Don’t you love when things are just simple? I have made some really fabulous play dough recipes on this blog, such as my silky and stretchy 2 ingredient play dough and one that is deliciously strawberry scented. With those aside, I thought I’d share with you the recipe I find myself using when I just want a quick lump of play dough for Possum (aged 2.5 years) to get her fingers stuck into. The original recipe can be found over at The Imagination Tree.
Play Dough Recipe
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 .5 cup boiling water
- food colouring (optional)
- 3 drops of glycerine (optional)
Basically I add it all to a bowl and mix it all up. As you can see, this is a no-cook play dough recipe and I seem to have all the ingredients in our kitchen cupboard.
I love play dough for so many reasons. It throws open the doors to such great creativity and exploration. It can be coloured and scented to whatever takes your fancy and is open-ended so you know your child is going to be deeply occupied playing for a good length of time. Possum loves digging her fingers deep into the dough and pinching it to mould it however she desires. Of course, play dough is wonderful for developing fine motor skills.
Do your kids love play dough?
Here are some more ideas you might like –
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love how easy this is… can it be baked could u let me know please
I haven’t tried it, however, I probably wouldn’t recommend it either. I don’t think the hair conditioner would smell so great baked.
Love this recipe!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thrilled to hear it Cherri! Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
So glad I found your site. I have 4 grand children and love to do crafts with them and they all love Play dough and painting.
How wonderful to read your message Bernie. Please be sure to visit my website and add your email to subscribe. That way I can provide you with lots more great ideas you can used with your grandchildren. I’d hate for you to miss a great idea. Kindest regards. Kate
This recipe looks amazing! How long does the play dough usually last for before it needs to be tossed? Also what is the benefit of including the glycerine? Thanks!
Hi Amber! So lovely to connect with you. This playdough I made for my first teaching class many years ago and with great care it is still wonderful. You do need to ensure it is wrapped in cling wrap really tightly and avoid air pockets, but it will last a long time. The Glycerine helps it to last longer and gives it a smoother texture. Hope that helps. Enjoy.
Thank you so much! I will definitely give it a try! One more question, what kind of oil do you recommend using?
I always use vegetable oil Amber but I think I’ve tried canola oil too. All the best and be sure to pop back and let me know how you got on. 🙂
Thanks for all of the help! I really like this recipe. I do wish that it was a bit less sticky so that cleanup is easier in class. Any suggestions for making it less sticky?
Obviously all ingredients differ from country to country so you might need to add a teaspoon or two more of flour. Always kneed it well.
Baby oil does not turn rancid as quickly as veggie oil.
Love your post!! thank for sharing
Oh Rosie, you are more than welcome. Thanks for your kind comment! 🙂
Great idea to have fun with my kids. Thank for share this great post.