Easy Homemade Playdough – No Cook

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Making homemade playdough is one of those simple joys that brings back all the childhood memories. Plus, when you make it from scratch, you know exactly what’s going into it. No weird preservatives, just wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of fun. This easy, no-cook playdough recipe is perfect for a rainy day activity, a sensory play session, or even as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Cook Homemade Playdough Recipe:

Making homemade playdough can be a fun activity for you and your family! Not only does it give your kids something to do afterwards, but you can involve them in the process. I remember my mom making homemade playdough when I was a kid, and I used to love the smell! (Weird, I know.) Here’s why I think you’ll love this recipe:

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
No Cooking Required: Quick and easy, no stovetop necessary.
Safe and Natural: You control what goes in, so no unnecessary chemicals.
Customizable: Choose natural food coloring for a vibrant, safe option.

Let’s get started!

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Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing Bowl – to mix the ingredients together in
• Wooden Spoon – for stirring together ingredients
• Measuring cups & spoons – for proper measurements
• Glass Measuring Cup – for wet ingredients
• Airtight container for storage – This playdough will last several months if stored properly in an airtight container!

Ingredients You’ll Need For Easy Homemade Playdough:

• All Purpose Flour
• Table Salt
• Cream of Tartar
• Oil – (I used olive oil, but you can use whatever liquid oil you have on hand)
• Natural Food Coloring – (optional, but this is my favorite brand that is actually natural!)
• Water

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Stir it all together until well blended.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • You can fill a measuring cup with one cup of hot water, or even stick it in the microwave to heat it to boiling. Just get it as hot as you can. If you don’t have a microwave, just get hot tap water. Add the oil and food coloring to the water before pouring into the dry ingredients
3. Combine:
   • Slowly pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until it comes together. If it seems too sticky, slowly add in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Knead the dough on a clean surface until smooth and soft. If it feels a little sticky, add a sprinkle of flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
5. Store and Enjoy:
   • Place your homemade playdough in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to six months when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

Making this easy homemade playdough is one of those fun, hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to get creative and avoid unnecessary plastic packaging from store-bought options. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about measuring, mixing, and the joy of making things from scratch.

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Easy Homemade Playdough – No Cook

This easy homemade playdough is made without cooking, and using safe ingredients.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Active Time10 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Keyword: diy, playdough

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 1 Measuring cups & spoons
• 1 Glass Measuring Cup
• 1 Wooden Spoon
• 1 Airtight Container for Storage

Materials

• 1 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Table Salt
• 1 T oil
• 2 T Cream of Tartar
• 1 cup Hot Water
• 5-10 drops Natural Food Coloring optional

Instructions

• Gather all of your ingredients and set them aside. Mix together one cup of flour, and remaining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl using the wooden spoon.
• Once dry ingredients are mixed, measure your wet ingredients into the glass measuring cup. (If your tap water doesn't get very hot, I'd suggest microwaving the water before adding other ingredients to ensure it is hot.)
• Slowly pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with the wooden spoon until well incorporated. The dough will seem a little sticky, this is when you will sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed.
• Once you can handle it, remove it from the bowl and knead it until it becomes playdough textured. It should not stick to your hands at all, and it also shouldn't crack or crumble. If it is too dry you can add a few drops of water.
• Store in an airtight container for up to six months!

Notes

• If you add too much flour, you can add a few drops of water at a time to bring it back to the right consistency. 
• If the dough is too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
• You can also add essential oils to the playdough to give it a pleasant smell!

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