The Best Play-dough Recipe using Natural Food Dye
This easy-to-make play-dough recipe is super quick to make and requires only a few ingredients. It’s amazingly soft, stretchy and the best part of all, non-toxic! You’ll be so pleased with this recipe you won’t want to get the store-bought kind anymore!
To make this play-dough you’ll need just a few basic kitchen items such as a bowl, whisk, wooden spoon and a pot. It comes together in 10 minutes including the prep and cooking. Instructions are easy to follow and the end result is amazing!
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Do I use liquid dye or powder? You can use either one! We love using this natural food dye made from plants, veggies and seeds. Most food dyes are made with artificial dyes. After all, kids are touching the play-dough and might even try it to see how it tastes so you want it to be as taste-safe as possible!
How to get vibrant or pastel play-dough colors? Simply add more or less of the food dye/powder to achieve the play-dough color you desire.
How do you keep the play-dough soft? The key to keeping the play-dough soft is to prevent it from drying out. We love using these containers to store the play-dough or resealable bags. If you have a bit of play-dough that has began to dry up, simply knead the dough for a couple of minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to soften the play-dough.
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To make the Play-dough
You’ll need:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbs olive oil (coconut oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup water
- Natural food dye (liquid or powder)
- Containers
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and cream of tartar.
- In a medium sized pot, whisk together the water, food dye and oil.
- Add the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Cook over low-medium heat, continually stirring with a wooden spoon until it comes together and forms a ball. Take of heat and let cool.
- After the dough has cooled, knead for a couple of minutes with your hands.
- Repeat steps 1-5 for each color.
Your play-dough is done and ready to be played with!
Try these play-dough activities!
- DIY Play-dough Stamps
- Safari Play-dough Footprints (Quick Video Tutorial)
- Spring Play-dough Tray (Invitation to Play and Create)
My 4 year old neurodivergent grandson didn’t like the “dough” smell and didnt want to play with it, so I added a splash of vanilla to the dough and he loved it. This recipe is actually really good. We spent 2 hours playing with the differet colors making pretend hot dogs and hamburgers and birthday cakes. Had a great time with it!
Thank you so much! What a fun idea to add vanilla! Good thinking!
Very good recipe. Made more than once.
Thank you very much! I’d glad you enjoyed it!
The play dough turned out great! I love the natural food coloring you suggested. 🙂 How long can this be stored for, and still be considered taste safe? Thank you.
Thank you so much! I’ve stored in a storage tub with a lid well over 3 months. After that it becomes a bit more sticky and it’s hard to work with it. As for taste safe, I’m not entirely sure! It’s partly cooked, but I would say first week or so would be okay, like anything else that’s cooked.