The Most Epic Play Dough Ever

Plus it’s all natural and chemical free!

Fun and easy to make

Let’s face it! Kids love to squeeze, squish, roll, smush, pull apart, cut, press, and stretch that blob of goodness! It really is fun stuff, and the kids love making a mess...I mean “playing” with it for hours.

I may or may not secretly love making play dough with the kiddos so I can play with it, too. Haha!

We started making our own play dough a few years ago, and I’m so glad we did. After trying different recipes, I decided to concoct up my very own recipe because who knew my kids had very high play dough standards. I felt like I was on ”Hell’s Kitchen” waiting for my children to give me the verdict. Then it happened, I made “the most epic & bestest dough for kids ever” my kids muttered. In that very moment, I felt like a goddess of squishy goodness. In addition to making the most “epic” recipe ever, there is no greater comfort in knowing the ingredients of a product that are normally chock full of chemicals.

Just a few simple ingredients, that’s it!

With the intent to make some of my own natural colorants, I dehydrated a bunch of organic beets from our garden this past summer. It has been wonderful for pink icing, and of course this magical dough for kids. A tea infuser makes soaking the dried beets a breeze (see picture below).

Infusing dried beets in a cup of warm water

If you do not have dehydrated beets, no need to fret! An easy substitute is beet juice. Open a can of beets, drain the juice into a measuring cup and add water till you have 1 cup. You can also use any natural food safe colors, as well. Get creative and have fun mixing colors!

Soaked for 10 minutes

I usually let the kids decide on the scent they would like. We always use essential oils, but it is best to be sure and use oils that are 100% safe for children. We like the “kids safe” line at Plant Therapy.

Let the creativity begin

Materials:

• A freestanding mixer or blender

• Tea infuser

• Liquid measuring cup

• Dry measuring cups/spoons

• Air tight container

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 1 cup water

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp chopped or powdered dried beets (or replace water with 1 cup of beet juice)

• 5-10 drops of kid safe essential oils

Directions:

1. Measure out 1 cup of warm water and let dried beets steep until the water has turned a deep red, about 5-10 minutes. I use a tea infuser for easy cleanup!

2. Add all ingredients into a blender or freestanding mixer, and blend until well incorporated.

3. Check the consistency and make sure it’s what you like (every kid has a preference). If it is too sticky, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of olive oil till you find your happy squishiness.

4. To store, place in an airtight container. The vinegar helps prevent bacteria growth and can be used for a few months. Discard and make new if you see any mold! If it’s a little dry when you get it back out, add a tiny bit of water.

I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!