I remember my mom making this for me as a child. I’ve posted the cook and no cook method. Generally the cooking method yields better results. Cream of tartar is optional but makes the playdoh more elastic like.
Cook Method
3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
6 tsp. cream of tarter
3 tbsp. oil
3 cups water
Put all ingredients into a large pot. Stir constantly over medium heat until a dough ball forms when pulling away from the sides. Knead dough 1-2 minutes until the texture matches playdoh. Store in a reusable plastic container. Will last about 3 months.
Non Cook method
1/4 cup salt
1 cup flour
1/4 cup water
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl then add water. Knead and squeeze the dough to make a clay like texture. You may need to add more water. Note, this playdoh will not last long.
For both recipes above you can add food colouring, and even scented oil if you wish. I would make sure your child does NOT put the playdoh in his/her mouth if you decide to use scented oils.
Just another tip… Try adding koolaid powder or jello powder. This adds colour and scent and is still completely edible!
Thats an awesome tip!
Cream of tartar is necessary. Never turns out right if you don’t use it. I make a batch, then divide into smaller balls so you can make different colours.
My mom used to make this with me and my sister all the time! I love it! <3
I’ve tried making my own before, Kraft’s koolaid recipe. DS was grossed with the texture and after day one never touched it again, so into the garbage it went and I’ve not made it since. Clay or the real play doh he played with over and over, no problems.
i work in a dayacer and we make fresh playdough every monday mornig. This is our recipe – it it tried and tedted and works amazing – it’s no cook too!
in a large bowl mix together
1/2 cup salt
2 tbsp oil
food colour
2 tbsp alum (we get it from bulk barn) (you can sub cream of tartar instead)
then add
2 cups boiling water
mix to dissolve the salt (it wont dissolve completely)
then add
2 cups of flour
mix together and knead until even – have fun!
from my experience it works best if you use the boiling hot water before it cools down. When you add the flour it seems to thicken it up quickly. I knead it while it is burning hot, and sprinkle it with flour if it seems to need more.
*you can also make it without colour and then divide it and make multiple colours at the end if you’d like more than one colour. It lasts a long time if kept sealed. if it dries out a bit you can add a sprinkle of water to revive it, but we always make a new batch weekly to keep it clean and fresh for the kids at the daycare 🙂
Thank you for sharing! Will try the cook recipe 🙂
Thanks. I’ve been meaning to make playdoh for DS. I’ll definitely dvide the dough & then add the colouring at the end. Out of curiosity, what is the purpose of the salt? If it doesn’t totally dissolve, perhaps I’ll add it to the boiling water first & then pour over the mixture.