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!
Susan says
What type of varnish?
Tara Kuczykowski says
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 says
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 says
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!
joy says
@Nancy,
We painted them with water colors since that is all that I had at the time. My son was 2. That was 44 yrs ago. I stored them in a shoe box in a plastic tote in the basement without any problems and they have remained nice all these years. We never varnished them or sealed them either.
Kind of amazing!
Emma says
How long would it take to let the salt dough dry out naturally
Tara Kuczykowski says
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.
Andrea says
Is it easy to sculpt?
irene krueger says
how much does this make
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi, Irene! This recipe makes approximately 2.5 cups of salt dough.
Lucy Armstead says
@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 says
Yes, they are so pretty! We didn't get around to making some this year, but I've definitely got it on my to do list for next year.
irene krueger says
good
Natalie says
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 says
Sounds adorable!!
Catherine says
I am making relief maps with 14 6th graders. Our map is a little larger than an adult fist. Any idea on number of batches?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Catherine! The recipe makes about 2.5 cups of dough. I'm estimating you'd need approximately 1.5 cups per student, so I'd say about 9 batches would work with room for error. Hope that helps!
Elyssa says
it was to sticky after i added more flour.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Elyssa! It sounds like you just need to continue to add more flour while kneading it until it reaches the proper consistency. It can vary depending on the moisture content of your flour and how arid or humid the climate you live in is.
Denise says
I can’t wait to use ur recipe for our gingerbread unit! Great for ornaments for our 3 yo kiddos!! Thank w!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Have fun making some great memories, Denise!
Toni Rickborn says
Can you add food coloring to the mix?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Toni! Yes, you can definitely add food coloring to the mix — either add it to the water (less messy) or work it in after.
Hannah D says
How long does salt dough last after being baked? I am looking to turn it into cookie stamps for a Christmas gift, and I am wondering if it will be safe.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Hannah! As long as you prevent it from getting damp, it should last pretty much indefinitely. When I was little, we rolled it out and used cookie cutters to make Christmas ornaments. My parents put a coat of clear varnish on them, and we used them every year for many years!
Philippa Clarke says
This was brilliant! Our daughter wanted to make a nest for her pterodactyl toy so we made 1/4 of the amount, kneaded in some moss and grass, formed it into a nest shape and baked it gently for about 20 mins. So much fun!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I love this so much! So happy that my recipe could help you make such wonderful memories with your daughter.
Jinal says
Can salt dough keepsake be stored widoud baking it... How to dry them widoud oven or microwave
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Jinal — yes, you can definitely air dry them! It can take several days or up to a week or so to fully dry, though, depending on the humidity. I recommend turning them over about once a day to allow them to dry evenly. I do not recommend trying to dry anything created with salt dough in the microwave.
Jinal says
Ohhkk... Thanks a lot for your reply... Wl wl surely try it
Rea says
This is sooo cool! Love this. Makes great mothers day gifts!!!