This is a simple Jello Playdough recipe that the kids can make! It smells great thanks to the Jello and is fun for kids of all ages!
I have a confession to make to you. I cannot stand play doh. Mostly because of the smell.
We’ve been talking about making our own play dough for a very long time now. We spent most of our winter break inside due to some very rainy days and we got very bored. My kids love brand new playdough containers, but it’s so much more cost effective to make your own versus buying regular play dough.
So, no time like the present to try our hand at making some this easy homemade playdough recipe.
It couldn’t have been any easier! The jello makes it smell so good as an added bonus and because we are using the jello powder, there is no need to use food coloring. This quickly has become our favorite recipe!
I’ve seen all different types of homemade play dough over the years used as party favors in mason jars or little single serving cups.
There are so many different ways to make playdough. A lot of play dough recipes use either using cream of tartar or are a cooked playdough recipe. This recipe involves neither, making it super kid friendly and easy for little fingers to even make on their own with adult supervision.
How to Make Jello Playdough
You will need:
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/4 cup salt
- jello packet of your choice
- vegetable oil
- hot water
In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients of flour and salt.
Mix in jello, hot water and oil
Mix it all together!
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
If your Jello Playdough is too sticky, add in a little flour as needed, so be sure to have extra flour on hand. Knead your homemade play dough recipe with dry hands on parchment paper, wax paper or on a cutting board.
To store your playdough: Be sure to store your homemade jello playdough in an airtight container. The kids can roll out their jello dough on a silpat mat using a rolling pin and then use cookie cutters to have so much fun!
Note: I don’t think this is an edible playdough recipe. Even though we are using edible ingredients, it’s not cooked.
You can make a whole rainbow of homemade playdough! Use red for valentine’s day, add some fun St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles, or change up the smell with essential oils.
This jello play dough recipe is used by preschool teachers for little hands to keep busy during sensory play. Using any playdough mixture is great for fine motor skills and life skills. You could also find a fun themed printable playdough mat to use.
My kids may be tweens now but my daughter still loves sensory activities like making your own playdough. Plus, I love it keeps her off of her screens.
More Homemade Play dough Recipes:
- How to make natural / gluten free playdough
- Edible Chocolate Peanut Butter Playdough
- Dinosaur Fossil Crafts with Homemade Playdough
- Edible Gingerbread Playdough
This no cook playdough recipe contains affiliate links.

Jello Playdough Recipe
This is a simple Jello Playdough recipe that the kids can make! It smells great thanks to the Jello and is fun for kids of all ages!
Materials
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 6-ounce package Jello (your choice of flavor)
Instructions
- Mix everything together in a large bowl.
- Add more flour as necessary if your playdough is too wet.
- Store in an airtight container.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Jell-O Variety Pack Orange Cherry Lime Strawberry Raspberry 6 oz (5-Pack)
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Xueerde 10Pcs Cookie Cutters Set Stainless Steel Biscuit Cutter Love Heart Shape and Star Shape Baking Vegetable Donuts Shape Cutters
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Kids Rolling Pin - Nonstick Silicone Rolling Pin 10'' Silicone Pastry Mat 11.4''x 10.2'' with 4pcs of Stainless Steel Cookie Cutters
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Small Rolling Pin for Kids Child, Wooden Handle Rolling Pin Non-Stick Silicone Rolling Pin, Rodillo de Cocina Rodillos Para Reposteria Fondant, Rodillos Para Masa.
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Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Oil, 1 Gallon (128 floz)
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Cuisinart CTG-00-SMB Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids, Set of 3
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Great play doh recipe! :-)