The BEST Homemade Playdough – I have tried every recipe and this is by far the best! Lasts 3+ months, coloring does NOT stain hands, and it’s super easy!
Over the years I have tried at least 10 Homemade Playdough recipes, and some have been big hits, and some have been big misses. I feel like I have finally figured out the best recipe for Best Homemade Playdough, and I am going to share it with you!! It is pretty easy, and involves ingredients that you likely have at home all the time (except maybe you don’t have cream of tartar…maybe…).
This recipe is quick, yields a lot of playdough, and the playdough actually stays good for a long time. This would work great as a class activity for kids, or as a home activity for kids. It really is a great indoor activity!
How to make Homemade Playdough
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tarter, and 1/3 cup of salt (the salt keeps it from sticking and also helps preserve it).
Next, add 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Turn your burner on medium/low and stir. It will be a little lumpy and that’s fine
Before it starts getting thick (this is going to happen fast, so be ready) you want to add whatever color Food Coloring you want. If it gets to thick before you add it, it’s hard to get an even color. Add the color and stir!
Keep stirring, it is going to start thickening up. This could take anywhere from 30 seconds-2 minutes depending on how hot your pan/stove is.
Now you can see it’s getting thicker, keep stirring, and keep scraping the bottom of the pot.
Keep stirring and scraping the bottom
Once you notice the dough isn’t wet anymore, take it out of the pot.
Like I said, the whole process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. it goes really fast, and even faster when you make additional batches because the pot/stove is already warm.
Put the dough on some wax paper and allow to cool (30 minutes or so). Then take the ball in your hands and knead for a few seconds (like 30 seconds).
Store in a zip-lock bag or airtight container IN THE FRIDGE.
It shouldn’t dry out, but if you notice it getting a bit dry you can add a few drops of water and knead that into the dough. You can also add a drop or 2 of scented essential oil to make the playdough smell great!
I just love all the colors!
Don’t forget to order some sweet playdough cutting toys to go along with your new playdough! I love this Alphabet Dough Cutter Kit
Things you might need for this recipe – Click to shop below:
- Alphabet Dough Cutter Kit
- Food Coloring
- Wooden Spoon
- Nonstick Pot
- Cream of Tartar
- Wax paper
- Zip Lock Storage Bags
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The BEST Homemade Playdough – I have tried every recipe and this is by far the best! Lasts 3+ months, coloring does NOT stain hands, and it’s super easy!
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp cream of tarter
- 1/3 cup salt
- 1 TBS vegetable oil
- gel food coloring
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Mix together all the ingredients, except the food coloring, in a medium saucepan.
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Cook over low/medium heat, stirring. Once it begins to thicken, add the food coloring.
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Continue stirring until the mixture is much thicker and begins to gather around the spoon.
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Once the dough is not wet, remove and put onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
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After cooling (30 minutes) knead playdough for a few seconds.
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PLAY and Store in an airtight container in the fridge!
Recipe Video
The above will make you ONE large ball of playdough. I usually make it repeatedly for however many colors I want (so if you want 6 big balls, know that you will need 6 times the ingredients listed above, but you need to make them separately).
now at home mom says
Love it Allyson! & great idea; adding the food coloring while still mixing the flour on the stove! I will give this one a try too!
Laura Steinberger says
Can I do this without cooking it. I would like to do this via zoom with class
Allyson says
It needs to be cooked unfortunately…
Jamie says
I had a cooked playdough recipe that I loved, so I tried this one and it was super sticky. I tried adding more flour as I kneaded it to no avail. It sticks to everything! Did I not cook it long enough? It wasn’t wet. I was trying to avoid it cooking too long and coating the bottom of the pan.
Allyson says
It needs to cook through. Once it firms up on the bottom of the pan, you scrape it so the wet ingredients then cook, and keep flipping it. It shouldnt be sticky at all. Maybe you mismeasured one of the other ingredients. Check the step by step video to see the cooking process.
Susie says
I also made this play dough recipe and it was sticky. I left it in the pan for about 20 mins, flipping the dough over and over again. Now cooling for 30mins. Time will tell.
Susie says
I also made this play dough recipe and it was sticky. I left it in the pan for about 20 mins, flipping the dough over and over again. Now cooling for 30mins. Time will tell. This is my first time posting.
M says
Mine also came out sticky even after cooling and kneading. Sticky with crusty parts for some weird reason. So I threw it into the microwave for 30 seconds and kneaded it. Came out much better but still leaving some residue on my hands so I microwaved it for another 30 seconds and they came out perfect.
Allyson says
I have never experiences this so thank you for sharing your experience as well in case others run into this issue!
