Fruit Scented Play Dough Gluten Free

August 16, 2009 by Jean Layton

For all those people wondering if their child should use conventional Play Dough once they are diagnosed gluten-free, the answer is NO.

After all, haven’t we all pulled something out of our child’s mouth, typically minutes after telling them to not eat it? With conventional Play dough, that simple act will mean that your child just got a big dose of gluten.

So to keep the peace, and for your child to not feel left out, here is a simple recipe for fruit scented playdough.

Fruit Scented Play Dough Gluten Free

By Dr. Jean Layton,
2009-08-16
Using simple ingredients common in many gluten free households, we create a pliable and smooth tactile toy that won't make your gluten-free child sick. You will need to go purchase some unsweetened Kool Aid mix. Don't get color changing ones, they are just weird.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cup play dough
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 c boiling water
• 3/4 cup white rice flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 1-2 pkg Koolaid (unsweetened)- Vary the color choices for multiple colors of dough.  Don’t use the ones that change color. For a good yellow, you will need 2-3 packets of koolaid.

Instructions:
Boil the water in a pan with the salt and oil.
Add the koolaid color of your choice now. It will dissolve and make the color more vibrant without creating blotches like we did when we added it after adding the flour. 

Don't do this, add the Koolaid to the water and oil . 

Stir in the flours all at once and allow it to cook for 30 seconds or so, stirring the entire time.
Take it off of the heat, allow to cool.
Then knead the play dough till it is pliable and smooth.
Be careful with the kneading, some of the color might come off onto your hands.  I found that oiling my hands before touching the dough prevented most of the color sticking.

Make another batch for each color desired.

Because of the citric acid in the KoolAid and the salt in the recipe, this dough, if kept in a covered plastic container, lasts for months.

With thanks to my young hand models- Fiona, Katie and Madelaine.