How to Make Cocoa Playdough – Soft, Chocolate-Scented Fun!

cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

Make homemade cocoa playdough for a soft, chocolate-scented sensory play experience! Easy recipe + fun chocolate box setup for kids.

What is Cocoa Playdough?

Cocoa playdough is a homemade, chocolate-scented sensory dough that’s soft, moldable, and perfect for kids to explore. Unlike real chocolate, it’s completely mess-free but still has that rich, cozy cocoa aroma that makes playtime extra fun. This easy DIY recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day, a baking-themed play setup, or just a creative afternoon activity. I’ve paired it with a recycled chocolate box, heart-shaped cookie cutters, and fun playdough tools like a rolling pin and slicer to create an engaging sensory play invitation. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make cocoa playdough and set up an inviting play space your kids will love!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

Watch How to Make Cocoa Playdough!

Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

BUY IT HERE!

Materials

Sensory Play Table
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
½ cup cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate scent!)
2 tablespoons cream of tartar

Sensory Play Table
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
½ cup cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate scent!)
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ cups boiling water
Chocolate Boxes
Heart Shape Cutters
Rolling Pin

How to Make Cocoa Playdough (Step-by-Step)

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.

Step 2

Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 3

Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.

Step 4

Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.

Step 5

Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

How to Store Cocoa Playdough

To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.

Step 2

Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 3

Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.

Step 4

Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.

Step 5

Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

How to Store Cocoa Playdough

To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.