Anna B says
Great recipe. I added essential oil for scent.
Tammy S says
I like to make orange dough and add pumpkin extract in October/November.
In December, I sometimes do mint extract and green dough. I like pink with strawberry extract in February.
I have been making (or attempting to make) playdoh in my classroom for 20+ years. Trust me when I tell anyone who will listen that this is the only one that I will use now. It is worth the small extra effort to cook it. I am not exaggerating at all when I say that this recipe lasts the ENTIRE school year and I usually have around 18 4 year olds. I usually triple the batch so I only have to make one batch a year.
Hint: If you add the food coloring to the water before you add it all together, it’s a LOT easier to combine and makes your color more even.
Allyson says
TAMMY! Thank you SOOO much for your kind review! I am going to publish your review on my Facebook page! Cheers to fabulous playdough!
Tammy S. says
You’re quite welcome! We used this recipe a few weeks ago for a color mixing lesson, which the kiddos LOVED. I gave it to them in individual baggies (for COVID purposes) and they mixed the colors together in their individual bags so there was a big reveal moment when they found out which color they had as they kneaded. Which brings me to my question: do you know how to make purple? Obviously I know it’s red and blue together (in theory) but we tried and tried and couldn’t make purple with the gel food coloring. No matter what combination of more blue, less red or more red, less blue, it seemed to come out just…ugly. I was curious to see if anyone on here has had any success with trying to make purple? Thanks again for the perfect play dough recipe!
BTW, I have never commented on a recipe or anything else, but this recipe really is just that perfect. 😊
Allyson says
Tammy you are so sweet and I appreciate your comment and 5 star rating! I really think it’s the best too! How about you make your life easier and just order this purple gel food coloring…mixing can get so tricky sometimes… order here: https://amzn.to/3a133DE
Paula Kennedy says
Contrary to what we were all taught in school, the primary colors of pigment are not red, blue and yellow. They are cyan, magenta, and yellow. (Hence, toner cartridges are CMYK with K being black.) Purple is the perfect example of what’s wrong with the red, blue, yellow scheme. You can’t get purple from red and blue. You get a muddy brown. There is a big movement in the color world to teach everyone, especially children, the correct color theory from the beginning.
armi maddison says
not all blues and reds will make purple! you will need to choose a crimson rather than an orangey red (which has yellow in it) together with a purpler blue not a turquoise blue which also has yellow in it. You will ten achieve a lovely clean purple.
Doreen Weber says
Grape kool aid will make purple, I used koolaide for colors and scents
Emma says
I made a batch about a year ago and it’s still going strong! Today I made 5 more batches to have a wider variety of colours. I also recommend adding the food colouring earlier in the process, it makes it easier to mix in. What I do to cook it through everywhere is wait until the bottom has darkened in colour just a bit, then fold it in a bunch of different directions with a spatula and repeat this until it’s no longer wet on the outside and can easily be rolled into a ball in the pot with the spatula. Not sure of this is the proper way, but it works for me.
Esther says
Anyone know if I can just use regular food coloring and not the gel type? I have no access to the gel type.
Allyson says
YES, you can for sure, the colors just wont be quite as vibrant, but you can add more coloring to make up for it
dogsmum says
Brilliant! I’m passing this on to my Children for them to make for my Grandchildren xx
Allyson says
I was just playing with it with my son tonight and he was obsessed! I hope they like it just as much!
Audrey Miller says
Added glitter. PRETTY awesome!!! Thanks!!!!
Allyson says
Good idea!
Cari says
GREAT idea! I’m going to try the glitter too! My granddaughters will love it!
myfavesjournal says
Looks good! I will share it with my sister
[email protected] says
I loved play-doh when I was growing up! Your homemade version looks like the real thing! I shared it on my FB page today. Thanks for sharing it at the Rock N Share! Blessings, D
Allyson says
Thanks so much!!! It looks and feels like the real thing, it’s awesome!
Emily says
stopped by from pin me- Pinned!!!
Irena @ The Stepford Wife says
Thank you for the tip what to do when it becomes too dry, I used to think it’s gone, but I’ll definitely try to add some water next time it gets dry!
Found you via Diana Rambles Pinme party.
Lydia Parker says
Add cheap good smelling hair conditioner, to better thr stank smell, and to help keep it from drying out.
Allyson says
Never heard that tip! Sometimes I add a few drops of essential oil and that helps too!
amy says
Really!??!
Jackie Karlic (The Non-Martha Momma) says
Hi! Followed you over from My Turn (for us) blog hop. Can’t wait to try this. Pinned it and am now following you on FB.
