If you’re looking for a fun, sensory dough recipe that is a no-bake option, you need to try cloud dough! This soft, moldable dough is also sometimes called moon dough and can be made in 5 minutes with only 3 ingredients- cornstarch, conditioner and food coloring.
It is very similar to homemade playdough, but it’s a bit softer and can also be a little more crumbly. If you like making this cloud dough you should try our moon sand next!
This is an activity that requires adult supervision at all times. It is not safe to eat and should only be made with children who are old enough not to attempt to put it in their mouths.
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What is Cloud Dough?
Cloud dough is very similar to playdough but is a bit softer. Similar in a way to how cloud or fluffy slime is softer and a different texture experience than regular slime. It’s a moldable, sensory activity that is easy to make, affordable and that you can customize for different seasons and holidays. It smells great too because you’re using conditioner!
Probably the biggest advantage it has over homemade playdough is that it does not require any cooking or heating. As long as they’re old enough and supervised kids can easily help make this quick and fun dough.
Simple Cloud Dough Recipe
All you need to make cloud dough is really two ingredients. Conditioner and corn starch. I do want to note to use standard conditioner- not a shampoo/conditioner combo.I found quite a few options at Dollar Tree but these bottles are on amazon too!
Ingredients
- 1/2 C conditioner
- 1 and 1/4 cup corn starch
- food coloring- this is optional, but fun, and I recommend gel food coloring
- Optional add-ins like glitter can be fun too
Directions
Start by adding your conditioner to your bowl. Add your food coloring at this point, I think it’s easier to mix in with the conditioner.
Add your corn starch in and mix together.
You’ll reach a point where it won’t be combining as well, at that point use your hands to help it mold together. You can also add the food coloring at this point but it does stain your hands. Knead dough until it becomes soft and moldable.
Troubleshooting Tips
Making cloud dough can be a bit finicky in my opinion depending on things like humidity and brand of purchase. Here are a few tips if it’s not coming together properly.
- If it’s too crumbly start adding in more conditioner slowly and combining
- Knead and play with quite a bit to soften and make it more moldable if you feel as if it’s too stiff.
- If it’s too moist slowly add in more cornstarch.
Storing Your Cloud Dough
To store your cloud dough you’ll want to either add to a ziploc baggie or use an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. Some people say it can last up to a few months, I wouldn’t recommend over a few weeks. If it dries out you can use a bit of conditioner to try and refresh it too. You can also wrap it in cling wrap and add to an airtight container as an alternative way to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is cloud dough different from playdough?
Cloud dough is softer and can be a bit more crumbly than playdough. It has a different texture and isn’t quite as stretchy.
How should I store cloud dough?
Store in an airtight container. If it begins to dry out you can add a bit of conditioner to help moisten it.
What if my cloud dough is too dry?
Add a bit of conditioner, slowly, to recondition the dough.
Variations to Try
One really fun thing about cloud dough is that you can easily turn it into so many other things. I originally heard about this from my mom who had made fairy dough for a kids’ library program. That variation was using strawberry conditioner and glitter.
- Add glitter and make it fairy or unicorn themed dough.
- Pumpkin spice conditioner and orange food coloring for fall
- Pastel colors and floral scents for spring
- For Christmas you could do red and green dough or white with peppermint and glitter
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- ½ cup conditioner (you can easily double, triple or quadruplle this recipe as needed.)
- 1¼ cup corn starch
- 3-4 drops gel food coloring, in each desired color
Instructions
- Start by adding your conditioner to your bowl. Add your food coloring at this point, I think it's easier to mix in with the conditioner.
- Add your corn starch in and mix together.
- You'll reach a point where it won't be combining as well, at that point use your hands to help it mold together. You can also add the food coloring at this point but it does stain your hands.
- Knead dough until it becomes soft and moldable.