Play dough is one of our favorite sensory play activities I offer in every Crafty Kids Corner class. There’s just something about soft, colorful play dough that invites kids to dig in and play. Parents always ask me for our recipe, so I am saving it here for all to have!
What you’ll need:
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Water
- 2Tbs Cream of Tartar (you can use less – 2 tsp up to 2 Tbs)
- 1/4 Cup Salt
- 1 Tbs Vegetable Oil
- 3-6 drops of gel food coloring or liquid food coloring
- 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil (we like lavender, or orange)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Directions:
Combine flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a a medium size pot on the stove.
A quick note about cream of tartar: cream of tartar is the most expensive ingredient in your play dough, so I suggest if you plan to make it often that you purchase it in bulk from a discount grocery chain such as Costco, or Smart FoodService (used to be called Cash n Carry in Renton), or get it delivered to your door from Amazon. The amount of cream of tarter varies – I have had plenty of success using 2 tsp of cream of tarter when I was running low. I’m still testing the best quantity of cream of tarter – I think the more you use the softer it is. I’ll update this post once I determine the ideal amount.
Stir in water, food coloring and oil. Stir continuously, on medium heat, add more food coloring if desired.
Stir until dough pulls away from the sides of the pot and forms into a ball. Dough may still be a little wet, that’s ok!
Drop dough out onto a table, and knead until combined. This is a good time to add in your essential oils such as a drop of lavender, or orange.
Your dough is now ready for play! Your dough may dry out slightly when playing it with for several hours or if it gets left out overnight. Not to worry! All you have to do is use the oil from your hands and knead it, or you can drop in a tiny bit of water or even vegetable oil to soften it again.
Play dough keeps for months in a sealed bag or container.