I can’t believe I’ve never shared my very favorite (NOT crumbly!) homemade playdough recipe with you all. Happy New Year, by the way. I took a nice little break for the holidays and I’m happy to be back in this space, sharing little tidbits from my kitchen.
To be honest, it’s a little bit hard to blaze a trail back into blogging after a taking a break. There’s a resistance to overcome, and one might feel a little burned out after all the holiday baking. I made so many batches of this bread dough, I can’t even count! Even though I’m still cooking and baking every day for my family, I haven’t quite come across anything that feels worthy to share here yet. So, let’s ease back in with playdough.
I make this playdough at least once a month. I bring it to our homeschool co-op, where I hang out with the 3-and-4-year-olds, and I also make it for the 2-year-olds I teach each week at church. When they see me come into the classroom, they know it’s time for playdough and I love it!
Before I discovered this recipe, I remember feeling mom guilt because I hated letting my boys play with playdough. The store-bought variety, in those tiny plastic containers, was so messy and crumbly. It found its way into the grout between my kitchen tiles and dried out so quickly. Every time I break out this homemade playdough, the helpers in my classrooms all comment about how soft it is and can’t believe how long it lasts. It really is a game changer!
I really think playdough is so good for our little ones. They like to pull up a chair and gather around as their hands get busy and their minds creatively start shaping away. We make each other cookies to (pretend) taste, ice cream cones to (pretend) lick, and donuts with tiny sprinkles on top. How about pizza? Or maybe I’ll make you a tiny snail or a snowman. And playdough’s not just for little ones. I’m always surprised how much my youth helpers enjoy the playdough too. It’s downright therapeutic!
This playdough recipe makes enough small portions for eight children. You can double it for larger portions or cut it in half if it’s just for one or two children. It only takes about 10 minutes to make.
To help this playdough last longer, I always store it in a gallon size ziplock with all the air squeezed out.
What does cream of tartar do for playdough?
Cream of tartar helps make the dough stronger and stiffer. Don’t leave it out!
A nice fresh batch of this homemade playdough along with some new playdough toys also makes a wonderful birthday gift. These are some playdough tools my boys have enjoyed over the years.
So make this playdough for your kids, your grandkids, your nieces or nephews, or your Sunday school class and see how much they enjoy a good playdough therapy session. You might find yourself pulling up a chair too.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #lovelylittlekitchen
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Homemade Playdough
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Kitchen Tips
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is the very best homemade playdough recipe. It stays soft and smooth, and is never crumbly. Everyone loves it, and it keeps little hands busy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- food coloring by the drop
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients into a large pot and stir together over medium heat.
- Continue to cook and stir until a ball of dough forms, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the dough ball onto a clean countertop and knead until smooth.
- Allow to cool slightly, and then place the dough in a plastic zip top bag with the air squeezed out.
Sheryl says
I’m glad you got a break, and even more glad you’re posting again. I found your website about a year ago, and it has been the source of many wonderful meals (and a grateful spouse)!
Julie says
Thank you for the encouragement, Sheryl! I’m glad you found me here. Feels good to be back!