Cheryk Witkop says
Awesome going to make this for my grandkids……
Allyson says
I hope they like it! My 2 year old is obsessed!
Domenica Juarez says
Awesome♥
Maria says
so can’t wait to try it for my grandson.
Allyson says
Let me know how it turns out ♥
Winnie says
Oh I LOVE it!!
Never made playdough but I’m definitely going to try
I think (no, I’m sure) my nephews and nieces would be thrilled
Thanks!
Allyson says
It is so easy, and totally worth it! Trust me, they will love it!
Emily @ My Love for Words says
I can’t wait to try this! I’ve never made playdough before, but this looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing (esp in time for my son’s spring break this week! This will be a life saver!)
Allyson says
I know! Spring break is so long if you have nothing to do! This is a great time passer…both making it, and playing with it!
Britney Mills says
This is awesome! I have a bunch of nephews that would totally love this! Thanks for the idea and the recipe. I’m a new follower 🙂
Allyson says
Thanks for stopping by, Britney!
Sara @sneakyspoons says
That looks so fun!
carriehurst says
Your play dough looks awesome. I feel like whenever I make some, it’s an epic fail! I need to try yours….if it worked for you, maybe it’ll work for me ! THanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
Allyson says
I bet you won’t fail if you try this recipe!
Diana Rambles says
So colorful! Thanks for sharing this at my Pin Me Linky Party. I hope you come visit & link again.
Savannah @ HammockTracks says
Your playdough does look better than many I’ve seen. Please consider sharing it on Look What We Did, a month long link up hosted by HammockTracks. As a matter a fact, I think you have many posts that would link up well there.
Allyson says
Thanks for the sweet comment and stopping by! I checked out your site, but I didn’t see the link up…can you post the link? Thanks!
[email protected] says
I have not made play dough with my girls in a LONG time. I so need to do it again! Thanks for sharing on We Made That!
Rena says
Hi Lovely, I am your newest follower from Blog Hop. Love your Awesome blog! Followed you via Twitter & FB.
Feel free to visit, follow and leave me comments @ http://www.revampspunkyrena.com
xoxo
Rena
Allyson says
Thanks girl! I am going to check you out and do the same! Cheers!
Rania says
Hello do you have a recipe if I want to use my kitchen aid ? When I cook it I have noticed it’s not as dense and spongy as I would like it’s a little stringy when I pull it apart do you have any suggestions?
Thank you
Allyson says
This is the best recipe I have. not sure what’s happening on your end as I have never had an issue with it being stringy. I would make sure you are measuring the ingredients carefully and following the directions.
anyonita says
the last homemade playdough recipe I tried was a flop! Can’t wait to try yours 🙂
Allyson says
Let me know how you like it! I bet it turns out great 🙂 Mine is still going strong!
Alexis @ We Like to Learn as We Go says
This play dough looks awesome! I need to make some for my daughter because she goes through it really fast and this will be tons cheaper. I’m pinning this!
myturnforus says
Thanks for sharing at Freedom Fridays! I just shared this on Facebook, Google+ and pinned it as one of the awesome features of Freedom Fridays:)))
Hugs
Allyson says
Thank you!!!!
Kell says
Thank you so much for posting this and with the pictures. My son was just informed he has celiac and cannot play with regular play dough. I just took out the flour and put in a Gluten Free Flour as the rest of the ingredients are ok. His daycare has play dough all over so I am now preparing to make new stuff for the daycare. Wish me well!!
Allyson says
What a great idea! I hope it works out!
Maddie says
I’m hosting a baby shower in a fortnight, and I need a LOT of playdough, does this recipe keep well? It looks amazing!
Allyson says
YES! What you need to do is put each ball into a zip lock bag, and keep it in the fridge. I still have the playdough I made from this very post nearly 3 months ago in the fridge, and it’s the same as it was the day I made it!
monica says
Can you use coconut oil rather then cooking oil?
Allyson says
Hmm, I am not sure, but I would imagine it would probably work. Why the aversion to cooking oil for this? It’s way cheaper!
Amanda Garman says
I’ve done coconut oil a few times with this recipe. Works fine. Smells good too
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
What an awesome recipe! In case you didn’t see it earlier, I featured this on my blog today! I’m stopping by to pin it, and to let you know you can grab a Featured button if you don’t already have one! http://practicallyfunctional.net/2013/06/11-creative-ideas/
Allyson says
Thanks for the heads up! I am going to check it out!
carla bazan says
what is the cream of tarter for I don’t have any do I need it or is it possible to skip that part
Jess says
I didn’t have CofT either so I Googled substitutes and used fresh lemon juice! Seems to have worked great!
