Use unsweetened drink mix to make various play dough colors (omit drink mix if you need white). Store in frosting containers, and match the lids to the colors of the play dough!

My kids LOVE play dough. I’ve made this several times, and this method is my favorite. The reasons I think this method is the best:

• It is less messy than kneading in the color by hand.
• The mixing is easy.
• The color is even and vibrant.
• Because of the drink mix, the play dough smells fruity.

Many of the private label brand drink mixes have limited flavors/colors, but chances are there will still be at least 3 or 4 nice bright colors. Kool-Aid brand drink mix has many colors available. Choose your favorite drink mix flavor for a beautiful play dough. Please note, the lemonade flavor doesn’t create a very intense shade of yellow, so you may want to add several drops of yellow food coloring to get a bright yellow play dough.

One batch of play dough fits nicely into a 16 oz. plastic frosting container. I match the play dough colors to the lid colors. This is my favorite way to store homemade play dough! We put the containers in one big clear plastic box container for easy storage.

One recipe of Homemade Play Dough fits perfectly in an empty 16 oz. frosting container.

Homemade play dough rolls very smoothly, isn’t too sticky, and is much more pliable than the store bought kind. It also does not harden as easily. Works great with cookie cutters, rollers, or play dough tools. For a little sparkle, add glitter to the mixture. My daughter loves to pretend that she’s making fondant cakes with it. The possibilities are endless! Whether you have food allergies or not, this recipe will be a hit with the kids. If you’ve always wanted to try it, now’s the time. Happy summer!

You can make homemade play dough in several different colors, mold it with your hands, or cut out with cookie cutters. Gluten-free option is available, too!

Homemade Play Dough
1 recipe yields 2 cups
Adapted from Kraftrecipes.com

1 cup all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with 1/2 c. rice flour plus 1/2 c. cornstarch)
½ cup salt
1 envelope (0.13 oz. to 0.23 oz.) unsweetened drink mix, any flavor, such as Kool-Aid (omit if you are making white play dough)
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 Tbsp. oil
1 cup water

Procedure:

1. In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, drink mix, cream of tartar and oil. Mix on low speed until well combined.
2. In a glass liquid measuring cup, boil water in microwave 1.5 – 2 minutes (I use a Pyrex measuring cup). Be sure the water is BOILING, not just hot.
3. Carefully remove water from microwave. With mixer running on low, slowly pour water into flour mixture. Once water is incorporated, gradually increase mixer speed to medium-high (a gradual increase in speed will prevent splashing of the very hot mixture). The mixture will quickly form a ball of play dough.
4. Transfer mixture to plate to cool.
5. Store in a resealable bag or airtight container.

Notes: Play dough is not intended for consumption.

About Sheila Ray

I've been a full-time creative communications professional since college, and my work includes art direction, graphic design, writing and photography. I run a freelance creative marketing strategy business from my home office. I'm also a mom of two children, one of which has life-threatening food allergies. I experience, learn, and discover more about myself and God's plan for me everyday. As I share my stories, I share my faith. I hope you find my blog informational and inspirational.

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