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Playdough Recipe

Easy Homemade Playdough

This simple playdough recipe creates soft, long-lasting dough that kids love to play with. Making homemade playdough takes just minutes and costs less than store-bought versions. The dough stays soft for up to 3 months when stored properly.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Kids Activity
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup salt
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar Essential for texture
  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
Optional Ingredients
  • 5-10 drops food coloring gel coloring works best

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Quart-sized zip bags
  • Wax paper or bowl

Method
 

  1. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in lukewarm water and vegetable oil. If making one color, add food coloring now for easier mixing.
  3. Cook the mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly. The mixture will gradually thicken and start forming a ball. This takes about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Cool and knead: Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or wax paper. Let cool slightly, then knead until smooth and elastic.
  5. Add colors (if making multiple): Divide dough into portions and place each in a separate quart-sized bag. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring to each bag and knead inside the bag to prevent staining hands.
  6. Store properly: Keep playdough in sealed zip-top bags. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Notes

Storage: Store in zip-top bags in a cool, dry place. Will keep soft for up to 3 months.
Safety: This playdough should NOT be consumed by children or pets due to high salt content.
Troubleshooting: If too sticky, add more flour. If too dry, add a small amount of water or oil.
Cream of tartar: Do not skip this ingredient as it prevents stickiness and improves texture.