Play-dough has become my go-to activity lately when the kiddo looks a little bored. It develops fine motor skills while letting him express his creativity. Play dough also gives ample opportunity for pretend play.
I’ve seen lots of great play dough recipes around. Here are a few that we’ve tried (and a couple we haven’t yet):
Favorite Play Dough Recipe
This is the recipe we make most often, it’s quick and easy, and has a nice smooth texture.
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- food coloring
Combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and dough pulls away from edges of pan (about 5 minutes).
Optional: for an extra smooth play dough add a few drops of glycerin (available at craft stores). You could also add scents, such as pepperment or vanilla exract, and/or glitter.
No-Cook Play Dough Recipe
The kids can learn to do this one themselves!
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup salt
- 1/8 cup cooking oil
- food coloring
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Store in a plastic bag.
Kool-Aid Play Dough Recipe
Packets of unweetened Kool-Aid add color and scent to your play dough.
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 Tbsp cream of tartar
- 2 packages Kool-Aid
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 Tbsp oil
Mix dry ingredients, add wet. After it has cooled enough to touch, knead until smooth.
Salt Dough Recipe
This dough hardens when baked, making it perfect for ornaments or other keepsakes.
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
Mix flour and salt together, then gradually stir in warm water until dough forms. Roll out the dough and shape, make imprints, or paint with icing colors. Bake at 250 degrees F until hardened.
Oatmeal Play Dough Recipe
Though a little sticky, this is fun for a change. Smells wonderful with some cinnamon mixed in.
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
Mix flour and oatmeal together. Gradually add water and knead until mixed.
Cloud Dough
This is less of a “dough” so much as silky flour. The flour does form together if you squish it and it feels wonderfully soft and silky.
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup baby oil
Mix baby oil into flour with hands until coarse crumbs form. That’s it!
Side Note: My preschooler was a little underwhelmed by this (he has high expectations). Thankfully some food coloring, vinegar and baking soda added to the mix appeased the little dictator.
Rubbery Play Dough
This is on my to-do list. Sounds interesting….
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup cornstarch
Whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Warm over medium heat until thick. Spoon or pour out onto wax paper.
Update: We’ve tried this one – see our results!
Peanut Butter Play Dough
We haven’t tried this one yet either, but it sounds delicious. Maybe a little too delicious.
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup oatmeal
Mix. Play.
What are your favorite things about play dough? Link up your play dough recipes, activities, or creations:
