Crazy Dough For Kids

Cook: 5 min

Colorful and fun, this pliable dough is perfect for kids' crafts and play, offering a smooth texture and customizable colors for creative, mess-free entertainment.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • approximately 15 drops favorite food coloring

Instructions

  1. Cook all ingredients in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a ball.
  2. Remove dough from saucepan and let stand on the counter for 5 minutes.
  3. Knead dough about 30 seconds or until smooth and blended.
  4. Cool completely.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, stir continuously while cooking to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, or if too dry, a teaspoon of water at a time can help. Experiment with different food coloring combinations to create unique shades. This dough can also be scented with essential oils for sensory play.

Serving Suggestions

This Crazy Dough is perfect for endless creative play. Kids can shape it into various forms, which can be a fun activity paired with a themed snack like Roka Cheese Ball. You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Encourage imaginative play by providing props or integrating it with storytelling.

Storage & Reheating

To store the dough, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. If the dough feels hard after storage, you can soften it by kneading it for a minute or two or adding a few drops of water before use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crazy Dough For Kids contains roughly 168 calories, with 37g carbohydrates and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

168 kcal 8% DV

Macronutrients

Protein 0g
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 37.2g 14% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 523.2mg 23% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 5.5mg
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in this recipe. However, the texture may differ slightly. Be sure to check that the gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the elasticity of wheat flour.

What kind of food coloring should I use?

You can use liquid food coloring, gel food coloring, or even natural colorants like beet juice or turmeric for a healthier option. Gel coloring tends to provide more vibrant colors with less liquid, while natural colorants can add a unique touch but may result in softer shades.

Is this dough safe for younger children?

Yes, this dough is non-toxic and safe for younger children to play with under supervision. However, it's still important to supervise to prevent ingestion and to ensure that they do not use it inappropriately. Always supervise younger kids during playtime.

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).

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