Makaylaa says
I mixed the food coloring with the liquids in a bowl and it came out good it was easier for me that way.
Allyson says
That’s a good tip, thanks!
monica says
Will storing it in plastic containers be ok? Want to make & give as a gift but want it to look a lil more presentable rather then zip lock bag lol
Allyson says
I am not sure because I haven’t done that. I would give it a try, and maybe include on a tag that it should be refrigerated in the containers. Good luck!
monica says
Ok, thank you! 🙂
Btw, made this with coconut oil & it worked out great!
Kaly says
Monica, we make something very very similar to the recipe and give it away in plastic containers all the time! It keeps just fine. Ours keeps for many months in plastic bags and not refrigerated. Some have even lasted over a year!
Lisa says
I just did this with my kids today and they are complaining of the smell. 🙁 Is there anything that you would suggest that I could add to it to make it smell a little better? I tried a few drop of lemon juice, but they said it only helped for a minute or two. 🙁
Allyson says
That’s a bummer! I have never had or heard of an issue with the smell. Have you let it cool and refrigerated it? That might take some of the smell out. Otherwise I would just try adding a drop or 2 of scented essential oil (like lavender, lemon, peppermint etc) to each ball. That might help!
Shelley says
I used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. It gave the dough a great coconutty smell and it seems to be holding up just as well as my batch of dough that i made using the vegetable oil.
Allyson says
Thanks for letting us know, Shelley! I am going to make a note of this in the recipe! Thanks for coming by!
Toni says
I’ve been making this same awesome recipe for 3 decades, except I mix 1 package unsweetened kool-aide with the flour and omit the food coloring. The kool-aide colors the playdough AND makes it smell wonderful. If you are worried about the delicious smell enticing the kid’s to eat it, don’t worry–it still tastes gross!
Sandi Silk says
I just made this and it seems great so far – putting the food coloring in while cooking made my colors come out great! Last time I made play dough from scratch (different recipe), it got all funky and kind of oily/wet after a while – any issues with this dough becoming ‘wet’ over time and any way to correct it and ‘bring it back’?
Allyson says
Mine did not ever get ‘wet’ afterwards. I would make sure you let it cool completely and then put it into the ziplock bags and store it in the fridge. I didn’t have any issues! I hope you don’t either. Like I said, I have tried tons of recipes and this has been by far the best one!
Anna B says
Wow! Thank yo so much for posting this! This is waaay better than the playdough I remember my mom making when I was a kid. And it is fantastic! It feels just like the store stuff, and is absolutely fantastic! And SO easy! We didn’t actually let it sit, just kneaded it until it cooled down and it was great! How long does it keep. (I will reread…maybe you say that. Don’t remember
Allyson says
I am so happy you made it and loved it! mine kept very well over 3 months, and then it got a little iffy, and then I finally saw some mold on it (eek!). I have made it time and time again though, and like I said, it’s the best! Make sure you store it in the fridge! I’d love if you would share a picture of it/your kids playing with it on my facebook page!
Ryann says
Can I use gluten free flour? Thanks for the post
Allyson says
I really have no idea, Ryann! You can give it a try and let me know…I have only tried it with regular. Thanks for coming by!
Angela says
I made this today and it was awesome!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe! We will be using this for years to come!
Allyson says
I am so happy you tried it and liked it!!! Feel free to share with your friends, too!
[email protected] says
It is the best recipe. I love it, thank you so much for sharing the recipe
Allyson says
Thank you! I hope you’ll come over and follow Domestic Superhero on facebook too!
Louise says
Love the color of the example playdough! It gives happy thoughts 🙂
Tam Ritter says
I love this! I made this for my son and he absolutely loved it. I found your step-by-step pictures and hints extremely helpful. Very easy to make, and I like the fact that I know exactly what went into the play dough. Thanks for the great recipe!
Allyson says
I am so happy to hear that it turned out well for you, Tam! It really is the best recipe that I’ve tried as well, which is why I had to share it with everyone!! Thanks for stopping by!
angie says
have you used this and PURPOSELY dried out the shapes you made?? Does it crack?? I have made sooooo many “clay” recipes…but they “crack” when drying 🙁 this looks great…wondering if it dries well????
Allyson says
Angie, I have no idea because I have never tried that! I wonder if it would? I would suggest just making 1 batch and trying it out. Let me know how it goes!
andi says
This is the exact recipe my mom always used when we were kids except we added the color as we kneaded it to cool it down. That was always my favorite part. I forgot about all the times we made play dough together. I will have to make a batch up with my kiddos soon. Also, the best thing we found to store it in was the store-bought icing containers. Thanks for sharing!
