My kids love making playdough at home. This no cook lemon playdough smells so fresh and turned out fantastic.
Real lemon juice gives it a bright scent, and a little pink lemonade mix adds color if you like.
How to Make No Cook Lemon Playdough
Playdough Visual Recipe
Get the printable2 cups flour, plus extra
⅓ cup salt
1 to 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup very hot water
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Pink lemonade drink mix (optional)
Heat the water
Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave, or use very hot tap water.
Juice the lemons
Juice the lemons into a large bowl. Add zest for extra scent.
Add the wet and salty ingredients
Stir in the hot water, salt, cream of tartar, oil and lemonade mix.
Add the flour
Stir in 2 cups of flour. If it’s still sticky, add ⅓ cup more at a time.
Knead
Knead until soft and smooth once it’s cool enough to handle.
Safety note
An adult should handle the hot water. Lemon juice can sting cuts on little hands, and this salty dough isn’t food.
Lemon Playdough Tips
- Make lemon cups: Scoop out the squeezed peels for a pretend lemonade stand.
- Boost the scent with lemon zest or pink lemonade mix.
- Too sticky? Knead in a little more flour.
- Store it in an airtight bag or container.
More playdough recipes
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Make every batch a learning batch with our play dough task cards.
The visual recipe includes
- Picture-based ingredient list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Speech, OT and life skills
- Special education
- Ages 3 and up
Lemon Playdough FAQ
Mix lemon juice with hot water, salt, cream of tartar and oil, then stir in about 2 cups of flour.
No. Very hot water does the work.
Add a scent like lemon juice, extract or drink mix to a no cook dough.
A few weeks in an airtight container.
More Playdough Recipes
See all →
From families like yours
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