Scented Play-doh

A rainy afternoon and a fun-hungry toddler meet their match here. Homemade play-doh costs a fraction of the store-bought tubs, comes out softer, and smells exactly how you want it to.

The method is simple: whisk the dry ingredients together first so everything is evenly distributed, then work in the wet to bring it into a smooth, pliable dough. Mixing dry-first keeps the salt and any leavening from clumping.

Scent is where the fun starts. A few drops of vanilla, a spoon of cinnamon, a packet of powdered drink mix, or a little peppermint extract turn plain dough into something that smells as good as it squishes.

Knead it well once it comes together. A few minutes of working the dough smooths out any lumps and gives it that signature stretchy, satisfying texture.

Store it in an airtight bag or container and it stays soft for weeks, ready for the next round of snakes, pancakes, and lopsided dinosaurs.

Tips

• Add color and scent gradually; you can always add more, but you cannot take it back out.
• Knead in food coloring with gloves or inside a bag to keep your hands from staining.
• If the dough feels sticky, work in a little more flour; if crumbly, add water a few drops at a time.
• Keep it sealed when not in use, since exposed dough dries out and stiffens.

Variations

• Cinnamon and a little cocoa make a warm, gingerbread-scented dough.
• Citrus extracts with bright coloring make a fresh, zesty batch.
• Add a spoonful of fine glitter for sparkle dough kids love.