Maria says
Coming from a preschool teacher, this is the best play dough recipe I’ve found! I made it using rice flour to some of my kids allergies, and it still came out perfect! Thank You! 🙂
Allyson says
That’s such a wonderful testament to how great this recipe is! I am so happy it works for you with the rice flour so that your students can enjoy it! Thanks for coming back to let us know!
sabrina says
baby oil works well instead of oil and it smells good for a long time. veggie oil smells bad after a while
Allyson says
That’s interesting! I have never tried baby oil, but I have never had an issue with vegetable oil smelling bad. I have had it stay good for months in the fridge, no smells!
Annie says
I suggest putting your drops of food coloring in the water and mixing it before it goes into the pot with the rest of the ingredients, I’ve done this as a class experiment with my preschoolers and it helped me avoid the stress from mixing and trying to get an even color. It made things much more simple for me!
Allyson says
Great tip! For me it works just fine adding it when I usually do, but this would also be easy as well! Thanks for sharing!
Paula says
I make it for our preschoolers and I use the microwave for 5 minutes stirring every minute and scraping sides, I add food coloring and stir right before I put it in the microwave. When it cools to the touch but still warm knead it several times to make sure color is mixed well.
shauna says
this works great!i didnt add cream of tartar because we didnt have any.my lil one loves her play dough. 🙂
Kathy Laird says
How am I just finding this now? Oh well, good timing! My granddaughter just started playing with play doh! She’s 2 1/2 and will love playing with it at grandma’s house with neon colors!
Allyson says
I hope y’all love it as much as we do!
Kayla Sharee Martinez says
Is the cream of tartar necessary? I don’t have any.
Allyson says
I have never made it without the Cream of Tartar, so I can’t tell you that it will come out great without it. I know people can sub baking powder in it’s place in other recipes though, so maybe try that. If you want to hit up the grocery store you will find it in the spice aisle for only a couple bucks! A little goes a long way, too!
Monica says
Has anyone tried this recipe but adding essential oil for sent?
Allyson says
I have had people tell me they have added a few drops successfully!
Farrah Udell says
Pinned! Looks like an excellent recommendation from Pig & Dac!
Damaris says
How long does this last?
Allyson says
Mine has lasted about 3 months in a sealed container or bag in the fridge.
Chelsey says
Does the food coloring color your hands as you play with it?
Allyson says
No! Not at all!
Chelsey says
Thank you! We made this last night and the kids loved it!
Chelsea roberts says
Love this. Play doh still in good shape after a month of daily use.
Damaris says
This is an incredible recipe! Just made some for my nephew for Christmas. Holiday colors and scents -green spruce, red peppermint, white vanilla, and brown chocolate 🙂
I cut the recipe in half though and it made me a ball about the size of a baseball. I add the essential oils and color when the mixture is pre-lump stage. Also did this with coconut oil and it turned out wonderfully.
Invest in some essential oils (for everyone asking how to make it smell better) and it adds a great touch to your playdoh.
In regards to it drying out, I wonder if adding a few drops of water and a tiny bit more coconut oil to it….microwaving all of them for about 10 seconds and then kneading it would help? Not sure but I will have to suggest it to my sister!
Thanks again for this incredible recipe! 🙂
Lichen Frank says
This is the same recipe my mother passed on to me, and I have found that it is best not to add any heat until all the ingredients are mixed together, and adding essential oils is a fabulous way to bring in another sensory play.
Susan says
I make this for my girls. I added vanilla extract. It gives it a great scent.
Damaris says
Anyone know how to not get the white residue while playing with the playdoh? This recipe leaves more white residue than typical playdoh.
Thanks!
Allyson says
I am not sure what you mean, White residue? I haven’t experienced that with this or any playdough.
Damaris says
When you play with the playdoh, it leaves like tiny little crumb-like residue. Maybe I should add a couple drops of oil?
Kaly says
This is very similar to the one we love. But I love to add the food coloring while I knead it. That way we usually get 2 colours per recipe. We also add essential oils and it smells wonderful!! And keeps forever.
Regie says
Thanks for the recipe. This is the first time I tried out something so fast and it turned out just amazing. my kid is thrilled. the finish is so smooth and the color amazing.
lexylu4 says
I have been using this recipe for the majority of my life and as a child care provider have made it countless times. It is the best! Here are some ideas: Add a packet of Kool-Aid to both color and scent it. Glitter is a fun add-in also. In the fall, we add cinnamon, cloves, or all-spice to color and scent it. Adding a couple drops of glycerin will add some shine ands help to moisturize dry hands. We give as gifts and it always puts a smile on a little one’s face. It is perfect for Valentine’s in a classroom. In my experience, each batch makes enough for 4 kids to have a moderate amount, slightly less than a can of Play-do. Coconut oil works well in place of the vegetable oil an adds a nice scent but it leaves the playdough a little drier than adding vegetable oil.
