Easy Homemade Playdough Recipes

What child does not like playdough?  I know there are a few out there, but most children (and adults) love to play with playdough!  The problem with the name brand stuff is it is so expensive.  You pay big money for a small amount and then the kids end up leaving it out all night and it dries out, so that is a lot of money down the drain.  Not that homemade playdough does not cost anything, but it sure does cost a lot less than the name brand, and you get the added bonus of spending some time with your children being creative in the kitchen.

Homemade playdough also makes a great gift.  Instead of going out and buying packs of playdough as a gift for your child’s friend, or as party gifts, make up a few batches of homemade playdough, divide into cute little containers that you can find at any craft store, and you have a nice gift from that heart and you saved a little money in the process.   Another bonus is that these are usually safe if swallowed, even if they do taste bad.  No additives in it that you would need to worry about.  I have even got a recipe here for peanut butter playdough for those that do not have a peanut allergy!  This works great with little ones that are still prone to sticking things in their mouth.   I do have to admit that our favorite was always the Kool-Aid playdough recipe because it always smelled so good!

So, grab your kids and head to the kitchen and build some creative memories together!  You will be so glad you did!

Uncooked Playdough

Ingredients:

Bowl

1 cup cold water

1 cup salt

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

food coloring

3 cups flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

1. In bowl, mix water, salt, oil, and enough food coloring to make a bright color.
2. Gradually add flour and cornstarch until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough.
3. Store covered.

Salt Playdough

Ingredients

1 cup salt

1 cup water

1/2 cup flour plus additional flour

Saucepan

Directions

1. Mix salt, water, and flour in saucepan and cook over medium heat.
2. Remove from heat when mixture is thick and rubbery.
3. As the mixture cools, knead in enough flour to make the dough workable.

Peanut Butter Playdough

Ingredients

2 cups peanut butter

6 tablespoons honey

Nonfat dry milk or milk plus flour

Cocoa or carob for chocolate flavor (optional)

Edible treats for decoration

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix, adding enough dry milk or milk plus flour to reach the consistency of bread dough.
2. Add cocoa or carob, if desired.
3. Shape, decorate with edible treats, and eat!

Kool-Aid Playdough

Ingredients

1/2 cup salt

2 cups water

Saucepan

1 packet Kool-Aid powder for color

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

cups sifted flour

2 tablespoons alum

Directions

1. Combine salt and water in saucepan and boil until salt dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add Kool-Aid.
3. Add oil, flour, and alum.
4. Knead until smooth.
5. This dough will last 2 months or longer.