Homemade Play-Doh Recipe

My mom used to run a home daycare and this is the play-doh we all grew up with.  Although I have seen a million different play-doh recipes out there, I have yet to try something new because this one works so well!!  If stored in an air tight container, it stays fresh and mold-able for SO long (seriously, MONTHS).  This is a double batch, but you can easily cut it in half if you don’t want as much.  I think it helps encourage creativity when there’s more to go around – plus, there’s enough for me to play too!  Abby loved helping me with the production process.  Other than “cream of tartar,” these ingredients are definitely already sitting in your kitchen.

Homemade Play-Doh

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.  Stir continuously over medium heat until mixture balls up.  You basically want to keep it on the heat until there isn’t any more liquid. 

Once it’s done, dump it onto a table surface and let it cool a minute or two.  At this point, I usually wash my pan out quick.

Firmly knead your warm play-doh for about ten minutes (kids love to help with this part!) to make sure it maintains flexibility/texture.

FYI: Play kitchen toys are hands down the Best play-doh toys ever.  Abby enjoys making “food” with our play-doh.  Peas, noodles, pancakes, ice-cream, anything and everything served to order! 😉

Also, I find the plastic table cloths from Dollar Tree make the most excellent play/explore related surfaces.