Play Dough(Not Edible)

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min

Create vibrant, soft, and malleable play dough perfect for children's art projects and imaginative play. Easy to make, non-toxic, and customizable with colors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 1 c. water
  • 2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • food coloring

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.
  2. Add water and oil to the mixture.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a dough.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  5. Knead the dough with your hands until smooth and pliable.
  6. Divide and add food coloring as desired to customize the colors.
  7. Store in an airtight container for months.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use all-purpose flour for a smooth texture. If you don’t have cream of tartar, substitute with an equal amount of baking powder, although the dough may not be as stretchy. To enhance colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it provides more vibrant hues. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

This play dough is perfect for creative play sessions and can be used alongside other crafts. Pair it with cookie cutters, rolling pins, and molds for an engaging experience. It’s a great alternative for children who enjoy hands-on activities, similar to making Barley Pudding but in a tactile form that encourages imaginative play.

Storage & Reheating

Store the play dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh for months. If it starts to dry out, you can add a few drops of water and knead it until it regains its pliability. Do not refrigerate, as it can change the texture. Always check for dryness before use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Play Dough(Not Edible) contains roughly 758 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

758 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 60.6g 78% DV
Carbs 48.1g 17% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 487.7mg 21% DV
Potassium 683.1mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 10.1mg 1% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
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

What if my play dough is too sticky?

If your play dough turns out too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to knead it well to incorporate the flour thoroughly. Avoid adding too much at once to ensure the dough remains pliable and easy to work with.

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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