Homemade playdough is very easy to make, and you likely already have all the supplies you need in your kitchen pantry! This is a fun activity for almost any age, as all the ingredients are non-toxic and safe to handle.
DIY playdough can be made two different ways: by cooking the ingredients on the stovetop or by using very hot water (not boiling, but hot).
With either method, you will want to make sure children are well supervised, or you may choose to complete those steps first and then allow kids to mix in the colors.
Once you’ve made this playdough recipe, you can use rolling pins, cookie cutters, or kid-safe kitchen knives to create shapes and play with your creations.
Of course you can also buy specific Play-Doh tools for play, but since all the ingredients in this homemade playdough recipe are non-toxic and taste safe, you can wash any toys in the dishwasher or with dish soap and still use for kitchen purposes.
You don’t need separate the cookie cutters or other supplies.
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What is Playdough?
Playdough is a children’s modeling compound that can be stored in airtight containers and used again and again to create shapes or build small structures.
Playdough is similar in texture to sugar cookie dough, and is made of non-toxic taste safe ingredients.
Related: Find more dough, sensory and slime projects in our sensory archives.
Why Make Homemade Playdough?
- Children can practice following directions as well as measuring ingredients.
- Children can learn about color theory as they mix different food coloring into the dough.
- Once it is made, you can play with it over and over again as long as you store the dough in airtight containers when not in use.
Playdough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Cream of tartar
- Water
- Oil – vegetable or canola work well
- Food coloring
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, and a mixing spoon.
How to Make Playdough
- In a medium to large pot, stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the water and oil and stir over low/medium heat until a dough ball forms.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool enough to handle.
- Divide the dough into 4-6 balls and add food coloring to each.
- Gently knead the food coloring into the dough. As you mix, the color will distribute throughout the dough.
How to Make Playdough – No Cook Method
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the oil.
- Heat the water to almost boiling.
- Add the water to the bowl and stir until a dough ball forms.
- Once the dough is cool enough to handle, divide into 4-6 balls.
- Add food coloring to each ball.
- Gently knead the food coloring into the dough. As you mix, the color will distribute throughout the dough.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is playdough edible?
Playdough is not edible. While homemade playdough is made of all non-toxic, taste safe ingredients, it should not be eaten.
Playdough is made with raw (uncooked) all-purpose flour; raw foods can contain germs that can make us very sick (like E.coli).
Is playdough OK for 2 year olds?
Most likely. Playdough is safe for any age but it’s recommended to wait until children are 2 years old or older as they are less likely to put the dough in their mouth during play.
But use your best judgment as all parents and guardians will know their child best.
How long should you keep playdough?
Playdough can last up to 2-3 months if stored properly. The dough will dry out as it comes into contact with air, so the longer it’s played with or if it’s stored where air can dry it out it won’t last as long.
Also, as homemade playdough is made with pantry ingredients it’s possible it could grow mold, but this will likely be very apparent. If you see mold on playdough throw it away.
Should playdough be kept in the refrigerator?
It’s not necessary to store playdough in the refrigerator. While this can slow the growth of any mold or germs, it also means your playdough will be cold and likely less fun to play with.
How to Store Playdough?
Store in ziplock bags or other plastic or glass containers with lids. You want to store playdough in airtight containers so it doesn’t dry out.
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups salt
- 2 ½ tablespoons cream of tartar
- ¼ cup oil
- 4 cups water (hot)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the oil.
- Heat the water to almost boiling.
- Add the water to the bowl and stir until a dough ball forms. If the dough seems very sticky, more like a paste than a dough, then add up to ¼ cup more flour.
- Once the dough is cool enough to handle, divide into 4-6 balls.
- Add food coloring to each ball.
- Gently knead the food coloring into the dough. As you mix, the color will distribute throughout the dough.
Equipment
Notes
- Food coloring can temporarily stain skin, surfaces, or clothes, so take care as you knead the color into the dough.
- Store homemade playdough in airtight containers so it doesn’t dry out.
- This method is a no-cook playdough method; see post for how to make playdough on the stovetop.
Our son is currently obsessed with mixing playdoughs!
This is the BEST play dough ever!
Thanks for the recipe! My preschoolers love playdough!
Soft, smooth, and perfect!