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So I’m just going to come right out and let you all know what my motivation was behind this little mother/daughter activity: I LOATHE the smell of the store bought play-doh. Not only does the smell seem to fill the entire house, but it seems to stay on your hands too. It just really makes me cringe.

So when I saw on Pinterest that there were a few options for homemade play-doh using Kool-Aid and other cooking products, I was sold!

Emmy and I ended up making 4 batches on Thursday in less than half an hour! It was so quick and easy! Plus, they SMELL GOOD! whatever the Kool-Aid flavor used to color them, that’s exactly how it smells (current favorite: strawberry lemonade!)

UPDATE October 2020: We have found a new edible play dough recipe we love and its only TWO ingredients: Store bought icing and corn starch! No boiling needed! Here’s the full recipe.

Here’s what you will need:

  • Various Koolaid packets for coloring and flavor
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 1/8 cup sugar

Instructions

  • Mix all dry ingredients and oil into bowl
  • Once water has come to a boil, add to bowl
  • Using a wooden spoon, blend the ingredients as best you can. It will start to clump together in small little balls.
  • Once you feel the ingredients are somewhat mixed together, begin kneading the mixture with your hands to
  • If the mixture is sticky, add a pinch of flour.
  • Continue to knead until it is well mixed! Be sure to really look for any pockets of Kool-Aid- as these maystain it not mixed in well!

A few important notes:

When I note that this is an edible play dough, I mean in the sense that if your kid takes a little nibble, it’s ok. Please do not present this as a snack or encourage them to eat it!

Be sure the dough is completely cooled off from the boiling water before giving it to your kiddo.

You can store your play dough in a Tupperware container to keep it soft!

When it comes to picking your colors, I’d like to point out that purple flavors (grape was the one we tried!) don’t really come out purple if you put the whole packet. It comes out very dark and almost brown looking. Try mixing in just half the packet for a lighter color!

Please help me share this fun toddler craft by pinning and sharing with your fellow mamas!

cake dough