This super simple coffee playdough recipe is a great way to use up leftover coffee and used coffee grounds in a fun way. This 4 ingredient playdough is as fun to play with as it is to smell!

Disclaimer: While this recipe is made using edible ingredients found within your home, I do not recommend purposefully feeding your child this product. If they choose to take a lick or small taste they should be just fine, but this product is meant to be something to play with and not to eat. Thanks!
We always have coffee in the house, my daily cup is what keeps me somewhat sane and I just love the smell of coffee, so every time the kids play with this playdough with coffee grounds, the room smells incredible.
My daughter loves the way the playdough smells and feels. She especially loves the sounds it makes when she's laying with it and says, "it's so satisfying to listen to." I actually catch her running to play with it for a few minutes just so she can hear that sound.
While this is as much fun as playdough, the texture is very close to that of kinetic sand. This is a great sensory activity for kids to play with!
For more homemade playdough recipes, be sure to check out our Edible No Cook Pumpkin Playdough, Edible Ripe Banana Playdough, and 3 Ingredient Pudding Playdough.
Why This Recipe Works
- It's easy. Just mix a few ingredients together, and it's done. Ready to be used within moments. How cool is that?
- No cooking is required. This playdough recipe is no cook. Just grab a bowl and a fork. Perfect for hot days, lazy days, and every day in between.
- Safe ingredients. Everything about this play dough is edible, and while it may not taste great, parents can feel more confident in knowing it's safe.
🥘 Ingredients
Flour- The base of this playdough recipe is all purpose flour.
Coffee Grounds- You will need some used coffee grounds. This is a perfect use for those leftover rounds from this morning!
Salt- Adding in salt will give the play dough a better texture.
Cooled Coffee- Save any leftover cooled coffee from the pot and use it to moisten the playdough. If you don't have any leftover coffee, just use water.
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make coffee playdough with these simple step-by-step instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add in the coffee grounds and mix well.
Slowly add in the wet coffee and mix after each addition until the dough comes together.
If you add too much, add in a little flour.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it's a good consistency.
🍴 Recipe Tips
Making this coffee ground playdough isn't an exact science. Thankfully there's wiggle room. Different coffee makers will get your used coffee grounds to be wetter than others while others will get them a tad drier.
You may not need all of the liquid to bring the dough together. So add it slowly. If you find that your coffee-scented playdough is too wet, you can add in some flour to help get it to a good consistency.
💭 FAQs
Okay, not everyone wants their kids playing with caffeine. Some studies have shown that caffeine can be absorbed through skin exposure, so this could actually energize the kids. In this case, use decaf coffee.
If properly stored and cared for this playdough could last for weeks, if not months, just like regular playdough. Keep it stored in an airtight container when not in use.
Other Fun Kid Recipes to Try!
- Spider Sandwiches
- Rainbow Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Peanut Butter Jelly Muffins
- Ice Cream Cone Brownies
Coffee Playdough
Equipment
Materials
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- ½ cup Salt
- 1 cup Used coffee grounds
- ½ cup Cooled coffee (more or less may be needed)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine the flour and salt.
- Add in the coffee grounds and mix well.
- Slowly add in the coffee liquid, you may not need it all. Mix between additions.
- If you add in too much liquid, you can add in more flour to help bring it back together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it together until it becomes a playdough consistency. Honestly, it's closer to Kinetic sand texture with playdough like qualities, so don't expect it to be super smooth.
- Have fun and keep it in an airtight container when not in use.
Notes
Tips
- Making this coffee ground playdough isn't an exact science. Thankfully there's wiggle room. Different coffee makers will get your used coffee grounds to be wetter than others while others will get them a tad drier. You may not need all of the liquid to bring the dough together. So add it slowly.
- If you find that your coffee scented playdough is too wet, you can add in some flour to help get it to a good consistency.
FAQs
- What about caffeine? Okay, not everyone wants their kids playing with caffeine. Some studies have shown that caffeine can be absorbed through skin exposure, so this could actually energize the kids. In this case, use decaf coffee.
- How long does coffee playdough last? If properly stored and cared for this playdough could last for weeks, if not months, just like regular playdough. Keep it stored in an airtight container when not in use.
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