7-Ingredient Gluten-Free Play Dough
Who says you can't have fun with play dough just because you're gluten-free? Make this quick and easy 7-ingredient gluten-free play dough recipe for pennies and enjoy hours of imaginative fun!
Servings: 1 container
Equipment
- Rubber Spatula don't use a wooden spatula because the flour will stick to it
- Wax paper
- Containers or zip-top bags for storing the play dough
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour works great - see notes
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup salt
- 1 Tbsp cream of tarter
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp vegetable oil
- ¾ cup water
- food coloring gel works best - Optional
Instructions
- Before getting started, please note that I recommend making the play dough in batches so you can create a variety of colors. This recipe is for one batch, which will net one color play dough.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a saucepan and mix them together.
- Turn the heat to medium and stir in the oil using a rubber spatula.
- Combine the water and a few drops of the food coloring in a separate bowl. Stir, then add to the saucepan. (See notes)
- Constantly stir the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the play dough holds together well and has a smooth consistency.
- Remove from the heat and turn the dough onto wax paper to cool.
- Once the dough is cool to the touch, about 5-10 minutes, knead it for a few minutes, then allow it to fully cool before playing with it.
- Repeat the process to make another color dough. It will take 6-10 minutes for you to make each batch.
Notes
If the Dough Is Too Sticky: If the play dough is too sticky, try cooking it for a few minutes longer or kneading in extra cornstarch or flour. The dough will thicken as it cools.
If the Dough Is Too Wet: If the play dough is too dry, wet your hands and knead a small amount of water into it.
How to Store the Play Dough: Store the dough in zip-top bags or small plastic containers. I found little containers that work great for small amounts at Dollar Tree. The play dough will stay soft and malleable for at least a week but likely much longer.
Best Practices for Adding Food Coloring: You can make the playdough white and knead in the food coloring in small amounts, but I prefer to add it to the water so that it colors it all at once.
Flour: I found Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 GF flour works well, as does Trader Joe's gluten-free flour. It does not work well with King Arthur gluten-free flour. I have yet to test it with other flours.
Scents: Feel free to add a few drops of essential oils to the water mixture when preparing the dough. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for fall-scented fun!
Cornstarch: If you don't like cornstarch, use potato starch. The results may vary, so you may need to adjust measurements accordingly.