Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

Jello Playdough Recipe

Homemade playdough is really easy to make and this fruity-scented jello playdough is an awesome way to start playtime with your kiddos. Tickle the senses with a fun and easy homemade playdough recipe. Can you eat jello playdough? No, not recommended for eating but it sure does smell lovely! Check out how to make jello playdough with cream of tartar below and follow our easy activity suggestions.

HOW TO MAKE JELLO PLAYDOUGH FOR KIDS

JELLO PLAYDOUGH

Playdough is an excellent addition to your preschool activities! Even create a busy box from a ball of homemade Jello playdough, a small rolling pin, and cookie cutters.

Kids can explore shapes and fruit themes creatively with our homemade playdough. See below for playdough activity ideas and a free printable playdough mat.

THINGS TO DO WITH JELLO PLAYDOUGH

Check out more fun playdough activities sprinkled below to encourage hands-on learning, fine motor skills, and math!

MAKE PLAYDOUGH FRUIT

  1. Roll out your playdough with a mini roller or flatten with the palm of your hand.
  2. Use a fruit-shaped cookie cutter to cut out apple shapes from the playdough.
  3. Use circle cookie cutters as an alternative to create your own fruits such as orange or lemon slices! How about a pair of cherries?
  4. Use a play knife to add details such as fruit segments!

MATH ACTIVITIES WITH PLAYDOUGH

  • Turn it into a counting activity and add dice! Roll balls of playdough and count them.
  • Make it a game and be the first one to get to 20 wins!
  • Add number playdough stamps.
  • Add a playdough mat or two!

—>>> FREE Rainbow Playdough Mat

JELLO PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

This is a cooked playdough recipe. Go here for our favorite no cook playdough recipe.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 Tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Food coloring
  • 1 packet of Jello (per batch)

HOW TO MAKE PLAYDOUGH WITH JELLO

STEP 1:   Add the flour, salt, and cream of tartar, and one Jello packet to a medium mixing bowl and mix well.  Set aside.

STEP 2:  Add the water and vegetable oil to a medium saucepan. Heat until boiling and then remove from the stovetop. You can also add additional food coloring as desired.

STEP 3:  Add the flour mixture to the hot water and stir continuously until a stiff ball of dough forms. Remove the dough from the pan and place it on your work center. Allow the playdough mixture to cool for 5 minutes.

STEP 4: Knead the dough until it is soft and pliable (about 3-4 minutes). 

HOW LONG DOES JELLO PLAYDOUGH LAST

Keep your playdough stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Resealable plastic containers work well and are easy for little hands to open. You can also use zip-top bags.

TIP: Wash hands before using playdough to keep it as clean as possible and it will last longer!

ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Make Jello Slime

—>>>FREE Rainbow Playdough Mat

MORE FUN HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH RECIPES

MAKE HOMEMADE JELLO PLAYDOUGH TODAY!

Looking for more unique ways to engage the senses? Check out more fun sensory play recipes for kids!

Jello Playdough

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cream of tartar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 packet JELLO gelatin

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium pot, whisking until blended.

  2. Place the pot over medium heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly.

  3. When the dough comes together as a ball and the liquid has absorbed, transfer the dough to waxed, freezer, or parchment paper.

  4. While the dough is still warm but cool to touch, knead the dough until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or at room temperature for 3 days.