Homemade Jello Playdough Recipe
Playing play dough helps develop fine motor skills and creativity. The purpose of Jello playdough is to give a fun and sensory activity for children. The texture makes it more interesting to play with, as they can create different shapes and objects from the dough and enjoy the experience of touching, squeezing, and smelling the dough.
And the best part? It’s easy to make at home using simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Playdough crafts are fun for kids! Let’s grab some Jello powder and get ready to enjoy a fun and fluffy afternoon!
Here’s what we’ll need for a simple homemade Jello play dough recipe:
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Table of Contents
What ingredients are needed to make Jello Playdough?
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 cup flour
¼ cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 (3-ounce) package of Jello powder gelatin mix
NOTE: These are the ingredients for ONE batch of playdough. To make additional playdough, repeat the recipe for each color.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cream of tartar, and Jello powder until they are well combined.
Then pour the boiling water and vegetable oil into the mixture. Place the pot over medium heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly.
After that, let the dough cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle.
While the dough is still warm but cool to the touch, knead the dough until the mixture comes together smoothly and forms a dough, about 2 minutes.
Continue kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.
When the dough comes together as a ball and the liquid has been absorbed, transfer the dough to waxed, freezer, or parchment paper.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or at room temperature for 3 days.
Can you use Jello Powder in Playdough?
Yes, you can! This gives life to the dough by adding color and scent to it, making it more appealing to kids. Note that the scent may disappear over time, so the play dough may need to be refreshed with more Jello powder to maintain the scent.
What to do if your Jello Playdough is too sticky?
Add Flour or Cornstarch
One of the simplest ways to make your playdough less sticky is by adding flour or cornstarch. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch, kneading it into the dough, and then adding more as needed until you reach your desired consistency. The key here is to add small amounts at a time and knead the dough after each addition so that it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
Add More Gelatin Powder
Another option for fixing your too-sticky Jello playdough is to add more gelatin powder. Start with ½ teaspoon of gelatin powder and work up from there until you reach your desired consistency. This method works best if you’re planning on making multiple batches of playdough in one sitting, as it allows you to easily adjust the recipe as needed without having to start over from scratch every time.
Add Oil
If neither of the above options is working for you, try adding a few drops of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil will do). Just remember that a little bit goes a long way here; start with 1 teaspoon of oil and work up from there as needed until your dough reaches its ideal level of stickiness. Keep in mind that this method may give your playdough an oily texture and smell, so consider using it sparingly or opting for one of the other methods instead if that’s an issue for you.
Does Cream of Tartar make Playdough less Sticky?
Yes, because it’s acidic, cream of tartar can help reduce the stickiness in playdough by breaking down the starch in flour-based recipes.
Most recipes call for one teaspoon per cup of flour used in the recipe. Mixing the cream of tartar into the water before adding it to the dry ingredients will help ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Adding more than one teaspoon will increase its effectiveness but could also make your playdough harder to work with so start with a small amount and adjust as necessary.
You may also find that adding oil or cornstarch can help reduce stickiness as well so experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for you.
What does Baking Soda do to Playdough?
Baking soda changes the texture of homemade playdough in a few ways. First, it helps keep it softer for longer so it won’t dry out as quickly. Second, it has a reaction with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice which give the dough its color – so if you add some food coloring you can get some really vibrant shades. And last, because you’re adding an extra ingredient, it makes your finished product more durable so your kids can have more fun playing with their creation
More Play Dough Recipes to Try
16 Playdoh Mats Printable Shapes for Preschoolers
How to Make a Playdough Volcano
Edible Playdoh (Disney Mickey Mouse Themed)
How to Make Playdough from Crayons
Camping Playdough Mats for Preschoolers
Playdoh Mat Fun For Preschoolers (Free Printnable Playdough Mat)
Jello Play-Doh is an activity for all ages. This is a way to engage a child’s senses and encourage imaginative play. Additionally, it’s also a great opportunity to have some fun bonding between family and friends.
