When I first started making playdough for my kids (because we all know that homemade playdough is so much better than store bought!), my arm would get sore from all that stirring on the stovetop. Things have come a long way since then. I now make most of my playdough using my KitchenAid mixer, so no more sore arms. But I recently discovered microwave playdough. This could be a game changer. 
This quick and easy taste safe microwave playdough recipe includes a variation in case you want to make it without cream of tartar. With all the buzz about the new Frozen movie, we’ve been on a bit of an Elsa kick when it comes to our sensory play like our Frozen Inspired Elsa Slime or our cool Frozen Inspired Sensory Bin.
Homemade Microwave Playdough Recipe:
Microwave Playdough Ingredients:
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- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 tsp. oil
- 2 tsp. cream of tarter OR 4 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- blue food colouring
- assorted winter sprinkles
This Frozen Inspired Elsa Playdough recipe can be doubled if you’re making this for preschool, a classroom, or a large group. 
Directions:
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- Start by adding your flour, salt, oil, cream of tarter OR lemon juice, and water to a large, microwave safe mixing bowl.
- Stir until it is well combined.
- Microwave for one minute and stir really well.
- Repeat two more times, microwaving one minute each time.
- Allow to cool.
- Add in food colouring until you get your desired colour. Knead dough well.
- Add in the edible sprinkles. Knead again.
- Let the kids play!
When you’re not playing with this dough, be sure to store it in an airtight container.
If you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve included a microwave playdough video below.
Note: Even though this recipe is taste safe, it is not safe for children to consume large quantities of salt at one time. Adult supervision is required.
Sensory Play and Learning Opportunities:
Have your child help with the stirring and kneading when making the playdough. This provides visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory feedback.
Stretching and rolling and squeezing and squishing and pinching and pressing all are great sensory play actions. 
Playing with playdough engages not only your child’s senses, but also their imagination. This type of preschool play is also good for developing fine motor skills and coordination.
Are you looking for other easy sensory play recipes? Join us for a free five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.
