Cornstarch Dough
A versatile and fun craft dough made from cornstarch and baking soda, perfect for creating lightweight shapes and decorations that dry overnight and can be painted or sealed.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch, baking soda, and water in a pan.
- Cook on stove over medium heat for 4 minutes.
- Stir constantly until mashed potato consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat and cover with a damp cloth to cool for 1 hour.
- Knead on wax paper and roll out with a rolling pin.
- Cut into shapes and let dry overnight.
- Paint and seal with a coat of Elmer's glue.
- Attach to pin backing or poke a hole before drying for a necklace.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the water is cold to achieve the right consistency. If you prefer a different texture, you can substitute half of the cornstarch with flour. When kneading, lightly dust the wax paper with cornstarch to prevent sticking. This dough is similar in concept to No Bake Bread Dough And Paint, making it perfect for kids' crafts.
Serving Suggestions
Once dry, the shapes can be painted with acrylics or watercolors for a personalized touch. Consider using them as embellishments for gift wrapping or as ornaments. They pair beautifully with Easy Strawberry-Banana Punch for a fun children's party, adding a playful element to your decorations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dough in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the dough starts to dry out, add a few drops of water and knead it back to a workable consistency. Do not refrigerate, as that can change the texture and make it too hard to use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornstarch Dough contains roughly 491 calories, with 2g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this dough for baking?
No, this cornstarch dough is not edible and is intended for crafting rather than baking. It sets when dried but does not hold up well under heat, so it's best used for decorative purposes only.
How long does it take for the dough to dry completely?
The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of your shapes, but generally, it takes at least 24 hours to dry completely. Ensure the pieces are placed on a flat surface with good air circulation to speed up the drying process.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, try adding a little extra cornstarch, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough dry and crumbly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).