How To Make Edible Dirt For Sensory Play

Create edible dirt for sensory play with just 3 simple ingredients: flour, oil, and cocoa powder! Easy to make and perfect for messy fun your kids will love!

Kids love dirt! They’re drawn to it like little magnets, but the idea of actual dirt making its way into their mouths? No thanks!

That’s why edible dirt is awesome. It’s messy play without the mess (or the germs), and it’s guaranteed to keep those tiny hands busy. Plus, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry.

What Is Edible Dirt?

Our edible dirt uses our classic moon dough recipe but with cocoa powder. Adding cocoa powder takes it to the next level giving it a rich brown color and “dirt” vibe. Plus, it’s taste-safe (though not meant for snacking), so even the littlest ones can join in.

If you’ve never tried moon dough before, you’re in for a treat. It’s this wonderfully soft, powdery material that feels silky to the touch but can also hold its shape when compacted. It’s like kinetic sand’s fluffy cousin!

How to Make How To Make Edible Dirt

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own batch of edible dirt:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour (heat treated by baking it at 350°F for approximately 5 minutes or until it reaches 165°F)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 to 1 cup cocoa powder (more cocoa powder will make the mixture a darker color)
• Pastry Cutter (optional): This helps work the oil into the flour evenly
• Optional: Gummy worms, Mini Construction Trucks, Dinosaurs
• Sensory Bin (or any container big enough for your child to play in)
• Silicone Cupcake Liners, Scoops and Funnel or Tongs and Tweezers or other fun accessories

Instructions

Step 1: Heat Treat Your Flour (Optional for Safety)

For this edible dirt recipe, heat-treating the flour is important because raw flour can contain harmful bacteria. You can do this by baking it at 350°F for approximately 5 minutes or until it reaches 165°F. Let it cool before mixing it with the oil.

Step 2: Mix It Up

Grab a large mixing bowl or sensory bin. Add the 5 cups flour and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, and stir until combined.

Step 3: Add The Oil

Slowly drizzle 1 cup of oil over the flour and cocoa powder mixture, stirring as you go. I started with a spoon, but eventually switched to using my hands to fully combine the ingredients. Keep mixing until the dough has a soft, powdery sand-like texture

Step 4: Test the Texture

Scoop up a handful and squish it. If it holds its shape, you’re good to go! Too dry? Add a little more oil, a tablespoon at a time. Too wet? Sprinkle in more flour.

Step 5: Add the Tools

Place the edible dirt into a sensory bin and toss in gummy worms, cups, cupcake liners, scoops, tongs, cookie cutters or anything else for creative play.

Edible Dirt Creative Play Ideas

1. Mini Dino Dig

Bury small, plastic toy dinosaurs in the edible dirt and let your kiddos “excavate” their prehistoric pals! This idea is perfect for dino lovers who love a good hunt.

2. Construction Zone

Turn the dirt into a construction site! Add mini toy dump trucks, bulldozers, and excavators. Kids can dig, load, and dump dirt just like a real construction crew.

3. Bug Adventure

Scatter toy bugs or gummy worms in the edible dirt to create a creepy-crawly bug hunt! You can add toy magnifying glasses and pretend bug jars for extra fun.

4. Garden Planting Station

Set up a pretend gardening activity with the edible dirt as soil. Provide small pots, spoons, and seeds for planting. You can also add fake flowers or sprouts using pipecleaners and pom-pom balls.

5. Mud Pie Bakery

Let your child become a “baker” by making mud pies or desserts using the edible dirt. Include scoops, tongs, bowls, silicone cupcake liners, or cookie cutters.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Edible Dirt

Keep your edible dirt experience fresh, fun, and mess-free with these helpful tips:

• Switch Up the Tools: Keep things exciting by introducing new tools into the mix. Try silicone molds, rolling pins, or cookie cutters for shaping and squishing. You can also use silicone cupcake liners for creating little “mudpies.” Adding small toy trucks or diggers can add a construction twist, scooping and dumping dough like dirt.

• Store It Right: Moon dough can last for a couple of weeks if properly stored. Seal it in an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent it from drying out. If it starts to lose its softness, you can revive it by adding a small drizzle of oil and mixing it back in.

• Don’t Stress the Mess: Lay down a large plastic tablecloth under your setup to catch any stray crumbs. For easy cleanup, use a handheld vacuum or a damp cloth. If weather permits, consider taking the activity outside for mess-free fun in the fresh air.

Why We Love This Activity

This edible dirt recipe is one of those activities that never gets old. Whether you’re making it for your toddler, preschooler, or even older kid, it’s a simple, affordable way to get in some sensory play. Plus, the creative play ideas are endless!

So grab those ingredients, mix up a batch, and let the fun begin! Let me know how your edible dirt turns out in the comments.