Classroom Recipes: Pumpkin Playdough (2 Ingredients)

Pumpkin Play Dough for Preschool

Kids love to create while they learn. Classroom recipes are the perfect way to make learning hands-on and memorable!

My boys love to make homemade playdough, especially pumpkin playdough!

pumpkin playdough that only takes 2 ingredients

Pumpkin Playdough Recipe

This easy homemade playdough recipe is so easy and it only requires two ingredients. This fall preschool cooking activity makes it perfect for the classroom!

Ingredients:

  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
  • cornstarch (the amount will vary, we used about 2 cups+)

Dump the can of pumpkin puree into a bowl.

Begin to shake in the cornstarch about half a cup at a time. Use a spoon or spatula to stir and combine.

printable-pumpkin-pie-play-dough-recipe

use canned pumpkin in a bowl to make natural playdough

Each brand of puree has a different level of moisture, so the amount of cornstarch used will be based on the moisture level.

We used the Trader Joe brand puree and easily used 2 cups of cornstarch.

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

6 different components of the pumpkin theme bundles arranged in grid.
Preview in the Shop

Pumpkin Activities Bundle

The pumpkin activities bundle includes 6 of my most popular resources such as math, literacy, science - and more for plenty of hands-on fun!

Pumpkin Playdough Video (part 1)

cornstarch in bowl to make homemade playdough

  1. Stir and add until it reaches a playdough-like texture.
  2. Feel with your hands to ensure it is no longer sticky.
  3. Keep adding cornstarch until it is no longer sticky.
  4. If you accidentally add too much cornstarch, just add a few drops of water to soften it back up.
  5. You can also add a few tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice for an extra festive scent.

bowl of pumpkin playdough

Pumpkin Playdough (part 2)

The  pumpkin pie playdough recipe should be the same consistency as regular store bought playdough.

Place it on a work station and let them play.

We used cookie cutters, rolling pins, Lego’s, etc., to make fun creations.

pumpkin play dough cut into pumpkin shape using cookie cutter

My boys loved this.

It is a great opportunity to work in some life skills and let them help “cook”.

pumpkin play dough cut into pumpkin shape

How do you store pumpkin playdough?

You can store this pumpkin pie play dough in a Ziplock bag in the fridge for about 5 days.

Enjoy!

More Fall Activities

This pumpkin pie play dough activity was easy and fun. Here are a few more ideas to explore in the Fall with your preschoolers.

  • Little Red Hen Activities For Fall – The story of the Little Red Hen is a great one for expanding with different types of activities. As you explore fall, harvest, farm, or cooperation themes, use these activities to supplement and support learning through this traditional story.
  • Fall Sensory Bin for Preschool Sensory Play– No matter where you live, your little learners will have a blast with this fall themed sensory bin! It’s super simple to set up at home or in your preschool classroom.
  • Fall Tinker Tray– Inspire seasonal art and engineering with a Fall Tinker Tray for preschoolers! This flexible invitation to create allows children to work on fine motor, social, and creative skills simultaneously. The possibilities are endless!

More Thanksgiving Activities

a collage of colorful images featuring thanksgiving crafts and activities
Popcorn Turkey Glove
turkey craft with coffee filter and bingo daubers
Printable Thanksgiving Treat Bag Topper attached to zip top bag full of snack mix
two hands holding a disposable cup with pumpkin flavored pudding and whipped cream
brown playdough used to create a turkey using beads and feathers
children playing with colorful water using turkey basters

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

Thanksgiving Activity Bundle for Preschool
Preview in the Shop

The Ultimate Pre-K Thanksgiving Lesson Plan Bundle

15 of our most popular Thanksgiving theme resources, including math and literacy small group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!

Crystal is a Dallas Mom Blogger raising a houseful of boys. She is passionate about homeschooling her children, sharing activities for kids, as well as mommy resources and solutions like easy recipes for busy families.

1 thought on “Classroom Recipes: Pumpkin Playdough (2 Ingredients)”

  1. Pumpkin play dough is one of our faves! We will try this recipe soon!

    Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!

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