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Presented by Pauline Williams, USU Extension AgentPlay dough is a homemade toy that teaches. Play dough helps toddlers and young children use hands and fingers by patting, squeezing, and rolling while learning to mold different shapes. Add cookie cutters, a dull knife, and rolling pin to encourage your child’s creativity.
Play Dough
2 cups flour
2 tsp. cream of tarter or alum
1 cup salt
2 cups water
2 tsp. cooking oil
Food Coloring
In a medium saucepan mix flour, cream of tarter, and salt. Add water, oil, and food coloring. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball – about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and knead about 10 times until the dough is smooth. Store play dough in an airtight plastic bag or other airtight container. Play dough will stay soft for about 3-4 weeks when stored in airtight containers.
Tip: for a bright color add a packet or two of drink mix (i.e. Kool-Aid) to the flour mixture.
