This recipe is for Habitot Art Studio’s classic, super squishy playdough! The secret ingredient here is gelatin powder. Without gelatin powder the playdough will still be squishy, but it might begin to crumble and dry more quickly.
This recipe requires the use of a stove – ADULT SUPERVISION AND PARTICIPATION IS NECESSARY. While this recipe is non-toxic, please supervise children during play so no playdough is consumed.
***ADULT PARTICIPATION REQUIRED WHILE STOVE IS IN USE***
1. In a small pot, mix together water and food coloring (or watercolor paint). Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.
2. Pour in half of a bag of unflavored gelatin powder to the colored water and stir until it dissolves.
4. Add in the cooking oil to the pot. Continue heating the liquid mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid begins to simmer. (You don’t want a rolling boil.)
5. While the liquid is heating on the stove, mix together flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
6. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and stir the mixture continuously.
7. Once the mixture starts to clump (it could take anywhere from 3-10 minutes, depending on the type of stove-top), turn the heat down to low.
8. Keep stirring (about 1-3 minutes longer) until the mixture forms into a ball. Make sure the bottom doesn’t burn!
9. Turn the stove off. Use a spoon or a spatula to transfer the ball of playdough onto another surface (such as a baking sheet or a pizza pan).
***CAREFUL, DOUGH WILL BE HOT!***
10. Use a spoon or a spatula to spread the playdough out on the surface. Let it sit/cool for about 2 mins.
11. After it’s cooled, knead the playdough with your hands for about 1 minute.
12. You’re ready to start exploring and playing together!
Store the playdough in a ziplock bag. (Make sure to squeeze all the air out before sealing!). If the playdough is kept in an airtight container and refrigerated, it can be usable for up to a month.
