Homemade Playdough from Pantry Staples

Homemade Playdough recipe can be made in minutes from simple pantry staples!

This playdough recipe makes a soft long lasting dough tthat smells delicious, keeps forever at room temperature and makes the most beautiful pastel hues (that won’t bleed color on your hands!)

Made simply from what you have

There are so many recipes for homemade play dough. And I’ve probably tried them all. But for over 15 years I keep coming back to some variation of this version. A homemade playdough that’s cooked on the stove with simple pantry ingredients plus a little something extra just for fun.

It’s a perfect go-to play dough recipe that’s actually quite fun and easy to whip up.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon cream of tartar – to make the playdough super soft and help preserve it for longer. Optional.
• ½ cup fine salt
• 2 Tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 packet Kool Aid.  

Step by step instructions

1. Stir together dry ingredients (flour, salt, cream of tartar, kool-aid) in a large saucepan over medium heat.  

2. Mix together oil and water and add to dry ingredients. It will look like a goopy mess but just keep constantly stirring over medium heat until the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Continue stirring until mixture becomes very thick and gathers in one large clump in the center of the saucepan.

2. Turn out onto counter and knead a few times by hand, being careful not to burn your hands.

5. Playdough is ready for play once it is cool enough to handle.

6. Enjoy!

How to store

Keep, covered, at room temperature for up to 8 weeks.

Playdough gift idea

Handmade toys like this are great for gifting at birthday parties and even over the holidays!

For an easy homemade gift for any kids on your list make up a few large batches of dough and peruse the kitchen goods aisle or antique store for some unexpected dough toys. Pack up a rainbow of dough in little containers and gift it in a fun box like this one from Sugar Paper LA for Target or a small vintage suitcase or even an old lunch box.

I like these small glass canning jars from Bormiolo Rocco. Add a ribbon and a few toys and it’s a super easy and cute gift.

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