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!
"It worked perfectly!"
I sized down the recipe but it still worked perfectly! I'm making ornaments for my family with this and I'm waiting for them to bake now. Thank you so much!
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
Did you enjoy this salt dough activity? Then I think you'll also love making this oobleck recipe!
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 couple kid-sized rolling pins 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.
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.
READER TIP
Montessori Independent Work Recipe
I am a Montessori teacher and have adapted the recipe to make it an independent work for each child from start to finish. I thought I would share the ratios, if anyone is interested.
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup water
Thank you for sharing, Samantha!
Printable Recipe ↓
3-Ingredient Salt Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour
- 1 cup Morton plain salt
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add a little water at a time, mixing as you pour, to form a ball of dough. Using a dough whisk will make mixing easier for young children.
- Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes, until the dough has a smooth, firm Play-Doh like consistency. Additional water may be needed, depending upon humidity.
- Store the salt dough for future use in a Ziploc bag or airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
How To Air Dry Salt Dough
For best results, place pieces on a screen to allow both sides to dry out equally. Alternatively, you can turn them regularly while drying.Allow pieces to sit out at room temperature for least 48 hours, until they are rock hard and have a white, limestone-like appearance.How To Bake Salt Dough
Heat the oven to 250℉. Arrange the pieces on a oil-covered baking sheet.Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your crafts. For each ¼" in thickness, allow approximately a half hour of baking time. Bake the salt dough craft until the surface turns light golden brown.Turn each piece frequently while baking to help them dry out evenly. If an area puffs up, poke a hole in it with a pin or toothpick to release the air. Allow the pieces to cool thoroughly before handling.Recipe Notes
Tips & Suggestions
• Salt dough too dry? » Work in an additional teaspoon of water at a time, until it reaches the proper texture. • Salt dough too sticky? » Add more flour by the teaspoon and knead until it's no longer tacky. • For a gluten sensitivity » Make gluten-free salt dough by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. • Easy cleanup » Cover the play area with an inexpensive reusable vinyl tablecloth and/or work on a foil-covered cookie sheet. • To join two pieces of raw dough » Use a small brush to moisten both surfaces with water and press together. • If using a mold » Wipe inner surfaces with a light coat of cooking oil before pressing in the dough.Featured Products
More Fun Activities For Kids
If you enjoyed making this salt dough recipe, you'll love these other fun activities for kids:
- Easy 2-Ingredient Oobleck
- 4-Ingredient Glitter Slime
- DIY Easy Bake Oven Mixes
Did you make this recipe?
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 it out. Enjoy!
Leslie says
Hello, trying to find things to keep my kids busy during quarintine. Decided to make an easter tree. So kids made cut outs of easter eggs, we're baking them now and will paint them. So much fun.
Tara Kuczykowski says
I LOVE this, Leslie! So happy to help out in any way I can.
Lisa says
I am thinking of doing this with christmas tree cookie cutters for about 60 kids. Any idea how many batches I might need?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Lisa! It's going to depend on the size of the cookie cutters, but I'd think you should be able to get 10-12 cutouts per batch. I think I might make 7 batches just to be safe and account for any mishaps.
Desiree says
Hey guys?m! Do you have to bake the cookies ? Or can just be patient and let them dry out?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Denise! You can definitely let them dry out — just make sure to turn them every other day so they dry evenly. Just be aware that it can take quite a while if you live in a very humid area.
