No Cook Playdough Recipe
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This no cook playdough recipe is so quick and easy to make! With just three main ingredients and no heating required, you can whip up a batch of homemade playdough in around a minute. Perfect for those moments when the kids want to get creative and you need an activity that's ready almost instantly.
My kids have all gone through huge playdough phases. Over the years, I've made countless batches, and this simple recipe has been a favourite because the kids can help make it themselves.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe
- No cooking required: No saucepan, boiling water or stovetop needed.
- Ready in minutes: Just mix the ingredients together and knead.
- Only 3 main ingredients: Dishwashing liquid, plain flour and turmeric, plus optional cream of tartar.
- Kids can help: Making the playdough is part of the fun!
- Easy to customise: Adjust the turmeric to create different shades of yellow.
Ingredients You Will Need
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Ingredient Notes, Substitutes, & Allergy Swaps
- Dishwashing liquid: I originally developed this recipe using ecostore Ultra Sensitive dishwashing liquid, simply because that's what I had in my kitchen. Other dishwashing liquids may behave differently, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right consistency. If the dishwashing liquid you use is highly coloured (think the neon green and yellow liquids) this will affect the final colour of the playdough.
- Turmeric: The amount you use will determine the colour of your playdough. A little creates a soft pastel yellow, while more gives you a brighter, deeper yellow-orange. Be aware that turmeric can stain hands, clothing and surfaces.
- Cream of tartar: This is completely optional. The playdough works without it, but I find the texture is better when I include it, particularly if I'm planning to keep the playdough for another day.
Top Tips for Making No Cook Playdough
- Adjust the consistency: Different dishwashing liquids can produce slightly different results. If your playdough is too sticky, work in a little extra flour. If it's too dry or crumbly, try adding a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
- Let the kids get involved: One of the reasons I switched from traditional cooked playdough recipes was that my kids wanted to help make it. With no heating involved, they can join in with the measuring, stirring and kneading, with adult supervision.
- Start with less turmeric: You can always add a little more to deepen the colour. Remember that turmeric can stain!
- Keep it for later: Store your playdough in an airtight container between play sessions. As this recipe contains dishwashing liquid and no conventional preservative, check it before reuse and discard it if its smell, appearance or texture changes.
One Minute No Cook Playdough
A quick and easy homemade playdough recipe made without cooking or hot water. Just mix, knead and play!
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Servings: 1 batch
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Ingredients
- ½ cup dishwashing liquid
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup all purpose flour (plain flour)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Instructions
- Add the dishwashing liquid and turmeric to a medium bowl.
- Mix until the dishwashing liquid is evenly coloured.
- Add the flour and cream of tartar, if using.
- Stir until the mixture comes together into a ball.
- Knead briefly until the playdough is smooth and silky.
- It's ready to play with!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of turmeric to create lighter or darker shades of yellow. Turmeric may stain.
- Cream of tartar is optional but can improve the texture.
- Add a little extra flour if the dough is sticky.
- This playdough is not edible. Adult supervision is required.
- Store in an airtight container between uses. Discard if its appearance, smell or texture changes
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Awesome no cook recipe-thank you! Good tip too for my play dough eater. I bought some EcoStore handwash with coconut and it is so soft on skin and smells great so awesome brand in my books!