Gluten Free Playdough
An easy gluten-free playdough recipe that’s soft, safe, and ready in minutes — perfect for kids with sensitive skin or allergies.
Easy Gluten Free Play Dough Recipe
This gluten-free playdough recipe is a wonderful option for the home or the classroom because it allows more kids to enjoy this classic sensory activity safely!
Many store-bought playdoughs contain wheat flour, which can be a problem for children with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or certain skin allergies. Making your own gluten-free version ensures that playtime stays fun and worry-free — no risk of reactions from accidental contact or tasting.
Plus, homemade playdough is often softer, lasts longer, and can be customized with colors and scents, making it a great sensory play experience for all kids. It’s an easy, affordable way to create inclusive play that everyone can join in on!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Made with just a few basic ingredients
- Perfect for anyone who is gluten-sensitive, wheat allergies, celiacs, or needs an alternative to playdough made with all-purpose flour
- The texture is just like regular playdough
- Easy to make in just a couple minutes, no stovetop needed
For your convenience in creating this recipe, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products used; disclosure policy available here.
Gluten-Free Playdough Ingredients:
- White rice flour (The best gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in this case, as rice flour has more stretch than other types, such as almond flour.)
- Corn starch (Helps make the dough soft and stretchy)
- Salt (Acts as a preservative to hep the dough last longer)
- Cream of tartar (Also helps the dough last longer and be more elastic)
- Water
- Oil (you can use your favorite kind of light oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil or coconut oil)
- Plant-based food coloring
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Microwave Safe Bowl (to make the playdough)
- Silicone Play Mat (for easy cleanup)
Instructions:
- Add to Bowl – Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Combine – Stir until everything is well incorporated and smooth and there are no big lumps.
- Cook – Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well in between, for about 1 minute of total cooking time. Stirring is important to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl.
- Finish – When the dough is cool enough to handle, finish kneading by hand. Mine wasn’t sticky at all – it was the perfect texture – but if the dough is sticky for any reason you can work in some cornstarch.
Video Demo:
Prep Tips
- Safety – Always use a microwave safe bowl when preparing the playdough and handle with care, as the bowl may become hot during cooking. Adults should handle this step, or assist and supervise kids. This playdough is made with edible ingredients, but is not intended to be consumed.
- Storage – When done playing, keep the dough in an airtight container at room temperature. To make the dough last longer, always wash hands before playing. If the dough becomes visibly dirty or smells “off” it is time to make a new batch!
- Stovetop Method – This playdough can also be made in a small saucepan on the stovetop. The cooking time may take slightly longer. Stir constantly as the dough cooks, until it starts to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pot. Remove from heat and scoop onto a clean workspace and when the dough is cool enough to handle you can finish kneading by hand.
- Customize – Feel free to use your favorite kind of food coloring, glitter, and/or essential oils to make this playdough your own!
More Homemade Playdough Recipes That Are Also Gluten Free:
Homemade Gluten-Free Playdough Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
If you tried this activity and loved it, please rate it!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Soccer Mom Blog
Gluten Free Playdough
Equipment
- microwave safe bowl (to make the playdough)
- Silicone Play Mat (for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 TB cream of tartar
- 1 cup water
- 1 TB oil
- Plant-based food coloring
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir together until smooth.
- Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well in between, for about 1 minute of total cooking time.
- When cool enough to handle, finish kneading by hand. If the dough is sticky at all, work in a little bit of cornstarch until you have your desired consistency.
Video
Notes
Pin our homemade gluten free play dough recipe on Pinterest:
You might also like:
- Easy Microwave Caramels - November 6, 2025
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Casserole - November 4, 2025
- Cheap Family Meals Under $10 - October 29, 2025
