One of my favorite things to make at home and no longer buy is playdough. It’s so easy to make I even have the boys help me. What I love about making Playdough is it uses simple ingredients that you may have at home already, it doesn’t have that strong funky smell (you can even add essential oils), it’s so soft, and it lasts for MONTHS. I have a batch from Christmas the boys are still playing with.
The recipe can be made in only 5 minutes and you can use a kettle or make it over the stove. It’s so much cheaper than store bought and you can make whatever colors you want with a little food coloring.
How To Make Playdough Video Tutorial
Homemade Playdough Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/3 cup (yes cup) table salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil
- food coloring
- optional essential oil
You probably have most if not all of these products on hand already. For the cream of tartar I recommend a large container. It’s the most cost efficient if you plan on making a few batches.
Everything you need on my LTK shop here if you have any questions. (Affiliate links)
Homemade Playdough Directions for Stove
- Mix together all the ingredients in a saucepan starting with the water, oil, and food coloring. Then add in the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. It honestly doesn’t matter the order but the food coloring mixes easier that way.
- Cook over low/medium heat, stirring continuously.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon. It will start to form quickly.
- Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
Store in an airtight container. It makes 2-3 times the amount of store bought and lasts so much longer.
Homemade Playdough Directions for the kettle
- Boil 1 cup of water in an electric kettle.
- Mix together the boiling water, oil, and food coloring in one bowl. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon. You may need extra flour for this method.
- Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
Store in an airtight container.
Which Method is better?
I’ve made playdough both ways multiple times and I honestly prefer the stove method. I feel like it comes together nicer and you don’t have to add anything. It’s also easier for the kids to help make it that way.
The kettle version is nice if your stove is in use or you just want it done a little quicker. I’ve never made it this way and not had to add flour. Usually an extra cup. I’m not sure why that is.
Both versions last months if stored in an airtight container. I use jars but a ziplock or reusable bag would work also.
The food coloring doesn’t stain your hands or table. I do usually put a mat down just because it is Playdough and it sticks to things like normal Playdough does.
My favorite is making themed Playdough for the holidays. For the Christmas video above I made red and green Playdough and used pine essential oil for the green and peppermint for the red. I also make a fun themed one for Halloween I’ll share here soon.
Let me know if you make this. It’s so fun and my boys ask for it all the time. It’s definitely a favorite in our house.
