Go Back

Homemade Play Dough

I'm not sure why I thought play dough was one of those you couldn't make at home. You 100% can easily make play dough at home! This recipe comes together very quickly and if stored in an air tight container the dough will keep for months!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 balls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 tbs oil
  • 5-10 drops food coloring per ball

Method
 

  1. Combine all ingredients except the food coloring: the flour, cream of tartar, and salt into a small sauce pan.
  2. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly. After a few minutes the liquid mixture should start to solidify. Keep cooking and mixing until the dough forms a ball. Remove dough from heat and place on the counter.
  3. Allow dough to cool down enough to be handled.
  4. Gentle knead the dough for about 3 minutes. The dough should no longer be sticky.
  5. Divide the dough into half. Place each half in a ziploc bag and add the food coloring. Knead the food coloring into the dough in the bag until you've achieved the color consistency you desire. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • During the cooking process the mixture goes from a liquid and then thickens into a solid. You'll want to have a rubber spatula or large wooden spoon on hand for when the mixture becomes to goopy for the whisk.
  • The mixture doesn't immediately thicken into a solid mass - keep stirring.
  • The kneading steps (steps #4 and #5) are particular good times for any children helpers to get involved.