Homemade gluten-free playdough is an ideal sensory activity for children — all the fun and none of the gluten.
Gluten Free Playdough
My child has always loved playdough. When she was little she enjoyed the simple sensory experience of squishing and crumbling it; now she’s getting better at shaping and using her playdough toys. Playdough supports fine and gross motor development, creativity, and focus, but for families affected by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, traditional recipes are a concern — playdough ends up everywhere and little hands often taste or transfer it.
Problem Solved
When I taught school I always made my own playdough — it’s inexpensive and easy to customize. Store-bought gluten-free playdough exists, but it can be costly. I adapted my long-used homemade recipe using gluten-free flour and was pleasantly surprised at the results: the dough had a great texture, molded well, and cost far less than premade alternatives.
I had tried a cornstarch-only version in the past and it didn’t turn out, so this flour-based approach is a much more reliable option. Below are a few helpful notes based on my experience and then the full recipe so you can make your own safe playdough at home.
Notes
- I used Trader Joe’s gluten-free flour; it’s a budget-friendly choice that worked well for this recipe.
- Use finely ground, inexpensive salt (the kind in a round cardboard container). Coarser salt can affect the texture.
- Add food coloring to the water before combining with dry ingredients — it mixes more evenly that way and is easier to knead in.
- Small plastic containers from dollar stores are perfect for storing individual colors of playdough.
I hope you enjoy making this gluten-free playdough. If you have other gluten-free playdough ideas or tweaks, feel free to try them and see what works best for your child.
Gluten Free Playdough
Ingredients
-
1
cup
gluten free flour
I use Trader Joe’s -
1/2
cup
salt
the cheap fine kind -
1
Tablespoon
cream of tartar -
1
Tablespoon
vegetable oil -
1
cup
water - food coloring
Instructions
-
Combine the gluten-free flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan.
-
Turn the heat to medium.
-
Mix the water with the food coloring, then add the colored water, vegetable oil, and stir into the dry ingredients.
-
Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and forms a dough, about 2–3 minutes.
-
Turn the dough out onto wax paper.
-
Let it cool for a few minutes, then knead until smooth. Store in airtight containers when completely cooled.