šØ Easy Homemade PlayDough Recipe for Kids
Looking for a fun and easy playdough recipe to make at home? This homemade playdough is soft, colorful, and lasts for weeks ā perfect for creative playtime with kids! With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in minutes.
Iāve tried dozens of recipes over the years with my four kids, and I always come back to this one. Itās the best combination of soft texture, long-lasting quality, and safe ingredients ā plus it doesnāt stain little hands!
š§ Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup water
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2 teaspoons cream of tartar
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1/3 cup salt
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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Food coloring (any color your little dreamers love!)
š³ Instructions
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Mix all ingredients together in a 2-quart saucepan.
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Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously.
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Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to gather around the spoon ā youāll see it form into a dough!
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Remove from heat and place the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
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Once cool, knead it a few times and youāre ready to play!
š” Notes
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Let the playdough cool completely before storing.
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Store in a ziplock bag or sealed container to keep it soft for weeks.
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Add glitter, essential oils, or natural dyes (like beet juice or turmeric) for extra fun!
š§ Why This Recipe Works
The cream of tartar gives the dough elasticity, making it soft and stretchy. The salt preserves it, while the oil keeps it from drying out. Together, these ingredients make a perfect, reusable sensory play material thatās safe for little hands.
š Play Ideas
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Roll and cut with cookie cutters for shapes and letters.
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Make color patterns or mix colors to explore new shades.
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Pair with small toys or craft tools for imaginative play!
āØ Final Thoughts
Making homemade playdough is a simple and affordable way to spark creativity and sensory learning at home. Itās a classic kidsā activity that never gets old ā and the smiles are guaranteed!
š§¾ Credits
Recipe adapted from Erika Brandon @ Living Well Mom