Playdough Recipe

I’ve been using this playdough recipe for a while, and while I know I pulled it off the Internet, I’ve long since lost the link. I was so delighted by the recipe I honestly thought I’d written it up here immediately, complete with link of course. I’m sorry to whoever originally posted it!

The recipe that I’d been using prior to discovering this one is still a good one. It produces a much stiffer, firmer dough, and for my tots, this softer dough is easier to mold. And me? I’m a very tactile person. I just love the feel of this so much, I’m willing to sacrifice a little structural sturdiness for the pleasure of the texture.

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp alum (I’ve been told cream of tartar also works, but have never had as much success with it.)
1 cup water
food colouring

Heat oil at medium-low heat.

Mix your food colouring with the water until you get the depth of colour you’re after. Put it all in the pot with the oil and cook over low/medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.

It looks too goopy/sticky at first. Don’t worry! Resist the temptation to add more flour!! It thickens as it cooks, and if you add more flour it will end up dry and crumbly. When it’s a nice, thick consistency, remove from heat and knead dough a few times on the counter. It will feel sticky for a while, but never fear. It moves from sticky to silk as it cools, really!