OUR FAVORITE PLAYDOUGH RECIPE
There’s nothing quite like the magic of homemade playdough. Soft, squishy, and oh-so-fun—it’s a sensory favorite in every preschool classroom and kitchen table! At Building Brilliant Little Minds, we’ve tried a lot of recipes over the years, and this one is hands-down our favorite. It’s quick to make, lasts for weeks, and has the perfect texture for tiny hands.
Why we love it:
- Smooth, squishy texture that’s perfect for little hands
- Quick to make and easy to customize with color
- Budget-friendly and non-toxic
Playdough Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
Food coloring (optional)
1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Mix the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Stir well to blend.
Heat the wet ingredients. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the vegetable oil and a few drops of food coloring, if using.
Combine and stir. Carefully pour the hot liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough. Turn the mixture out onto a clean surface. Allow it to cool slightly, then knead until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Safety Note:
This recipe involves boiling water, so adult supervision is a must. Children should not handle the hot ingredients, but they’ll love helping knead the dough once it’s cool enough to touch.
Storage:
Keep the dough in an airtight container to help it stay soft and usable for weeks!
Want to turn this into a fun learning activity? Pair your homemade dough with one of our adorable playdough mats!