (thank you, cousins!), I really like the homemade kind better (especially this peppermint jello playdough recipe!) It is softer and you don’t get that strange plastic-like feeling on your hands after rolling out 40 playdough snakes. Yes, I am sadly uncreative when it comes to playdough creations. Thankfully my daughter loves her playdough snakes, so we’re good.
Peppermint Jello Playdough
2 cups water
2 cups flour
1 3 oz. box Jello (I used raspberry; use whatever flavor you like)
1 cup salt
4 tsp cream of tarter
4 TBS oil
2 TBS peppermint extract
(if your extract is really strong, you might want to use 1 TBS)
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Form dough into a ball, and knead until it is soft and smooth. Cool completely before using.
A couple of notes:
- Cream of tartar can be rather expensive. For a project like this I buy it in the bulk bins where it is much cheaper.
- This recipe makes a TON of playdough. If I were to make it again, I would half the recipe. (You can measure out the Jello in a measuring cup and use half.)
Have fun!
22 responses to “Peppermint Jello Playdough”
We have a date with our nieces and nephew coming up, and this would be SUCH fun to both make with them and then play with together. Thanks so much for sharing at The Creative Spill this week on my Facebook page. Love it! Pinned it!
Thanks, Lauren! You will have fun making it! Just watch out because it feels like the playdough ingredients are a big glob and nothing is happening and then it is suddenly done. I appreciated the added benefit of getting an arm workout while I stirred. 😉 Just discovered your blog/facebook page and love it! Have a great day!
This looks like a fun project! My son is 10 months so possibly too young for it right now, but can’t wait to try it with him in the future!
It really IS fun and easy. I had to wait a little bit too because my daughter was so insistent on putting everything in her mouth when she was younger but it’s a good recipe to have in your arsenal when the time comes! Have a great day! 🙂
Such a creative idea to “flavor” the play dough! I agree, homemade is so much better. I’m afraid I’d want to eat it though… 😛
haha be strong! 😉 I don’t know why I didn’t think to add flavors before–it sure smells nice. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I have never seen Jello used in playdough! Great idea. Pinned to my preschool board!
p.s. I’ve heard that Koolaid works great too! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Wow. I didn’t know playdough had such potential.
I didn’t either–the things I’m learning with a two-year-old! 🙂 🙂
Love this idea! I will be trying this with the kiddos! Thanks for sharing on Show Me Saturday!
🙂 And thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!
I so need to make this! I love peppermint. Thanks for linking up with the Creative Exchange!
You’re welcome! Glad I found you guys! 🙂 Have a great week! 🙂
This sounds like so much fun. Who knew you could make your own? Thanks for linking up with Creative Spark Link Party. I hope you can join us again this week. The party went live today!
Glenna @ My Paper Craze
Thanks, Glenna! I linked up! 🙂
I would love creating this with my son and niece.
It’s a lot of fun. I’m curious what the other Jello flavors would smell and look like! This recipe makes a huge amount of playdough, so they will have lots of fun! 🙂 (or you can half the recipe!)
We have made homemade playdough before but never tried jello. This is on our to do list. Yours turned out so pretty and I bet the smell is amazing! Stopping by from Friday Favorites after seeing this post featured. Have a great day!
Thanks, Susen! Just stopped by your facebook page and love all of your ideas too! I’m going to keep you in mind for the future for preschool activities. 🙂
This is a great idea! Thanks for linking up with Motivational Monday, I hope you will join us again!
Thank you! I’ll be stopping by today. 🙂