This simple and easy salt dough recipe is the perfect rainy day activity… Kids will master valuable kitchen skills while learning how to make salt dough, and then spend hours playing with it!
Salt Dough Recipe for Kids
We encourage our kids to get outside and play as much as possible during the summer, but inevitably there’s going to be those rainy days when outside play isn’t an option — like today…
Rather than turning to video games and television for entertainment though, I gathered up my younger three children for a quick kitchen lesson on how to make salt dough. And it actually turned out to be loads of fun AND educational! #momwin
Learning How To Make Salt Dough
While my kids think making and playing with this salt dough recipe is all fun and games, they’re actually learning a whole slew of valuable skills — like brushing up on their math, how to measure solids and liquids, and what happens when you mix certain ingredients. Just to name a few!
And with only three ingredients — flour, salt, and water — this simple salt dough recipe is the perfect intro to kitchen basics. Luckily, I picked up some inexpensive fresh flour and salt at the grocery store earlier this week in anticipation of a rainy day!
I gave Camden the job of measuring out the flour, showing her how to level it off for a consistent measurement.
Addie measured the salt, again leveling it off using a butter knife.
And I helped Drew measure the water, showing them all how the liquid should be level with the lines on our Pyrex measuring cup.
Then they all took turns mixing the salt dough, and I gave a quick demonstration on how to knead dough. You know they were getting quite antsy to start playing by this point!
They had a blast playing with their salt dough. I gave them a kid-sized rolling pin and some cookie cutters to use. This kept them busy ALL afternoon! These plastic clay tools are super inexpensive and would be fun to play with, as well.

3-Ingredient Salt Dough Recipe
This 3-ingredient simple and easy salt dough recipe is the perfect rainy day activity… Kids will master valuable kitchen skills while learning how to make salt dough, and then spend hours playing with it!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour*
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add water while stirring and mixing to form a dough with a Play-Doh like consistency.
- Form the dough into a ball and knead for approximately 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more water if it’s too dry.
Notes
I recommend covering your work/play area with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth to make cleanup easier!
How Long To Bake Salt Dough
If you want to bake your salt dough crafts, place them on a baking sheet in a 150-degree oven. Turn them frequently so that they dry out evenly. Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your crafts, so just keep a close eye on them.
*Gluten-Free Salt Dough
If you or your child has a gluten sensitivity, substituting your favorite gluten-free flour one for one will work well in this recipe.
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No Bake Salt Dough Recipe
You can store salt dough in an airtight container for future use. Or you can let your creations dry and paint them with acrylic paints.
If you do want to speed up the drying process by baking them, just place your salt dough crafts on a baking sheet and pop them into a 200-degree oven. Baking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your crafts, so just keep a close eye on them.
I’d love to see how your salt dough crafts turn out… Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check them out. Enjoy!
Susan
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
What type of varnish?
Tara Kuczykowski
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
Oh goodness, this was so many years ago... Pretty sure my parents just used some leftover clear varnish from another project. I think an oil-based spray varnish, like this Varathane would work well. The one I linked is a satin finish, but it also comes in a gloss finish.
Nancy
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
I was looking for a simple salt clay recipe, as I had forgotten how to make it. This recipe is spot-on, right on the money. Easy enough for adults to make! Years ago I made salt clay Christmas ornaments with my Mom and brother, and we had so much fun doing it, made them like cookies, they lasted for years. We stored them wrapped up to protect them. One thing that I would mention is that if you are going to save them, in order to do so, I would very strongly advise you to coat each piece with a sealant like those used for acrylic paints. I had some in storage in Honolulu, and when I checked them, they had been chewed on by insects. So if you want to save them, use a sealant! The ones used on acrylic paints are easier to use, and kids could do the painting under adult supervision, of course. I give this recipe a five star rating! You can teach baking by baking your ornaments too. :)
Tara Kuczykowski
Thursday 4th of November 2021
Oh, I love hearing these stories! We made Christmas ornaments with it too when I was little, and if I recall correctly, my dad sealed them with varnish. Unfortunately, we lost them several years later when our basement flooded. My kids are older now, but I think this would be a fun project for us to do together this year!
Emma
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
How long would it take to let the salt dough dry out naturally
Tara Kuczykowski
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Hi Emma! It's going to vary a bit based on how thick your project is and how humid your climate is. For something that's relatively thin, it shouldn't take more than a day or so. I always like to flip them so they can dry evenly and not warp.
irene krueger
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
how much does this make
Lucy Armstead
Friday 18th of February 2022
@Tara Kuczykowski, Tara, I love salt dough ornaments. Some of my co-workers years ago gave them as gifts. I think I will try making them for next xmas!
Tara Kuczykowski
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
Hi, Irene! This recipe makes approximately 2.5 cups of salt dough.
Natalie
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
My teen daughter made a ghost shaped trinket plate, and for the black eyes and mouth, she added activated charcoal powder to turn it black. So excited to see it baked!
Tara Kuczykowski
Wednesday 3rd of March 2021
Sounds adorable!!