Homemade Play-Doh

Soft, colorful, and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, this homemade Play-Doh has a texture similar to the classic store-bought version. It's perfect for rainy days, preschool activities, birthday parties, and creative play. Stored properly, it stays soft for months and can be customized with colors, scents, and sparkle for endless fun.

Contributor: Uncle Darin

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Temp

Medium heat (stovetop)

Yield

4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring, as desired

Instructions

1
Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar until evenly combined.
2
Add the liquids. Add the water and vegetable oil and stir until smooth. If making one single color, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage. If making multiple colors, leave the dough uncolored for now.
3
Cook the dough. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a single ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 3–5 minutes.
4
Cool and knead. Allow the dough to cool until comfortable to handle. Knead for 1–2 minutes until smooth and pliable.
5
Color the dough. If making multiple colors, divide the dough into portions and knead food coloring into each portion one color at a time until evenly distributed.
6
Store for later. Place the Play-Doh in airtight containers or zip-top bags when not in use.

Tips & Variations

Rainbow Play-Doh – Divide the finished dough into several portions and knead in different food colors to create a colorful variety pack.
Sparkly Play-Doh – Add ½–1 teaspoon of fine craft glitter for magical, shimmering dough.
Scented Play-Doh – Add a few drops of vanilla, peppermint, lemon, or almond extract for fun scents without changing the texture.
Jell-O Play-Doh – Add 1–2 tablespoons of dry flavored gelatin powder for bright colors and fruity scents.
Natural Colors – Use beet powder for pink, turmeric for yellow, matcha powder for green, or cocoa powder for brown.

Back to all recipes Home