The PERFECT No-Cook Play Dough Recipe

Perfect no cook play doughThis tried and tested recipe makes perfect play dough every time and doesn’t require any cooking, making it perfect for children to join in with the making process!

A quick and easy play dough recipe is an essential at home and in your setting or classroom and all the better if there is no cooking required and little ones can help. I have been on the hunt for the perfect no-cook play dough for years, ever since my teaching days when I’d make a batch but it’d always be too sticky or too dry. I’ve experimented and have eventually perfected what I think it the BEST play dough recipe EVER!

{Please note that this recipe does use boiling water which children will need help with for safety.}

This recipe yields about the quantity of two shop-bought pots of dough. Double up the recipe to make a class-size batch to put out for an independent activity!

DSC_0319

To make the dough you will need:

  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 0.5 cup salt
  • 2 tbsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup boiling water (straight from the kettle)
  • 2tbsp oil (any will work; olive, vegetable, rapeseed or sunflower)
  • food colouring (optional ~ we use Wilton 8 Icing Colour Gel)
  1. Mix all of the dry ingredients up into a mixing bowl.
  2. Make a well in the centre and pour in the water, oil and the food colouring if you are using it. Mix together until a dough forms.
  3. If the dough is a little dry, add more water. If it is too wet, add more flour. You can adjust until it’s just right.
  4. Tip it out onto a floured surface and kneed until it is an even colour and soft texture.

DSC_0070

This dough is so soft and tactile, can be made in lots of different colours and keeps for a couple of months when wrapped and stored in an airtight container. Perfect!

DSC_0072

Have a look at my PLAY DOUGH archive for inspiration or have a look through my PLAY DOUGH Pinterest Board for more fun ways to use it.

Follow Beth @ Wings and Roots’s board Play Dough on Pinterest.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *