I’ve tried many playdough recipes over the years with my four kids and I always come back to this one. This homemade playdough recipe is soft, lasts a LONG time, doesn’t stain little hands, and uses common ingredients you probably already have.
Plus it’s super quick and easy to make (you can make a batch in about 5 minutes) and much cheaper than buying ready made playdough.
And it’s just plain fun to have the kids help you make their very own playdough recipe!
This post has a lot of information so use this list to skip ahead for easy navigation:
I love doing fun things with my kids, but I don’t do DIY stuff as often as I’d like because of time and the mess. Honestly, I have enough messes to clean up as it is without purposefully adding to it!
Yes, I look on Pinterest and see all these cute craft projects and ideas for kids. Then I pin that glitter project that’s momentarily caught my eye. For a fleeting moment, I contemplate actually attempting it. And then the realist in me takes over and I know it’s not going to happen.
Can any of you relate? We’d all love to be those fantastic crafty moms but the simple truth is most of us are just too tired and busy.
If that’s you – or even if you are an amazing crafty mom (my hat’s off to you!) – then this DIY playdough recipe is for you.
Easy Homemade Playdough
Less-crumbly, less-junk, and more fun, this homemade playdough recipe can be made in less than 10 minutes!
Prep: 5min
Total: 10min
Yield: 3
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/3 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- food coloring
Instruction:
- Mix together all the ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Cook over low/medium heat, stirring.Â
- Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon.
- Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
The World’s Best Homemade Play-Doh
This is literally the world’s BEST homemade play-doh! Soft and silky smooth, everyone will love playing with it!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons table salt
- 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil (canola, coconut, etc.); start with 3 and if the dough is a little dry, slowly work in a little more.
- 3 cups hot water
- Optional: Food coloring
Instruction:
- Add the flour, cream of tartar, salt, and 3 tablespoons cooking oil to a large pot. Whisk together. Add water and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough forms a soft ball. Be sure not to overcook–it will be too dry. Remove from heat and then scrape together the mixture into a ball. Place in a Ziploc bag or cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool slightly.
- Divide into portions and use food coloring to color as desired (if you want to make it all the same color, add the food coloring with the water.) For very vibrant colors, use more than you think you’ll need. When done playing with the dough, store in airtight containers or Ziploc bags.
Homemade Play Dough without Cream of Tartar
A soft and squishy dough that is quick-to-make, endlessly interesting, and inexpensive. This is a wonderfully relaxing activity for both children and adults alike. With only a few household ingredients, you can mix up a batch in no time and enjoy for hours.
Prep: 15min
Total: 15min
Yield: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- ¼ cup table salt
- ½ cup warm water
- 3-6 drops vegan-friendly food coloring, gel, or paste
- 2-4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fragrance or essential oils (or 40-50 drops) ((optional))
Instruction:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and oil well with a rubber spatula or your hands.
- Add the food coloring to the warm water and mix well.
- If using a scent, add approximately ½ teaspoon (40-50 drops) of scent or essential oil to the water mixture.
- Slowly add the colored water to the flour mixture in the bowl. Start out slowly and mix thoroughly to avoid adding too much water.
- Once the dough becomes malleable in your hands (it may be a tiny bit sticky), sprinkle on 2-4 tablespoons of cornstarch onto the dough and knead well until desired texture. It should be springy, smooth, and very slightly dry to the touch.
- To store, wrap the finished dough in plastic wrap or a damp cloth and store in a sealed container or bag for up to a week or so. Keep in the refrigerator if you would like it to last longer. The salt and the refrigeration will help to keep it fresher longer.
How to Make Play Dough – Easy No Cook Recipe! | Sea Lemon
FAQ
How do you make 3 ingredient playdough?
How do you make simple playdough?
What are the 4 ingredients in homemade playdough?
