Fall Scented Apple Pie Play Dough!

Looking for a cozy, fall-themed activity that also supports your child’s sensory development? Our Fall Scented Apple Pie Playdough is the perfect way to explore smell (olfactory) and taste (gustatory) while strengthening little hands. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring all the fall vibes, and the squishing, rolling, and shaping make it a playful workout for fine motor skills.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup salt

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp cream of tartar

• 1 cup warm water

• 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground cloves or allspice

• Optional: red or brown food coloring or natural beet juice for “apple” color
  
  
  

Directions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl

2. Stir in warm water and oil

3. Add spices and coloring

4. Stir until combined, then knead until smooth
   
   
   

Store in an airtight container for reuse!

 OT Tips for Play:

• Encourage your child to sniff and describe the scents ("What does it remind you of?")

• Use cookie cutters or toy kitchen tools for imaginative play

• Have your child roll, pinch, squish, and press the dough — all great for hand strength and tactile exploration
  Make "mini pies" and pretend to serve them — encouraging play and social skills

• For oral seekers, you can modify this to be taste-safe (just be mindful of salt and essential oil content)

At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.