Microwave Maple Pumpkin Playdough Recipe for Fall Sensory Play

 Inside: An easy microwave Maple Pumpkin Playdough Recipe inspired by the scents and colors of fall.

My children have both adored play with homemade playdough, not just as toddlers and preschoolers but well into their school years. Playdough is fabulous for sensory play and this recipe is the easiest of all the homemade playdough recipes because it’s made in the microwave.

Easy Microwave Maple Pumpkin Playdough Recipe

On a chilly autumn day this is a fabulous sensory play activity, making your home smell wonderful while keeping little hands busy building strength and fine motor skills.

This recipe for Maple Pumpkin Playdough is made quickly in the microwave with commonly sourced ingredients you may already have in the pantry. It literally takes just minutes to make! You can find and print the step-by-step recipe below.

The fall magic is in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and maple extract. If pumpkin pie spice is not easy to come by in your corner of the world, don’t despair. Pumpkin pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice and you can make your own very easily – here’s the recipe for The Cafe Sucre Farine’s DIY pumpkin spice mix. Similarly, if you can’t source maple extract (which is different to maple syrup), substitute vanilla extract/essence.

Tips for Making Microwave Pumpkin Playdough

Find the complete ingredient list and printable recipe card below.

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl, stir well to combine.

2. Heat for 30 seconds, stir again.

3. Microwaves vary in wattage so be sure to heat in 15 second increments, stirring each time until your mixture pulls away from the sides of your bowl when stirred. Mine was ready at 1 minute 15 seconds, this will vary for different microwaves.

4. Remove from microwave and allow it cool until you are able to touch it comfortably with your hands, then knead it on a smooth surface for about 2 minutes.

5. If your play dough is on the dry side, add a little more oil and knead it into the mixture. If it’s a little sticky, work in small amount of flour.

Add a rolling pin, cookie cutters, a small cookie sheet and a few cinnamon sticks and you’re ready to play!

Microwave Pumpkin Playdough Recipe

Print

A simple microwave pumpkin playdough recipe for Fall sensory play.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

• 1 cup all purpose/plain flour
• ½ cup table salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons maple extract or vanilla essence

Tools

• Large microwave safe bowl
• Mixing spoon

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl, stir well to combine.
2. Heat for 30 seconds, stir again.
3. Heat in 15 second increments stirring each time until your mixture pulls away from the sides of your bowl when stirred. Mine was ready at 1 minute 15 seconds, time will vary for different microwaves.
4. Remove from microwave and allow it cool until you are able to touch it comfortably with your hands, then knead it on a smooth surface for about 2 minutes.
5. If your playdough is on the dry side, add a little more oil and knead it into the mixture. If it’s a little sticky, work in small amount of flour.

Notes

• If pumpkin spice is not easy to come by in your corner of the world, don’t despair! Pumpkin pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice and you can make your own very easily – here’s the recipe for The Cafe Sucre Farine’s DIY pumpkin spice mix
• If you can’t source maple extract (which is different to maple syrup), substitute vanilla extract/essence.
• Microwaves vary in wattage so be sure to read the recipe directions
  carefully to make sure your playdough is not underdone or over
  cooked.
• You can store your playdough after play in an airtight container or bag, it should last several weeks.