The Best Homemade Play Dough

The malleable properties of play dough make it fun for investigation and exploration as well as secretly building up strength in all the tiny hand muscles and tendons, preparing them for pencil and scissor control later.

You will need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
• Food colouring, optional
• Medium zip-lock bags

Let’s begin

1. Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one colour, stir in the colour now.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and then place inside a bowl, gallon sized bag or onto wax paper.
3. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth. If you’re adding colours after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colours you want) and then add the dough into the zip-lock bags. Start with about 5 drops of colour and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough, while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Once it’s all mixed together, you’re ready to PLAY.
4. Store the play dough inside the bags to keep soft. If stored properly it will keep soft for up to 3 months.

You can also download this recipe as a printable worksheet below.

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