Peppermint Latte Cloud Dough Tray: A Cozy Christmas Sensory Play Idea

a cloud dough tray filled with peppermints

The air smells of peppermint and playtime magic with this peppermint latte cloud dough tray. This hands-on setup transforms a simple sensory recipe into a cozy pretend coffee shop experience, where little baristas can whip up their own “lattes” and explore textures that feel as soft as powdered snow. The combination of flour, oil, and peppermint extract makes this Christmas sensory play idea both calming and engaging. It’s a perfect mix of imagination and sensory fun.

Supply List for Peppermint Latte Cloud Dough Tray

Gather a few simple materials to create this cozy peppermint sensory play idea. Most of them are likely already in the kitchen or craft drawer. These supplies come together to create a hands-on sensory experience that looks, smells, and feels like a coffee shop come to life.

2 cups flour
¼ cup oil
Peppermint extract
McCormick Candy Cane Finishing Sugar
Tray or shallow bin
Coffee cup
Scoop or spoon
Peppermint embellishments

The Christmas Cloud Dough Recipe

1. Add ingredients: Combine 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup of oil, and a dash of peppermint extract in a mixing bowl.

2. Mix well: Stir until the dough becomes soft and crumbly, able to hold its shape when squeezed but still falls apart easily.

3. Add a peppermint touch: Sprinkle in McCormick Candy Cane Finishing Sugar for extra peppermint scent and tiny pops of red and white color that resemble candy cane sparkles.

The result? A Christmas cloud dough recipe that feels silky and smells like a warm peppermint latte. It’s soothing to mix, mold, and scoop. It’s perfect for little hands that love sensory exploration.

Setting Up the Peppermint Sensory Tray

1. Prepare the base: Pour the peppermint cloud dough into a shallow tray or bin.

2. Add play accessories: Include a small coffee cup, scoop or spoon, and a few peppermint embellishments.

a reusable coffee cup in a cloud dough tray filled with peppermints

3. Create the scene: Arrange the items to resemble a cozy coffee shop setup.

4. Invite pretend play:

Scoop the peppermint cloud dough into the cup. Stir in some peppermints.

“Serve” the coffee creations to imaginary customers.

5. Enjoy the atmosphere: The setup looks whimsical and smells like a coffee shop at Christmas time.

A Fun and Engaging Christmas Sensory Play Idea

Little ones get right into the sensory experience by mixing, pouring, and pretending to craft lattes for their friends, toys, or parents. The soft texture invites endless experimentation. Scooping and patting the peppermint latte cloud dough into cups feels like an act of creation.

Some may decorate their lattes with the candy cane sugar sprinkles or mix and mash the dough to see how it feels between their fingers. Others may line up cups for an entire imaginary coffee shop. Every scoop and pour offers a new sensory surprise, as the peppermint scent fills the air with a cozy Christmas café mood.

Extending the Fun

Keep this Christmas activity for preschoolers going with a few simple twists that add new layers of creativity and discovery:

Add play money and menus: Turn the setup into a full pretend coffee shop where kids can “sell” their lattes and practice counting skills.
Introduce seasonal scents: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla or cinnamon for a new sensory experience each time.
Bring in pretend customers: Invite dolls, stuffed animals, or toy action figures to visit the peppermint café for a holiday drink.

Create latte art: Use cookie cutters to press shapes into the dough “foam” for decorative latte tops.
Add color play: Mix in a little red or white glitter to make the dough shimmer like fresh snow.
Incorporate a learning twist: Add letter beads or number charms for kids to scoop and “find” hidden surprises in the dough.
Make it a storytime activity: Pair the tray with a winter or coffee-themed children’s book to inspire themed play.

Benefits of Peppermint Cloud Dough Play

This peppermint sensory play idea is packed with developmental benefits. The act of scooping, pouring, and patting strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The soft texture engages the tactile sense, promoting calm and focus through sensory input. The peppermint scent encourages mindfulness, while pretend play fosters imagination and creativity.

a kid scooping up cloud dough from the tray filled with peppermints

This Christmas activity for preschoolers can turn into hours of open-ended exploration, offering kids a soothing and satisfying play experience that also builds important foundational skills. The repetition of motion, the ability to manipulate and control the materials, and the opportunity for imaginative storytelling all support cognitive and emotional development.

A Cozy Christmas Sensory Play Idea

a kid holding the cloud dough with peppermints

This Christmas sensory play idea blends the scents of the season with the joy of hands-on play. Kids will find so many benefits in this peppermint latte cloud dough play, whether pretending to serve drinks, decorating the “foam” with sprinkles, or simply enjoying the soothing feel of the dough. It’s a small setup that fills the air with the cozy calm of peppermint and the cheerful imagination of pretend play.

Liked This? You May Also Like…

20+ of the best Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
Discover 20+ easy Christmas ornament crafts for kids using simple, budget-friendly supplies. This holiday craft roundup includes DIY ornaments perfect for preschool, kindergarten, classroom activities, and family Christmas crafting. Find step-by-step ideas for handmade keepsake ornaments kids will love to make.
Reindeer Ornament Craft: A Sweet and Simple Christmas Keepsake
Easy Christmas Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament kids can craft in minutes. Great for holiday decorating, classroom activities, and handmade Christmas ornaments. Find simple instructions for making a popsicle stick reindeer.
Manger Popsicle Stick Craft: A Simple and Meaningful Christmas Keepsake
Easy Manger Popsicle Stick Craft for kids. This simple DIY Christmas nativity craft uses inexpensive supplies and is perfect for homeschool, Sunday school, or classroom Christmas activities. Learn how to make a popsicle stick manger and create a meaningful holiday keepsake with step-by-step instructions.
Christmas Tree Popsicle Stick Ornament: A Festive DIY for Kids
Easy Christmas Tree Popsicle Stick Ornament craft for kids. This simple DIY Christmas craft uses basic supplies and makes a fun holiday activity for home or classroom. Get step-by-step instructions and ideas to decorate your popsicle stick Christmas tree.
Snowman Sensory Bin: A Simple and Engaging Winter Activity for Kids
Create a fun snowman sensory bin for kids using simple winter-themed materials and easy setup instructions. This hands-on activity encourages fine motor skills, imaginative play, and seasonal learning at home or in the classroom. Save this snowman sensory bin idea for your next winter activity with kids.
Christmas Village Houses: Edible Winter Magic in Miniature houses
Build magical edible Christmas village houses with your kids using simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. This festive holiday activity combines crafting and baking for a creative, delicious winter project. Save this Christmas village idea for family fun all season long.
Oreo Ornament Cookies: A Festive No-Bake Treat for the Holidays
Make these easy Oreo ornament cookies for a fun Christmas treat kids will love. This simple no-bake recipe turns classic Oreos into festive holiday ornaments using just a few ingredients. Perfect for classroom parties, family baking, and adding to Christmas dessert trays. Save this kid-friendly holiday cookie idea for your next Christmas activity.
Yarn Ornament: A Simple and Cozy Christmas Craft for Kids
Make this simple yarn ornament craft for kids using easy supplies and step-by-step instructions. This holiday activity is perfect for classrooms, home projects, and decorating the Christmas tree with handmade ornaments. Save this yarn craft tutorial for your next winter activity with kids.
Moving Polar Bear Craft: A Winter Wonderland in Motion
Try this simple moving polar bear paper plate craft that kids can create with just a few basic supplies. This winter activity includes easy step-by-step instructions and a free printable template, making it perfect for classrooms, home projects, or Arctic animal lessons. Save this engaging craft idea for your next cold-weather activity with kids.