Jess says
Snowy day here. Just made this for my 2 & 4 year old boys. AWESOME! I used the coconut oil & also added about a teaspoon of rose water. The smell is incredible & my hands are so soft after kneading it. Also love that I don’t have to freak out when my 2 year old eats a bit of it…
Allyson says
That sounds awesome! What great tips!
Mika says
Thanks for this great recipe! I can’t believe how easy it was to make, and how much cheaper it is than the real stuff. My little guy loves it I made 6 colours, but he is slowly mixing them all together 🙂
I wanted to avoid mixing the ingredients together 6 times, and cooking/washing the pot 6 times for the different colours, so I made a double batch and added the colour once it had cooled enough for me to touch it. I just divided the big ball into 6, then added a few drops of food colouring to each ball and kneaded it in. You just have to be careful not to get the colour all over your hands, but it was super quick to make the colours.
PS you have great colours! I have to look into buying that food colouring!
Lisa says
I did the exact same thing tonight (doubling the batch, dividing, and kneading in colors) and it turned out wonderfully! The texture is perfect. We had a nice time after dinner making play-dough creations as a family. 🙂
The Burlap Kitchen says
This looks so fun! I love homemade play dough’s; they are so fun to make with my son. =)
Barbara Wilson says
When I think I’m printing a recipe for playdough I really don’t want 22 pages of peoples comments in addition to the recipe….what a waste of paper.
Allyson says
Oh no! If you scroll down to the bottom of the post, where the actual recipe is, there is a button on the top right of the rectangle that says ‘save recipe or PRINT’, when you click print, you will only print the recipe and not everything else on the page. Alternatively, if you select print from your browser, you could set it to print only the page the recipe is on. Usually there is a print preview and it will show how many pages you are printing. Hopefully that helps next time!
Mary says
Thanks for the recipe! I tweaked it to make a pumpkin spice playdough. Do you mind if I cite you on my blog?
Allyson says
As long as you rewrite in your own words and provide a link back to to recipe, that’s fine! Glad you enjoyed it!
Johanne says
Thank you for this recipe. It is AWESOME. Love the texture and how easy it is to make. This is really the best play dough that I’ve made. A keeper for sure. 🙂
Allyson says
We love it! I am so happy you tried it and love it as much as we do!
Jennifer Klinkel says
Can you bake this and paint it with acrylic, then varnish it? It seems with the oil maybe it wouldn’t work for ornaments you want to varnish. ???
Allyson says
I’ve never tried that. If you do, let me know! Good luck!
Julie-Ann says
hi just an idea but i add my food colouring to my water so then its totally even in colour
Allyson says
Good thinking!
Michelle says
Mine is definitely too wet! I did everything perfectly! :’-(
Allyson says
Oh no! You probably needed to cook it a little bit longer to dry it more.
Tika says
I also have tried about 10 recipe and finally found these recipe and love it.. I tried to mix all ingredients before cooked it.. My daughters love it too becoz these recipe stays longer than other recipe and perfectly consistency.. Thank you for sharing with us.. 😊👍🏼
Allyson says
It is our favorite too! So glad you found it and tried it out!
Cassie says
I just made my first batch, but the color DVD stain my hands…. did I do something wrong?
Allyson says
sorry the color DVD? What does that mean?
Cassie says
Sorry autocorrect changed it. The color did stain my hands but only with one color and after washing several times seems to be gone. Perhaps it was something in the pink gel color.
Allyson says
Was it actually the dye that stained your hands or the playdough after the fact? If you touch the gel food coloring it will stain your hands. I mean it doesn’t stain your hands in the way that when you’re playing with the playdough, there is no color rub off…
Ellie says
I always use this dough for my PreK class. Tonight I didn’t have salt, but I had a lot of baking soda. I needed the dough for school tomorrow. The recipe turned out fine with substituting baking soda for the salt. I don’t know if it will keep as long, but in a pinch-it is an option.
Allyson says
What a great substitute! I have never tried that but I am glad it worked for you! Thank you!
Lhot says
Hi, is there any substitute I can use for cream of tartar?
Thanks!
Allyson says
Not that I know of! I would use it because it really makes the BEST playdough!
Rachel Burrell says
Thank you for sharing this. I make it for my daughters friends as gifts and they all loved it. Sooth texture and so easy to make.
