Over the years, I have tried out millions of homemade playdough recipes. Some play doh recipes have been big hits while other play dough recipes have been big {unwanted} messes.
The easy playdough recipe I am sharing today is our favorite go to homemade playdough recipe when we are needing play dough.
This simple playdough recipe is super easy and involves ingredients that you most likely have at home all the time- except maybe you don’t have cream of tartar…
This recipe for playdough is quick, yields a lot of playdough, and the play dough actually stays good for a long time. This would work great as a classroom or home activity for kids.
Playdough is one of those toys that is great for all developmental stages -it really is a great indoor activity!
How to Make Homemade Playdough
(see bottom of post for printable recipe)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cup water
- 1-2 tsp. cream of tartar (this is the best deal I have ever seen for cream of tartar
) - 1/3 cup salt
- 1 tbs. vegetable or coconut oil
- Food Coloring (this is the dye I used in the video for a super bright color)
)
)The above will make you a large ball of playdough. I usually make it repeatedly for however many colors I want.
Watch This Video to See How to Make Your Own Playdough!
Easy Homemade Playdough Recipe
The hotter your pan is the quicker this will go. You can also use boiling water to make this without a stovetop (like in the video).
- In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of water, oil, and food dye. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
- Next, add in 2 cups of flour, 1-2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, and 1/3 cup of salt (the salt keeps it from sticking, the cream of tartar preserves the playdough).
- Stir like crazy. It will be a little lumpy and that’s fine.
- If your color is uneven simply knead the playdough after it has cooled down a bit.
- Once you notice the dough isn’t wet anymore, take it out of the pot. Set it aside to cool down.
The whole process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. it goes really fast, and even faster when you make additional batches because the pot/stove is already warm.
Store in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. It shouldn’t dry out, but if you notice it getting a bit dry you can add a few drops of water and knead that into the dough.
Easy Playdough Recipe Hacks
Below you will find my favorite “hacks” that will save time and energy when making homemade playdough!
1. Add your food dye to the water and oil before adding in any of the dry items. This will make mixing your play dough 100 times quicker.
2. Dissolve the salt and cream of tartar into the hot liquids and then add in your flour. Something about this just helps it be less sticky off the bat. You can make this playdough recipe without cream of tartar but I would not suggest it as the cream of tartar is what helps preserve the playdough. If you do make this without cream of tartar make sure to store in a fridge.
3. Always, always, ALWAYS, make sure your water is boiling before you add in all the other stuff. If the water is not hot enough you will get a big ole sticky mess.
Want more awesome tips on how to make your playdough super soft and vibrant? Head over to read our article >> The Secret to Vibrant and Soft Play Dough
Other Play Dough Recipes That You Will Love!
Watermelon Playdough
Taste Safe Pumpkin Playdough
Birthday Cake Playdough
Skittles Playdough
Peeps Playdough
Play Dough Mats for Kids
Need some ideas on how to play with this play dough recipe? Find all of our printable playdough mats below!
Not making this playdough recipe right this instant? Pin this post so you can easily find it later! And if you have made this recipe we would love to see your photos here!!
