Fun with Playdough

As a mom of 3 kids, 5 and under play dough is a must have in our home. Again, I wanted to find ways to be creative and let them explore new textures, colors & even flavors (this is a must for my 2 year old who is a play dough eater). This is what I found and what we are enjoying. Hope you too find them enjoyable.


Cooked Play Dough3 cups flour
1 cup salt
6 teaspoons cream of tartar
3 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Blend water and oil together in a bowl. Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add several drops of food coloring until you get the right color. Cook for about five minutes. Take the play dough out of the saucepan and put it on a cutting board or counter and knead for a few minutes. Add flour if it's too sticky.

This play dough should last around three months if you keep it sealed in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag. It's so smooth and fun to play with when it's still warm.


No Fuss Play Dough 1 cup cold water
1 cup salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Food coloring In a large bowl, mix together water, salt, oil and a few drops of food coloring. Mix flour and cornstarch and add 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly (you may need a little more or a little less than 2 cups flour so make sure you stir in until it is the right consistency). Knead for a few minutes with flour on your hands.


Smelly Tip: For nice smelling play dough, add a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract to any of these play dough recipes.

Edible Playdoughs: (our favorites)

Oatmeal Play Dough
1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 cups oatmeal Mix everything together in a large bowl. Then knead for a few minutes. This play dough has a nice lumpy texture


Kool-Aid Play Dough
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
3 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
1 package Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)

Mix dry ingredients together in a saucepan. Slowly add water mixed with oil and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to dough. Place onto a bread board or counter top and knead until cool enough for children to handle. Dough will be the color of the Kool-Aid mix and will smell like the Kool-Aid mix. (Can be stored in a tightly covered container for up to six months)

Jello Play Dough:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2 oz.) package "unsweetened" Jell-O

Mix all ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry.

Storage: This recipe needs to cool completely "before" storing it in an airtight container!

Smooth Peanut Butter Play Dough

2 cups smooth peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups dried milk
2/3 cups honey

Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container