Playdough Recipe
This easy peasy playdough recipe is so simple and works a charm - all thanks to discovering McKenzie’s playdough recipe on the back of their Cream of Tartar. So even if you forget, it’ll be easy for you to find it again!
I’ve been making batches of playdough every few months since my daughter was about 18 months old. It’s taste safe, but please adjust the recipe if your child has any allergies.
The whole process, from prep, cooking, cooling down, putting in containers and cleaning up takes about 20 mins, but it is so worth it. You get soooo much good quality playdough out of one batch that lasts for months in the fridge. When it gets a bit gross, just pop it in your compost bin. Better for the planet and cost effective, so it’s a win win!
Playdough Recipe (makes 5 x large playdough balls)
2 cups plain flour
4 tbs McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar
1 cup salt
2 cups water
2 tbs cooking oil *I used coconut oil for this batch
A few drops of food colouring or taste safe eco paints
Optional - a few drops of essential oil
Method
Add all ingredients into a pot. *I didn’t put the flour through a sieve, and I think this would have made it less blobby! Will try for next time.
Stir on low - medium heat, and add in food colouring. Keep stirring until the mixture congeals, only takes a few minutes! *Loving my crumble cast iron pot. Makes me feel like a total chef even though I’m not
Once congealed, allow to cool down for a few mins so it is easier to handle
Make a big ball on a chopping board
Optional step - create a hole in the centre, and add a few drops of essential oil. Please do your own research as to what you deem safe for your child
Roll smaller balls. I was able to get 5 large ones from each batch
Place in a container with a lid. Put them all in the same large container or individual ones. I have lots of spare jam jars, so they were a fun vessel! Store in fridge for about 3 months
Throw out old or dirty playdough in the compost bin
My daughter is nearly 3 and I’ve only just added essential oils into the recipe as she no longer puts the playdough in her mouth, but loves the sensory smelling experience. For the batches featured in the photos, I made minty blue / green colour playdough with peppermint essential oil - uplifting and energising. In contrast, I also made purple playdough with lavender essential oil, which is super calming and relaxing. Depending on the mood or needs of my child, she can choose what she wants to play with.
On a seperate note, I did find it a bit tricky to make a bright purple colour, and get the colour mix just right, but it’s all trial and error, and having fun in the process!
Also playdough stored in the fridge takes a bit of time to warm up in the hands and roll out initially but then it is good to go.
I’ll be releasing another blog next week about playing with playdough and how awesome it is for little ones. In the meantime, happy cooking!
