Tag: indoor play ideas

children playing with clay
Parenting, Activities, Childminding

Quick & Simple Playdough Recipe

Samantha keddy

After lots of googling and trying different methods, this is my favourite recipe for playdough, Its so simple that you can involve the children in the making of it as well as letting them go crazy creating when its made!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1.5 cups boiling water
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together.
  2. Add the vegetable oil to the dry mixture and stir well.
  3. If you want colored playdough, add a few drops of food coloring to the boiling water. You can use different colors for different batches.
  4. Gradually pour the boiling water into the bowl, stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture will be hot.
  5. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Once it becomes difficult to stir with a spoon, knead the dough with your hands.
  6. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour in small amounts until it reaches a smooth and pliable consistency.
  7. Allow the playdough to cool completely before playing with it.

Variations:

  1. Scented Playdough: Add a few drops of essential oils or extracts like lavender, peppermint, or lemon to the dough while mixing. This will give your playdough a delightful scent.
  2. Glitter Playdough: Mix in glitter or glitter glue to make sparkly playdough. This can add a touch of magic and excitement to your creations.
  3. Textured Playdough: Incorporate various textures into your playdough by adding items like sand, rice, or small pasta shapes. This will create a unique sensory experience.
  4. Natural Playdough: Use natural food coloring or natural ingredients such as beetroot juice, turmeric, or cocoa powder to color your playdough. It’s a great way to explore different hues while avoiding artificial colors.
  5. Edible Playdough: Make playdough that is safe to eat by using edible ingredients like peanut butter, honey, powdered sugar, and dry milk. This version is perfect for young children who may be tempted to taste it.

Remember to store your playdough in an airtight container or plastic bag when not in use to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your playdough creations!