• Recipe Index
  • Copycat Recipes
  • Kids Crafts & Recipes
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Copycat Recipes
  • Sourdough Recipes
  • Kids Activities & Printables
  • Do-a-Dot Pages
  • About Me
×

No Cook Kool Aid Play Dough

Published: May 17, 2021 · Modified: Nov 17, 2023 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Instructions
image with text that says easy kool aid play dough no bake recipe with an image of the play dough on top and ingredients needed on bottom

Not only does this no cook Kool Aid play dough smell amazing, it’s easy enough for kids to help make!

a red kool aid packet and small ball of red play dough

Affiliates Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or sign up for a service. There is no extra cost to you.

My oldest child is at the age where he wants to help me cook everything. He also wants to taste everything as he stirs (we’re working on this, he’s only 3). One thing that I’ve found works is having him help me with bread machine recipes. He can’t really taste it because we toss it all in at once. He thinks it’s so cool when we have fresh bread for dinner.

image with text that says easy kool aid play dough no bake recipe with an image of the play dough on top and ingredients needed on bottom

Since he’s been helping more, I recently bought these really cool measuring cups that actually represent the sizes. How cool are these for kids? He was itching to use them so I thought we would make some easy peasy Kool Aid play dough. These play dough tools are also perfect for homemade play dough.

Sale hand2mind Rainbow Fraction Measuring Cups, Kids Montessori Kitchen Tools, Toddler Cooking Tools, Sensory Table Materials, Fraction Manipulatives, Homeschooling Supplies, Easter Baking (Set of 4)
hand2mind Rainbow Fraction Measuring Cups, Kids…
Amazon Prime
Sale Melissa & Doug Shape, Model, and Mold Clay Activity Set - 4 Tubs of Modeling Dough and Tools
Melissa & Doug Shape, Model, and Mold Clay…
Amazon Prime
Play-Doh Starter Set 9-Piece Kit with Storage Tote & 4 Modeling Compound Cans, Arts and Crafts for Kids, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 3+
Play-Doh Starter Set 9-Piece Kit with Storage Tote…
Amazon Prime
Rimobul Assorted Designs Dough Extruders Set - Set of 10 - Assorted Colors
Rimobul Assorted Designs Dough Extruders Set – Set…
Amazon Prime
READY 2 LEARN Dough Character Accessories | Set of 52 | 21 Different Shapes | Playdough Accessories for Kids | Create Whacky Animals and Characters
READY 2 LEARN Dough Character Accessories | Set of…
Amazon Prime
Sale VConejo Color Dough Toys Dough Accessories Set Creations Tools for Kid 2-4-8 Years (Dinosaurs World)
VConejo Color Dough Toys Dough Accessories Set…
Amazon Prime

You can use whatever type of Kool Aid you like for this play dough. We used cherry because that’s what we had on hand. This is also a great recipe if you want to make play dough but are all out of food coloring! There is no food coloring needed in this recipe, the Kool Aid gives it a vibrant color.

This activity is perfect on a rainy day or if you’re like me and live in a really hot climate, it is perfect for a really hot day. We like to do indoor activities during the summer when the temperatures start to sky rocket here in Texas.

How to make Kool Aid play dough

kool aid play dough ingredients

In a large mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients and stir well. Next, add in your wet ingredients. Stir well.

The play dough may be sticky at first. I found that after letting it sit out for about 5 to 10 minutes helped it air out and it was much more like commercial play dough.

Tips for making this play dough

  • If your play dough seems too dry, add a few more tablespoons of water at a time until it is the right consistency.
  • If your play dough seems too wet, try adding more flour.
  • Let your play dough set out for a few minutes before playing with it. It may seem sticky at first. We let it “air dry” for about ten minutes before playing.
  • Try making several different batches with different flavors.

Other fun activities:

  • how to repurpose crayons with a before and after of the project above and below the text
    Melting Crayons in the Oven
  • color changing play dough
    Color Changing Play Dough
  • How to Make Glitter Play Dough
    How to Make Glitter Play Dough
  • Text that says Alphabet Play Dough Mats below is a mock up of the "A" play dough mat.
    Free Printable Playdough Alphabet Mats

If you tried this No Cook Kool Aid Play Dough or any other activity or recipe on my site, please let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I would love to hear from you!

red kool aid play dough next to a packet of kool aid

No Cook Kool Aid Play Dough

Audrey
Not only does this no cook Kool Aid play dough smell amazing, it's easy enough for kids to help make!
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Activity Pin Activity
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Active Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Materials
 

  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 packet unsweetened drink mix such as Kool Aid, 0.13 oz
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoon cream of tartar

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients and stir well.
  • Next, add in your wet ingredients. Stir well.
  • The play dough may be sticky at first. I found that after letting it sit out for about 5 to 10 minutes helped it air out and it was much more like commercial play dough.

Notes

  • If your play dough seems too dry, add a few more tablespoons of water at a time until it is the right consistency.
  • If your play dough seems too wet, try adding more flour.
  • Let your play dough set out for a few minutes before playing with it. It may seem sticky at first. We let it “air dry” for about ten minutes before playing.
Need more fun ideas?Join my newsletter!
« Copycat Subway White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Free Busy Binder Printables »

Comments

  1. Paula says

    August 13, 2023 at 9:00 am

    4 stars
    ! packet of Kool Aid does not give a vibrant color or strong smell. Can 2 packs be used without changing anything else?

    Reply
    • Audrey says

      August 13, 2023 at 11:40 am

      Yes, you can add two packets.

      Reply
  2. Kimmy Manzo says

    May 19, 2021 at 7:19 am

    I love making play dough at home. I bet this smells good too!

    Reply
  3. Patricia C says

    May 17, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    This looks so easy!

    Reply
  4. Crystal @ Simply Full of Delight says

    May 17, 2021 at 11:05 am

    My kids are going to love this Kool Aid play dough! Thanks for the easy recipe!

    Reply
4.67 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Audrey in a red dress holding her young son

Hi, I'm Audrey!

I’m a busy mom and I love to cook, bake, and craft with my kids. Here, you will find tons of recipes like easy weeknight dinners, copycat recipes, cookies, as well as lots of fun craft ideas for kids.

My website has been featured on MSN, Yahoo, Parade, Food Gawker, Love What Matters, Yummly, and more! Read more →

Popular Recipes

  • Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
    Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
  • cinnamon sourdough muffin
    Cinnamon Sourdough Muffins
  • Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
    Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
  • Copycat Subway Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Copycat Subway Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • banana bread slices on a metal rack and white plates
    Banana Bread in an 8×8 Pan
  • copycat Jason's deli fruit dip recipe
    Copycat Jason’s Deli Fruit Dip
  • sourdough discard oatmeal cookies stacked
    Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies
  • Copycat Buc-ees pecans (roasted pecans with cinnamon sugar) on a white background.
    Copycat Buc-ee’s Pecans

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.

Publishing Standards - Accessibility Statement - Amazon Affiliates Disclosure - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy