In Celebration of Play-Dough

Making Play-Dough

There are two basic ways to make play-dough. Both are great activities to do with kids!


No-Cook Play-Dough:

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt (4 tablespoons)
1/2 cup water
1-2 tablespoons flour (if needed)
Food coloring

In a bowl, add 1 1/4 cups flour and salt. Mix. Mix the water and some food coloring together. Place in the flour mixture. Mix together with a spoon (or your hands). If it is too sticky, add more flour. Store in a covered container or sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.


Cooked Play-Dough:

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup salt
1 tablespoon oil
Food coloring
Vanilla Extract (optional)

Combine in saucepan: 1 cup flour 1/4 cup salt 1 tsp. cream of tartar

Add and whisk until smooth: 1 cup water 1 Tbsp oil Food coloring (Cake decorators paste or liquid makes great colors)

Cook over medium heat until nearly playdough is nearly set. Add: 1 Tbsp. imitation vanilla extract

Stir until vanilla is blended, then remove and knead when cool. Store in Ziploc bag or air tight container.

Note: This is the best playdough recipe I have ever found. The vanilla extract seems improve the texture and adds a nice scent as well.

Mix and knead together. This play-dough is not sticky and does not dry out.

Tips When Making Play-Dough

Wash your hands and make sure child's hands are clean before beginning a clay or dough project.
If the dough is too sticky, knead in more flour, cornstarch, or baking soda.
If dough becomes too dry, add a few drops of water.
Keep extra dough covered or cover with a damp cloth while playing to keep it from drying out.



Additional Resources

To find more options for creating and using play-dough than you could ever wish for (including “coffee grounds” play-dough!), check out Recipe Goldmine.

For everything you might want to do with play-dough and activity ideas for children, visit the official Play-Doh® Web site.