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!
Recipe: $1.00 | Yields: 1

We always have coffee at home, and my daily cup keeps me somewhat sane. I adore the aroma of coffee, so when the kids play with coffee grounds playdough, the room smells incredible.
As I sip my Peppermint Iced Coffee, Caramel Iced Coffee, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte, the kids enjoy their own fun.
My daughter loves the scent and texture of the playdough, especially the satisfying sounds it makes when she's playing with it. She often rushes to play with it, just to hear those sounds.
This playdough has a texture similar to kinetic sand, making it a fantastic sensory activity for kids.
For more homemade playdough recipes, check out our Edible No Cook Pumpkin Playdough and Banana Playdough.
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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
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!
Ingredient Notes:
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!
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 specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add in the coffee grounds and mix well.
Step 1: Slowly add in the wet coffee and mix after each addition until the dough comes together.
Step 2: If you add too much, add in a little flour.
Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it's a good consistency.
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Adjusting Consistency: Creating coffee ground playdough isn't an exact science, allowing for flexibility in the process. Depending on the type of coffee maker used, the used coffee grounds may vary in moisture content.
- Gradual Addition: When mixing the ingredients, add the liquid slowly as you may not require all of it to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- Troubleshooting Tip: Should the coffee-scented playdough appear too wet, incorporate additional flour gradually until it reaches the desired texture. This adaptable approach ensures the playdough maintains its consistency.
💭 Playdough 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.
Coffee playdough is a fun and sensory material that allows for creative play and exploration while adding the delightful scent of coffee to the experience. It's a great activity for kids and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
❤️ More Kid Recipes
If you tried this Coffee Playdough, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!
Coffee Playdough
Equipment
Materials
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- ½ cup Salt
- 1 cup Used coffee grounds
- ½ cup brewed coffee (hot or cold)
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
- The consistency of this playdough may vary depending on the moisture content of your used coffee grounds. Add the liquid slowly to achieve the right texture, as you might not need all of it.
- If the coffee playdough turns out too wet, incorporate some flour to adjust the consistency.
- Concerns about Caffeine: If you're worried about caffeine exposure, particularly with kids, you can use decaffeinated coffee grounds instead.
- Shelf Life: When stored properly in an airtight container, this coffee playdough can last for weeks or even months, much like regular playdough.
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