Our Favorite Play Dough Recipe

This play dough is a storytime favorite, with a lovely soft texture. The recipe is easy to make and the dough lasts for quite a while when kept in a sealed plastic bag. It’s easy to customize the color(s) or even add in spices or glitter for extra flair!

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Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups salt
• 8 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 4 cups lukewarm water
• 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut or avocado oil works too)
• Food coloring (gel works best) or liquid watercolors (not taste safe)
• Spices or glitter (optional, if desired)
• Parchment paper (optional, but helpful for rolling out/kneading)
• Ziploc bags for storage

In a large pot, stir together flour, salt, cream of tartar, and any dry seasonings (like cinnamon or nutmeg). If you are making a single color batch, add the color to the water (for multiple colors, see note below), and then mix the water and oil into the pot of dry ingredients. You can also experiment with adding vanilla extract or maple flavoring when adding the liquid ingredients for additional sensory delight!

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. When dough is thickened and begins to pull together into a ball, remove from heat and dump onto parchment paper on the counter. Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead gently until smooth.

For multiple colors, split the cooling dough into roughly equal lumps (number will depend on total number of colors desired). Place each lump into a plastic bag (or risk rainbow fingers and leave them on the parchment) and add a few drops of the desired color. Now is the time to add glitter as well! Knead until the color (and sparkles) are evenly distributed.

When stored tightly sealed, play dough should last several months.

This recipe is very flexible, feel free to experiment with other seasonings and mix-ins! Enjoy!

Adapted from I Heart Naptime