The ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp cream of tartar or alum
2 Tbsp oil
2 cups water
*Food coloring or non-toxic watercolor powder or liquid base (added to the water)
The How-To’s:
Combine all dry ingredients well, then add liquids. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until a firm doughy ball is formed. Roll onto your counter top. Allow to cool enough to handle. Knead until stiff. Store in a ziplock bag, but allow to cool fully first to avoid condensation.
Playing with playdough yields several developmental outcomes, such as sensory experience, creativity, and fine motor development.
(Photo provided by chrissi.)
The Playdough recipe is great- I have used this one and a similar non-cook one. One thing to keep in mind-even though it is non-toxic and somewhat edible, use caution letting little ones eat it -because it is really salty.
love the idea!!! i will definitely make this 🙂
Thanks for posting this basic recipe. This was my first time making it and I’m shocked at how easy and cheap and FUN it is to make.
It’s a classic! I’m glad you found it and that you enjoy it!
Every time I make playdough, it goes all squishy when I store it in a plastic bag. Does this happen to anyone else?! I always whip it up, and then when I pull it out for my preschoolers, it’s all soft and all over the place 🙁
Hi Karen–
It could be a number of things. I’ll give you my best guesses and you can trouble-shoot from there. The first is to make sure you measure everything properly, but especially to add the cream of tartar in its full amount. (Unfortunately I tried to make a batch when I had run out and it was definitely sticky.) Next is to make sure you cook it long enough. Keep stirring until you’re essentially rolling around a playdough ball with your spoon, then knead it as soon as it’s cool enough for your hands. Lastly, make sure it cools off fully before you put it in a plastic baggie or other container. If it’s too warm, it will create condensation and the added moisture can make it sticky. I hope one of those helps out!