Allyson says
That is great!!! Happy holidays!
Blair says
Thank you!! I just made this for my girls and it is great! The only thing I changed was I used 1 packet of kool-aide instead of food coloring. We are in Jamaica and I couldn’t find food coloring. The playdough here costs almost $10 for a small for pack! Thanks for a fun diy recipe and for saving me money! Oh and not to mention, the quiet time I will get while the girls play! 🙂
Linda says
I was happy to find this recipe as I haven’t made this in years and had misplaced my recipe. My granddaughter needed some fresh playdough as her containers of playdo had all dried up. This was so easy and she could start playing with it so quickly after making it, as we started playing with it when it was still warm. The consistency was perfect. I only had liquid food coloring but I’m sure the gel would have made it a bit prettier. Thanks for this super easy and fun recipe:)
Allyson says
This makes me so happy!!! Happy playing!!!
Rosy says
Awesome recipe. Made some this evening as I’m babysitting my niece tomorrow. 45 minutes later and I’m not sure I don’t want to share it now. It’s just like the playsough I used to play with as a kid.
Allyson says
Yay!!! She will love it!
Tonya says
Playdough is awesome! A little staining but well worth it, kids are exstatic!!! Thanks so much! It even smells like the store stuff
Allyson says
I am shocked to hear you had a little staining! I have never encountered any making this recipes 100’s of times! What type of dye did you use?
Safiyya says
Hello, i have tried many play dough recipes and each one i make comes out perfect except when u look at your hands you find dry little pieces on your hands , i made this recipe for my kids as i have a small yet growing preschool and although from the other recipe’s i have tried, this recipe also left very little dry pieces on the kids hands, is this normal while making your own play dough ?
As well as mentioning the smell i added a few drops of essence and it smelt wonderful.
Kathy says
This looks great. I want to use it in PreK and Kindergarten classes. I do need large amounts- will it still be cheaper?
Also, my entire purpose is to learn about mixing colors. What gel colors do you recommend? I need a red and blue that will make a true purple.
Thanks,
Kathy
Allyson says
Kathy- definitely the gel set I recommend in the post are the most vibrant ones I have found. I would order those for sure. It will definitely be cheaper to make it yourself. I would buy the cream of tarter in bulk, like this (good deal) because it gets pricey if you buy a lot of the little bottles.
best way of investment says
Very good post. I absolutely love this site. Thanks!
Sarah says
Does this need to be refrigerated at all?
Allyson says
I find it keeps WAY longer in the fridge in a sealed plastic bag, so I suggest to refrigerate it!
Shivani Thakkar says
Thank you for this recipe! My kid is obsessed. Quick question: when I made this I missed the part about keeping it in the fridge. I have it in zip lock bags but it’s not in the fridge. It seems to be doing okay (looks the same as when I made it). Is there a benefit to keeping it refrigerated?
Allyson says
I find that it keeps longer in the fridge. I highly suggest it, because I have left it out for a week and it’s grown mold 🙁 I would just pop it in the fridge – but it’s up to you how long you want it to keep! So glad y’all love it!
Mary Crowe says
May I share your recipe with my Kindergarten parents (with credit)?
Allyson says
Would be awesome if you just email them the link 🙂
Marianna says
Great recipe! Tried it 5 months ago. The dough is still as the first day. Made some new today with the same success!
Allyson says
So happy to hear it!!
Lindsey says
This is the softest play dough recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Allyson says
I am so glad you love it!
Friska says
Thank you Allyson for sharing this! I really love the idea of adding 1/3 cup of salt, which is really works to keep it sticking!
How i wish i can share my result! 🙂
Blessings!
Allyson says
I am so glad you loved it as much as we do!
Adela Bower says
Made this. Waaaay to sticky. Couldn’t fix it. The search continues.
Allyson says
If it turned out too sticky you didn’t cook it long enough. This is literally the BEST playdough recipe 😉
Christa Setzer says
I didn’t have cream of tartar and used lemon juice instead. The site I found for substitution send do 2 times what it calls for for cream of tartar – use either lemon juice or vinegar. It worked out great!
Allyson says
Oh wow I am SO happy it worked out for you!
Lauren says
Yup…hands doen the best playdough recipe!
Sherri says
Tried a number of recipes and this is best by far! I cut the recipe in half and make more colours that way and it still turns out great!!!
Ashley says
Seriously perfect and I love that it’s completely sage if they decide to try and eat it. HIGHLY recommend it 😁
Stephanie Stewart says
I have used many different recipes to make playdough, but this is the best one. Heating is the key to making it stretchy and soft. It activates the cream of tartar. Happy playing!