Angela says
Thanks for the wonderful recipe and inspiration. Can’t wait to make these for our preschool plastics free makers mart! Something to consider is if it’s necessary to suggest the plastic tablecloth. This type of disposable plastic can’t be recycled and is a huge problem for our oceans, animals and kids future. Here’s a link where kids/students can learn more about what helping with a little clean up can help prevent. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/
Thanks for the awesome post! A
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for the great information, Angela! An extra large baking sheet would work well for protecting tables for those looking to go plastic free.
nina says
hi! its unclear whether you mean 200 degrees farenheit or celsius. I'm assuming farenheit but i could be wrong.
though i understand why cooking time could vary quite a lot, what indicate that these are done? if we cant go by cooking time, and unlike a cake or loaves of bread we cant go on the browning of the crust. what would be the best way to tell when its done?
ive just popped some of these guys in the oven. the dough itself was straightforward and reliable. i ended up using a bit more flour to have the dough come together a bit better.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Good question, Nina! You're right to assume Farenheit — you're just trying to dry them out slowly. You'll know they're done when they don't have a wet look to them in the center anymore. I always flip them over and put them back in for a little while longer, because often the back side will still look wet in the center. Hope that helps!
Addelyn says
Amazing used it for a christmas presnt for my parents
Danielle says
Would my students be able to build snowmen using this?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Danielle! Yes, you could build snowmen with it. I'd recommend sticking cut drinking straw down the center to stabilize them while they're drying. Also, make sure the dough isn't overly wet to prevent sagging.
samantha says
I am a Montessori teacher and have adapted the recipe to make it an independent work for each child from start to finish. I thought I would share the ratios, if anyone is interested.
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup water
Tara Kuczykowski says
Wonderful — thank you so much for sharing, Samantha!
Monica says
@samantha, thanks! I was about to ask that question, the proportions for one kid
Lynn Ware says
Thanks for the recipe! I'm an elementary art teacher (268 students, 1st-6th grade). I don't usually take on 'big' projects, as I don't have an assistant, but I'd love to try and do this as a Christmas project. Do you know about how many ornaments one batch makes? thanks again!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Lynn! That IS a big project, but I was an arts & crafts camp counselor after high school, and I managed to pull it off for our Christmas In July project... What size ornaments are you thinking about making? For example, a handprint-style ornament is going to be larger and use more dough than a cookie-cutter cutout ornament.
Lynn Ware says
I'm thinking probably a cookie cutter size would be more ideal for us. But.... it may be easier doing the handprint so I wouldn't have any arguing about who has what cookie cutter! lol! I'm just kinda in limbo wondering what would be the more practical of the two! I only have 25 minute weekly classes & at least 5-7 minutes consists of instructions/cleanup so I need o make the best use of what little time I do have. Thank you so much!!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
You'll definitely be able to stretch the dough further with the cookie cutters. I'd say you could get around 5-6 handprint ornaments per batch, and at least double that with cookie cutters, depending on the size. When I made them at camp, we used the cookie cutter method, and I don't recall much arguing. I made the dough ahead of time, so I rolled it out and called them up in groups, which probably helped. If you're air drying them, allow plenty of time and flip them after a couple of days. It was a humid and rainy July that year, so I remember it taking FOREVER!
Ashley F says
The kids love making this with me! Such a fun activity.
Christina says
I'm making these as I'm typing this. I rolled it out on my counter and using cookie cutters I try to pick up the piece that I want and it just doesn't stay in the shape. Any suggestions I tired parchment paper didn't work. I rolled it out on the pan I'm using to bake them and I cut them out and took the extra stuff out and that was time consuming. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Christina! If you're using them to make cookie cut-out style ornaments, you'll want to treat the dough like you would for a pie or sugar cookies. Don't over-handle it, and it might even help to chill it slightly. Be sure to use extra flour on the counter when rolling them out, and you'll want to roll it out to 1/4" thickness or even slightly thicker. If the dough seems too sticky or flimsy, add more flour a little at a time until it holds its shape.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
My son definitely love this!
Ashley F says
This stuff is awesome! The kids love making their creations with this!
Kara says
Oh man, this brings back fond memories. My mom used to make salt dough and let us make our own Christmas ornaments. It was so much fun! I need to start the tradition with my daughter!
Tara Kuczykowski says
We always did the same! I remember my dad gave them a coat of varnish so we could reuse them every year.
Liz says
This is such a fun activity for the kids! I love how many different things you can make with it too!
Aimee Shugarman says
This is perfect timing! I am looking to make some homemade ornaments this year!