The other day Jay was really wanting to make play dough, and I loved the idea, but remembered I didn’t have any food dye. My car is in the shop getting repaired, so I couldn’t go buy any and I had to get creative! I googled some recipes and found an EASY way to naturally dye play dough with an ingredient I already had in my house, turmeric. Not only is this a convenient recipe using ingredients you probably have on hand, it is also so much safer than using food dye, especially if your little ones are accidentally sneaking a bite here and there (I know Jay does!). This play dough is based off of a few different play dough recipes I found, that I adapted to create something convenient and safe, all without losing the texture and bright color of traditional play dough.
Homemade play dough is nostalgic for me, because my Mom always made our play dough growing up. She was, and is incredible at being resourceful and creative, and play dough was one of our favorite quiet time activities. Jay loves it just as much, and I’m so excited to have a super safe recipe for play dough that he create those same memories with.
This play dough came together so fast, and Jay actually helped me make most of it (except for the portion of the recipe that took place on the stovetop–which was really only 4 mins). He was SO proud that “he made” play dough and found it that much more fun and exciting to play with too, which was a huge added bonus. Have your little one help you and it will be a memorable experience for you both! Way better than just picking some up at Walmart (however I’ve done that hundreds of times, so obviously no judgement, ha!).
Jay helping combine the dry ingredients. It got a little messy, but the pride on his face from making his play dough really was worth it.
Combining the liquid ingredients.
Enjoying his play dough!!
Easy, Naturally Dyed Homemade Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt (or fine sea salt–thats what I used)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon coconut oil (vegetable oil or olive oil will work too)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt and cream of tartar in a bowl, set aside.
- Stir together water and turmeric in a separate small bowl, after combined, add coconut oil.
- Add water/turmeric/coconut oil mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until ingredients are well blended.
- Add entire mixture to a saucepan over medium low heat. Cook the dough, stirring frequently, until it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot (typically about 3-5 mins). Remove from saucepan immediately (this step is especially important in order to get moist play dough with that elastic, moldable texture that we all love).
- Remove the dough from the saucepan and let sit for 5 mins.
- Knead dough for two minutes.
- Store in an airtight container.
This is definitely my new go-to play dough recipe. Enjoy, and let me know how it goes when you make it! Also, does anyone have any great recommendations for play dough toys? We’ve been using forks, knives, and cookie cutters, but would love to hear what you use!