Perfect Play Dough

I can't believe we don't have a play dough recipe on this site! I've tried countless variations on classic play dough and this is what I've worked out as my favorite. It takes a few minutes of stirring on the stove top, but that minimal effort yields a soft, pliable, non-toxic material that's easy to shape and mold.

I whipped up these two batches for a recent playdate: My preschooler asked for "Star Wars colors" so his friend could try the R2-D2 play set. They especially enjoyed manipulating the still-warm dough, which I scented with vanilla — my son's favorite.

Perfect Play Dough

This makes about 14 ounces of soft, easy-to-handle dough. Packaged well, it should last a good long time. I don't know how long, because my kids let some creations dry and mash the rest into oblivion. I've stored it well over a month with no problems.

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/4 cup salt
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
food coloring (optional)
essential oil or flavored extract for scent (optional)

Combine flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a small saucepan. In a measuring cup, combine water, oil, and food coloring or scent, if using. (I don't measure extracts added for scent — add a little, smell, and add a little more if it isn't strong enough.) Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Over medium heat, stir mixture continuously until the dough forms a ball. It will start to get clumpy first, and your arm will be tired of stirring, and you’ll think the recipe isn’t working. Keep at it a few minutes more and it will turn out just fine.

Turn dough out onto a silicone mat or cutting board. Let it cool a few minutes, then knead a few times until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.