Play-Doh Recipes

Homemade play-doh is appropriate for children over 18 months of age. Young children may eat a small amount of the non-edible types of play-doh, which is non-toxic but unpleasant tasting. According to the Penn State Better Kid Care Program, playing with play-doh has many benefits for young children including improving fine motor skills and coordination, encouraging imagination and creativity, increasing attention span and offering a calming and soothing activity that is beneficial to emotional development.

  1. Easy Recipe

    • Simple play-doh can be created in minutes using basic household ingredients. Mix 1/4 cup salt, 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup of water together in a large bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together until the mixture is uniform in texture. Once the play-doh has been mixed, tint it with liquid food coloring. This play-doh should last approximately one week if kept in a tightly-sealed container. Storing the play-doh in a refrigerator can extend the life of the product, but monitor it closely and dispose of if any mold appears or the play-doh becomes runny or gives off an unpleasant smell.

    Cooked Recipe

    • Play-doh made on the stovetop will last longer than uncooked versions of the recipe. When properly stored in an airtight container, cooked play-doh can keep for several months. Stir together 1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup salt, 2 tbsp. cream of tartar, 1 tbsp of oil and a few drops of food coloring in a large saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until the dough forms a ball. Remove the play-doh from the saucepan and allow it to cool on a floured surface. Once the play-doh is cool enough to handle, knead the dough until it becomes pliable. Add additional food coloring, if necessary.

    Edible Recipe

    • While the above recipes are non-toxic, some parents may be concerned about their children eating the homemade play-doh. An easy remedy for this is to create edible play-doh. Mix up a healthy play-doh by combining 1 cup natural peanut butter, 1 cup powdered milk, 1 cup wheat germ and 1/2 cup honey in a large bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together and incorporate the powdered milk and wheat germ into the play-doh. Liquid food colorings can be used, but the colors will not be as dramatic due to the natural coloring in the peanut butter and honey. Dried fruits, nuts or unsweetened coconut can be set out with the edible play-doh to help children create creative snacks while they play. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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