With only flour, salt, and cream of tartar, you can make this easy slow cooker playdough for your kids to enjoy.

To make playdough in your slow cooker or crockpot, combine the dry and wet ingredients, cook on high for 45-60 minutes, and stir frequently to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.

Kids love creating shapes and playing with colorful dough, and this homemade version is both fun and safe. My neighbor kids always have a blast making and molding different shapes with this playdough.

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Can I use the playdough immediately after making it?

Yes, you can use the playdough immediately after making it, but allow it to cool slightly for safety. Knead the dough while it is still warm to ensure smoothness and uniform texture. Cooling for a few minutes will make it easier to handle and shape.

Slow Cooker Playdough Ingredients

• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 4 tbsp of cream of tartar
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tbsp of oil
• 1-2 tsp of food coloring

How To Make Slow Cooker Playdough

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 4 tbsp of cream of tartar in a bowl.
2. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of water, 2 tbsp of oil, and 1-2 tsp of food coloring (adjust the amount of food coloring based on desired intensity).
3. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Pour the dry ingredients into the slow cooker bowl. Add the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Cook the dough: Place a tea towel under the lid of the slow cooker to absorb excess moisture. Cook on HIGH for 45-60 minutes. Stir often for the first 30 minutes, then stir once or twice for the remaining cooking time.
5. Check for doneness: The dough is done when it forms and no longer sticks to the sides of the slow cooker. To test, take a small amount of dough, form it into a ball, and cool it in the freezer for a few minutes. If it doesn’t stick to your fingers when handled, it’s ready. Return the test ball to the mix.
6. Knead and cool the dough: Remove the complete mix from the slow cooker and knead it until smooth. Place the dough in a container to cool.
7. Store the playdough: Once cool, store the playdough in an airtight plastic container in the fridge. This recipe makes approximately 1 kg of playdough.

How do I clean the slow cooker after making playdough?

To clean the slow cooker after making playdough, remove any remaining dough and rinse with warm water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the inside. If any dough sticks to the sides, soak the slow cooker with warm soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: To ensure the best texture and color, use fresh flour, cream of tartar, and food coloring. High-quality ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the playdough’s final result and longevity.
• Stir frequently during cooking: For the first 30 minutes of cooking, stir the playdough mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the sides and ensure even cooking. This helps achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
• Check doneness with a small test ball: To determine if the playdough is ready, take a small amount, form it into a ball, and cool it in the freezer for a few minutes. If it doesn’t stick to your fingers, it’s done.
• Store properly to maintain freshness: After making the playdough, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it soft and pliable. Proper storage can extend the playdough’s usability for several weeks.
• Adjust color intensity as desired: Add more or less food coloring depending on your preference for the playdough’s color intensity. You can mix different colors to create unique shades and make the playtime more fun for kids.

Recipe Variations

• Add essential oils for scent: To make the playdough smell pleasant, add a few drops of child-safe essential oils like lavender or lemon. This can enhance the sensory experience for children while they play with the dough.
• Incorporate glitter for sparkle: For an extra fun twist, mix in some non-toxic glitter into the playdough. Adding glitter can make the playdough more visually appealing and exciting for kids during their crafting sessions.
• Experiment with natural dyes: Use natural food colorings like beet juice, spinach powder, or turmeric to create different colors. Natural dyes can provide a healthier alternative to synthetic food coloring while adding unique hues.
• Mix in textured elements: Incorporate items like small beads or rice for a sensory playdough experience. Adding textured elements can provide an interesting tactile sensation and keep kids engaged for longer periods.

How To Store Leftover Playdough

In The Fridge: Place the leftover playdough in an airtight plastic container to keep it fresh. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent drying. Store the container in the refrigerator, and check the playdough periodically for any changes in texture or moisture.

In The Freezer: It is not recommended to store playdough in the freezer because freezing can alter its texture and make it unusable. The playdough may become too hard and difficult to work with once thawed, losing its original pliability and softness.

How To Reheat Leftover Playdough

Reheat your leftover playdough by placing it in the microwave for short intervals of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently. If the playdough feels too dry, add a few drops of water and knead it thoroughly to restore its softness and pliability.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• 3 Ingredient Pork Roast Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Marshmallow Fudge
• Slow Cooker Chicken Boscaiola