Homemade Playdough Recipe

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This is your new go-to DIY homemade playdough recipe! Takes 10 minutes to make, lasts for months, and costs less than a cup of coffee. Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why will you LOVE this homemade playdough recipe?

• Quick to make – takes only 5 minutes
• Enough playdough for approximately 5 children
• Inexpensive to make – with only 5 ingredient that are likely already in your pantry
• EASY to customize – add color of your choice, glitter, or anything else you desire
• Not sticky like other recipes
• Lasts for MONTHS when stored properly

Playdough is a Favorite Homestead Activity for Kids

Our kids LOVE playing with this homemade playdough. We let them choose the colors each time we make it. This gets them engaged and eager to learn their colors. We typically give them rolling pins and cookie cutters and have them “help” us make cookies. They’re always so proud of what they’re able to make. Best of all, it’s a screen free activity!

A Screen Free Activity for Kids

I initially tried making homemade playdough in a search for screen free activities for kids. My kids were spending too much time on their ipads. I wanted to re-direct their attention to more hands on activity that was engaging and helped them learn. Meanwhile, I also needed to keep a low budget in mind and homemade playdough was the winner.

How Playdough Supports Learning and Development

Playdough is a valuable tool in early childhood development because it engages children in activities that foster learning, creativity, and skill development.

1. Playdough used for Fine Motor Skills Development

• Strengthens hand muscles: Rolling, squishing, and molding playdough improves hand strength and dexterity.
• Improves coordination: Using tools like cutters, rollers, or shaping utensils enhances hand-eye coordination.
• Prepares for writing: Manipulating playdough helps develop the fine motor skills needed for holding a pencil.

2. Playdough helps Sensory Exploration

• Tactile experience: The texture, temperature, and pliability of playdough provide rich sensory input.
• Calming effect: For some children, manipulating playdough can have a soothing and stress-relieving effect.

3. Playdough boasts in Creativity and Imagination

• Encourages artistic expression: Children can create shapes, objects, or abstract designs, fostering creativity.
• Role-play and storytelling: Playdough creations can be part of imaginative play scenarios.

4. Playdough aids in Cognitive Development

• Problem-solving skills: Creating specific shapes or structures challenges children to think and plan.
• Understanding concepts: Playdough can be used to teach concepts like shapes, sizes, numbers, and patterns.

5. Playdough used for Social and Emotional Development

• Collaboration: Group activities with playdough encourage sharing and teamwork.
• Emotional expression: Children can express feelings through their creations.

6. Playdough helps Language Development

• Vocabulary building: As children describe what they’re making, they learn new words and improve communication skills.
• Instruction following: Structured activities with playdough help children practice following directions.

Playdough is also easy to customize with colors, scents, or add-ins (like glitter or beads) to tailor the experience to developmental goals. Whether used in structured activities or free play, it’s an excellent tool for holistic learning.

How to Make Homemade Playdough

Homemade playdough is super simple to make. All it takes is five ingredients, a couple minutes of stovetop heat, and time to cool.

Playdough ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups room temp water
• 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil or coconut oil
• Food coloring, optional (I use Watkin’s Food Coloing)

Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and cream of tartar) in a stock pot. Add the water and oil of choice. If making one color, add color. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a strong spoon. Keep stirring until dough begins to form a ball. Remove from heat and place in a bowl to cool. Once cool enough to handle, knead dough until smooth and fully mixed. Divide into 4 or 6 balls and make a thumbprint in the center then add 4 drops of food coloring per ball. Mix using gloves or in a plastic baggie as to not stain your hands. Add more food coloring as desired. The dough is ready for use once mixed.

This homemade playdough stores well for 2-3 months. I typically sort it in small tupperware containers that I no longer use in the kitchen since I switched to glass.

I try to set aside time at least once a week to do homemade playdough playtime. This playtime usually coincides with time that I’m working in the kitchen either canning or prepping meals for the freezer. Working alongside me in the kitchen with homemade playdough helps them feel involved and helpful in the kitchen. The kids are always so proud of their “cookies” that they make with the homemade playdough.

If you have yet to try homemade playdough playtime, I highly encourage it! This recipe is quick and easy to make and is worth a try.

If you try this recipe I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Comment below or tag @thejonestead on instagram!