Amanda says
My kids are absolutely going to love this!!
Mariam says
Hey there
Any idea how many kgs/grams come out from one recipe?
Thank you
Allyson says
No, sorry!
eatfrysmith says
How long does it take to cook until it starts to thicken?
Allyson says
about 2-3 minutes but you need to keep stirring it.
Megan says
I love this recipe and have been using it for years! I recently adapted it to make it gingerbread scented for the holidays. 🙂
I posted my version on my blog (and linked back to here, of course) for anyone who is interested.
https://www.makingwithmegan.com/diy-gingerbread-playdough/
Allyson says
Looks like it came out and would smell amazing! Thanks for sharing and thank you for linking back to my recipe!
Sylvia says
Have not tried it yet but thank you for sharing the recipe!
Does anyone know if the food coloring could be added with everything else before heating or.. does that step have to come after?
TIA!
Allyson says
You can do it either way
kelly says
This was truly a foolproof, super easy, and super quick playdough recipe. I made it with the children I babysit and they loved it. My one tip is to color the color with your food coloring of choice before adding it into the mix. This way you get an idea of what color your dough will look like and you still have time to tweak it without the time pressure of the dough cooking on the stove. Enjoy!
Thomas says
Look yummy! One of my favorite Playdough, nice to see your recipe, easy to follow, will cook this for family this weekend. Thanks you!
Liza says
Hi. I have made the playdough but was wondering whether the playdough should be stored in the fridge after every time. Thanks.
Allyson says
It doesn’t have to be stored in the fridge but will last A LOT longer in the fridge.
Cortney says
This is THE best!!! We didn’t store it in in the fridge and ours lasted over a year!!! We just alway put it away when we were done. It is seriously the best recipe!!!
Jessica Stamper says
Hi! Any oil alternatives I can use in place of vegetable oil if I don’t have any? Also, no food coloring?
Kimberly says
This was awesome!! I decided to use powdered coloring since I had more variety. We make make ( bath bombs )It feels like the real thing! In fact I think it is the real thing! Thank you so much for sharing this
Allyson says
You are welcome!
Muma to 4 says
This is fantastic!! We did use lemon juice though as I was out of cream of tarter. I add it to my water to not over do my liquid. But the texture is the best yet!
We also add a little flavoring for a great scent, and multi sensory experience.
Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Teetine says
Great recipe. Maybe my son will be very love it. thanks you.
Angelica says
Looks amazing. Can’t wait to try it. And now that I know you’re in the same area as I am, I’m dying to meet you in person!
Allyson says
You will LOVE IT! Such a small world! Where abouts do you live?! Feel free to email me- [email protected]
Kelli S. says
Do I use all purpose flour or self rising ?
Allyson says
I use all purpose but it probably doesn’t matter with this playdough.
Dandre says
This is my go to playdough recipe. Turns out perfect every time and stores really well for lots of use!
Project Mom says
I made this with my son for his third grade project. Worked out perfectly! Thank you for such a simple, quick, and fun recipe!
Allyson says
So happy you loved it as much as we do! It really is the best!
Lisa says
Thank you for this website.I find it inspirational. For the lazy, could this be made in the food processor?
Cheers…
Allyson says
Hi, no..this needs to be made on the stovetop bu luckily it takes less than 5 mins and only one pan.
Felipa says
Love it! I love how bright your colors came out too! When you smoosh them all together, did they become brown or just swirly rainbow?
Allyson says
No they don’t turn brown!!!
Kym says
Can this play dough be baked hard and painted?
Allyson says
I have never tried to use it that way. I do have a salt dough ornament recipe though, if you want to use that as it’s intended.
Kristy says
How long do I leave it in the fridge? I plan on bringing this to my class for next week but I want it to last to use throughout the year.
Allyson says
Mine has lasted 6+ months in the fridge!
Allyson says
Happy the recipe worked out for you!
crystal says
I want to make this for my daughters birthday party. I plan on making smaller diff color balls and putting them in baby food jars ( decorate it as if it was gumballs inside) do they have to be fridged or will the glass jars keep it fresh and useable?
Allyson says
Great idea for the birthday party! I am not sure about the glass jars, since I haven’t tried that, but I would give it a try. Can you put them in the jars, and then in the fridge until the party?
Dylan's Mom says
Did it end up lasting long in glass jars? I am doing the same thing for the party favors. Im thinking of using glycerin drops instead of oil also.
Allyson says
I haven’t tried it in glass jars, but I would say whatever you do, make sure you store it in the fridge. I don’t see why it wouldn’t last in the glass jars as long as they are sealed.