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Homemade playdough in multiple colors, ready for creative play

Homemade Playdough


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup salt
  • 4 tsp cream of tartar (for softness and longevity)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Food coloring (various colors)
  • Optional: A few drops of essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or peppermint) for scent

Instructions

Preparation:

1: Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large saucepan (off heat), combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
  2. Add the vegetable oil and water, stirring until fully combined.

2: Cook the Dough

  1. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon.
  2. As the mixture heats, it will start thickening. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
  3. In about 3–5 minutes, the dough will begin pulling away from the sides and forming a ball.
  4. Once the dough is no longer sticky and looks well-formed, remove the pan from heat.

3: Add Color & Knead

  1. Let the dough cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle.
  2. Divide the dough into portions, depending on how many colors you want.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion.
  4. Knead the dough thoroughly to distribute the color evenly. (Tip: Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.)

4: Store & Play!

  1. Store the playdough in airtight containers or ziplock bags to keep it soft and fresh.
  2. Let the kids (or yourself!) get creative with shaping, molding, and playing!
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes