These days it seems kids are mesmerized by anything sticky, slimy, squishy, or squeezable. If it feels weird, smells odd, or makes a repulsing noise they are all about it. So I have a solution that makes this childhood obsession a little more tolerable, maybe even dare I say fun (even for adults)! I’m going to show you a cooked playdough recipe. Oh yeah, and it smells good too!
I know that this is the best homemade playdough because I have been making it for years and my kids love it as much today as when they were toddlers. It is scribbled down on an index card and stays in my kitchen drawer for when the mood strikes us to throw some together. Good news for you, there will be a quick printable version of this craft recipe down below!
Best of all, all the ingredients are staples that we always keep on hand. Saving me a trip to the store or having to tell them we can’t do it. This recipe is homemade playdough with cream of tartar being your most unusual ingredient and a few baking basics, flour, water, salt, vegetable oil, and food coloring.
Here it goes!
Homemade Playdough
Ingredients
1 c. Flour
1 c. Water
¼ c. Salt
1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
Food Coloring (however much to make the desired color)
Instructions
Mix all the above ingredients in a pot
Heat on the stovetop on medium, constantly stirring until the consistency is a firm ball (Don’t undercook or it will be sticky. You may see that the dough starts to get a little dark that means it is about ready to be removed from the heat.)
Let cool for a few minutes on a cutting board or countertop
Knead to make sure it is consistently the same texture throughout
Let cool to room temperature then place in a ziplock baggie or a sealed container
Repeat to make as many different colors as you want.
Homemade Playdough Tips:
- I put a couple of drops of essential oil in mine because I think it helps the smell of the playdough. (I’m not much of a fan of cooked flour smell)
- I have tried storing the playdough in the refrigerator but have found that it collects condensation making the play dough gummier. While keeping it in a sealed container at room temperature will shorten the life of the playdough I feel that the consistency is better and much more enjoyable for the kids by using this method.
- I have found very inexpensive playdough toys on Amazon as well as passing along kitchen items I no longer need or use. I keep it simple by not buying playdough toys that involve cleaning out constantly. Save yourself the trouble, think rolling pin, cookie cutter shapes, and squiggly line rollers. (I’m pretty sure that’s what they’re called) 🙂 Just think easy clean up.
- Place the playdough and all the toys into a plastic tub, so that clean up is easy each time. I have found that a cheap plastic tablecloth put in the box as well means that the kids have everything they need to play without making a mess (ok, so much of a mess). Clean up is a cinch!
Get your printable recipe below!
A simple recipe that uses a few pantry staples to make playdough that will keep your kids entertained for hours!
- 1 c. Flour
- 1 c. Water
- 1/4 c. Salt
- 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
- 2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
- Food Coloring as much as you want for your desired color
-
Mix all the above ingredients in a pot.
-
Heat on the stovetop on medium, continually stirring until the consistency is a firm ball (Don't undercook or it will be sticky. You may see the dough start to get a little dark that means it is about ready to be removed from the heat.)
-
Let cool for a few minutes on a cutting board or countertop.
-
Knead to make sure it is consistently the same texture throughout.
-
Let it cool until room temperature then place in a ziplock baggie or a sealed container.
-
Repeat to make as many different colors as you want.
Tips:
- I put a couple of drops of essential oil in mine because I think it helps the smell of the playdough. (I’m not much of a fan of cooked flour smell)
- I have tried storing the playdough in the refrigerator but have found that it collects condensation making the play dough gummier. While keeping it in a sealed container at room temperature will shorten the life of the playdough I feel that the consistency is better and much more enjoyable for the kids by using this method.
- I have found very inexpensive playdough toys on Amazon as well as passing along kitchen items I no longer need or use. I keep it simple by not buying playdough toys that involve cleaning out constantly. Save yourself the trouble, think rolling pin, cookie cutter shapes, and squiggly line rollers. (I'm pretty sure that's what they're called) Just think easy clean up.
- Place the playdough and all the toys into a plastic tub, so that clean up is easy each time. I have found that a cheap plastic tablecloth put in the box as well means that the kids have everything they need to play without making a mess (ok so much of a mess). Clean up is a cinch!
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