My two year old son loves to play with playdough, however store-bought playdough can be pricey and tends to dry out almost the same day you open it up. My mom was a preschool teacher for many years and passed down this homemade playdough recipe that doesn’t dry out too fast and is made with all edible ingredients, for the curious toddler. 

She would make a new batch for her preschool students every week. With only one kid playing with it in our home, it lasts much longer than a week, but in our house we make a new batch about once a month. It’s not only fun to play with, but it’s fun to make with your toddler! I let my two year old get involved in the measuring, pouring, stirring, and kneading (once it cools down). 

The best part is it only takes a pot and wooden spoon, so you are not making a mess of your kitchen and only have a few dishes to tackle when you are done. These can easily be washed while your little one is enjoying their new playdough!

Now, this recipe calls for flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, vegetable oil, extract of your choice (for scent), and food coloring of your choice. It all comes together to make amazing playdough!

Let’s get into it!

First, you are going to mix all of the dry ingredients in a large pot.

Next, I add the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

Then, on low to medium heat I stir almost constantly until mixture thickens to playdough texture. It takes a lot of stirring. It’s a workout!

Next, remove from heat and knead with the wooden spoon until it cools enough to knead with your hands. At this point it should look and act like playdough.

Finally, store in an airtight container and enjoy!