No Cook Playdough Recipe
This no cook playdough recipe is safe for kids to help make, has the perfect soft texture, and it lasts for months!
No Cook Play Dough
If you have little helpers in your house, then you are going to love this new playdough recipe because they can safely help with every step!
This no-cook play dough comes together in minutes and you don’t need to use a stove-top, a microwave, or boiling water. Just warm water straight from the sink! This is a great playdough recipe for classrooms or a quick and easy rainy day activity.
All you do is mix together a few simple ingredients, let everything sit for a few minutes, and then you will have the perfect soft and squishy playdough!
You absolutely can’t mess up this recipe and you don’t have to worry about little hands getting hurt with boiling water or working with a hot stove. You can make it anytime, anywhere, and it will last for months if stored carefully.
Why I Love This Recipe
This might just be the best playdough recipe ever!
Here’s why I love it:
- Made with simple kitchen ingredients
- No boiling water or heat source needed
- Super soft and squishy
- Lasts for weeks
- Safe for kids to help make
For your convenience in creating this recipe, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products used; disclosure policy available here.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Salt (acts as a preservative so the dough has a longer shelf life)
- Hot water (NOT boiling)
- Oil (any light oil will do, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil)
- Food coloring (you can use regular or plant based food dye)
- Cornstarch (this is added at the end to help keep the dough from sticking to hands)
Full ingredient amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cornstarch in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until dough comes together, then let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so the water is absorbed.
- Add cornstarch as needed when kneading by hand, so that it no longer sticks to hands.
- If the dough still seems a little sticky, let it sit for a few more minutes, then knead again.
Video Demo:
Prep Tips
- Letting the Dough Sit – Depending on the humidity where you live, it may be helpful to let the dough sit for longer than 15 minutes so most of the moisture is absorbed. I live in a very humid area, so I let my playdough sit out for a couple of hours while I ran some errands. It was the perfect texture when I returned! It’s also ok to add more cornstarch as needed to get the consistency you like.
- Water – It is not necessary to use boiling water for this recipe. Hot water straight from the sink should be just what you need.
- Yield – The ingredient amounts listed below in the recipe card make one batch of playdough, or about one cup. We made six batches for the photos here, so we could have lots of different colors.
- Storage – Keep leftover playdough in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. It can last for weeks, as long as it still looks clean and doesn’t smell “off.” It helps to wash hands before playing with the dough to keep it clean.
Safety Note: This playdough is made with kitchen ingredients, but is not technically edible. Always supervise small children when making or playing with play dough.
More Homemade Playdough Recipes To Try
- Microwave Playdough (Ready in 2 minutes!)
- Slow Cooker Playdough
- Fall Playdough (3 scented recipes)
- Peeps Easter Playdough
- Christmas Playdough
- Edible Ice Cream Playdough
- Marshmallow Playdough
- Kool Aid Playdough
- Gluten Free Playdough
No Cook Play Dough Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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No Cook Playdough Recipe
Equipment
- Heat-safe mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup hot water NOT boiling
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- Food coloring
- 2-4 TB cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cornstarch in a heat-safe mixing bowl.
- Stir until dough starts to come together, then let sit in the bowl for 15 minutes so the water is absorbed.
- Finish kneading dough by hand, adding cornstarch as needed, until the dough no longer sticks to hands.
- If the dough still seems sticky, let it sit for a few more minutes, then knead again.
Video
Notes
- Water – You can simply use warm or hot water straight for the sink for this recipe. The water does NOT need to be boiling.
- If Dough Is Still Sticky – Depending on the humidity where you live, it may be helpful to let the dough sit for longer than 15 minutes so more of the moisture is absorbed. I live in a very humid area, so I let my playdough sit out for a couple of hours while I ran some errands. It was the perfect texture when I returned! It’s also ok to add more cornstarch as needed to get the consistency you like.
- Storage – Wash hands before playing to help keep the dough clean. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. This homemade playdough can last for weeks! If it starts to look dirty or smell bad, it’s time to make a new batch.
Pin our No Cook Play Dough on Pinterest:
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