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!

RELATED: 2-ingredient Moon Sand

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 takes 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.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post contains affiliate links- this just means I earn a small commission if you purchase via links below, no extra cost to you! Read our disclosure policy here.

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:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and cream of tartar.
2. In a medium sized pot, whisk together the water, food dye and oil.
3. Add the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
4. 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.
5. After the dough has cooled, knead for a couple of minutes with your hands.
6. 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)