Gluten Free Playdough with Natural Dyes

Aiden requested a new batch of playdough. I had some instant corn masa flour on hand and I wanted to see how it would do as a playdough. I also decided to experiment with spices and create some natural dyes perfect for fall. We are pleased with our gluten free playdough recipe with natural dyes. Try it out and let me know what you think.

Gluten Free Playdough with Natural Dyes

Masa flour is a bit courser than wheat flour, so added some cornstarch to help make the playdough softer. Cornstarch makes a lovely soft playdough. We found this out when we made cornstarch and glue playdough. {The glue makes it extra stretchy.}

Here’s how you can make your own gluten free playdough.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup instant corn masa flour {I used Maseca brand}
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil {I used canola oil}
• 3/4 cup just boiling water
• food coloring or spices for natural dyes {see below}

Instructions:

1. Mix together the masa flour, cornstarch, salt, cream of tartar and cooking oil in a bowl.
2. Heat up some water until it just boils. I use a tea kettle and wait until it whistles.
3. Add the hot water to the bowl and stir. {Now is the time to make your natural dye.}
4. After a few seconds, it should be cool enough to touch. Knead the dough for a minute or two until it comes together nicely.

For my first batch, I thought I added too much water. I kneaded the dough a bit longer and it was perfect. If the dough seems too dry, add a touch more water. If the dough is really too wet, add just a small amount of masa flour and/or cornstarch. {Be careful not to over add the flour though.} This dough is a bit more oily than normal playdough, but it was still lovely to play with. Suggestions for improvement?

How to Make a Natural Dye for Playdough with Spices

I have always wanted to try dyeing with spices. What better time than fall since many spices are lovely shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. This natural dye is super easy to make and smells yummy.

Yellow playdough – add 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric to your 3/4 cup of just boiling water. Then, add the colored water to the rest of your playdough. {Add colored water in place of plain hot water.}

Orange playdough – add 1 teaspoon of paprika {maybe more to get a darker color} to your 3/4 cup of just boiling water. Then, add the colored water to the rest of your playdough. {Add colored water in place of plain hot water.}

Brown playdough – add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to your 3/4 cup of just boiling water. Then, add the colored water to the rest of your playdough. {Add colored water in place of plain hot water.}

I didn’t have a lot of paprika left so I just tried a small amount. If you use more, you’ll probably get a darker hue of orange or red. I did have a lot of cinnamon. I wanted to make sure the brown playdough was dark enough, so I added a whole tablespoon of cinnamon. Next time I might even add more to see if I can get it darker.

I’m not sure if these spices stain clothes or surfaces, but I’m guessing they will. Wear play clothes and take precautions.

What other natural dyes have you used?

More Ways to Play with Playdough

• Cornstarch and glue playdough
• Green Eggs and Ham pretend play with playdough
• Truffula tree math games inspired by The Lorax
• Glow in the dark painted cornstarch clay

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