Are you looking for a fun and easy activity to do with your children? Making cloud dough is a great option! Cloud dough is a soft and moldable dough that feels silky and smooth, perfect for sensory play. One of the most popular recipes calls for cornstarch, but don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand. There are other ingredients you can use to make cloud dough – and they’re easy to find.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make cloud dough without cornstarch. You’ll only need two simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This recipe is safe, non-toxic, and perfect for children of all ages. Get ready to have some fun and create something new with your little ones!

Today, we’re sharing an easy and fun recipe for making cloud dough without using cornstarch. Cloud dough, also known as moon sand, is a moldable and squishy sensory play material that keeps kids entertained for hours.

Here are the 10 simple steps to make cloud dough without cornstarch:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make cloud dough without cornstarch, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and a few drops of food coloring (if desired). You can mix and match different colors to make your cloud dough look even more fun and inviting.

Step 2: Choose a Mixing Bowl

Once you have your ingredients in hand, choose a mixing bowl large enough to hold them all. It’s best to use a bowl with a wide opening, as cloud dough can get messy pretty quickly.

Step 3: Combine Flour and Oil

Pour the 2 cups of all-purpose flour in the mixing bowl, followed by 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix the ingredients together until they’re well combined. The mixture should feel crumbly and soft.

Step 4: Add Food Coloring (Optional)

Now, it’s time to add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture. Use your hands to knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. The more food coloring you add, the more vibrant the dough will be.

Step 5: Test the Consistency

Check the consistency of the cloud dough by pressing it between your fingers. It should feel soft, fluffy, and moldable. If the dough feels dry, add a few more drops of oil to moisten it up.

Step 6: Store in an Airtight Container

Once you’re satisfied with the consistency of your cloud dough, transfer it to an airtight container or ziplock bag. This will prevent it from drying out and keep it fresh for the next time you want to play with it.

Step 7: Play with Your Cloud Dough

Now that your cloud dough is ready, it’s time to put it to the test! Encourage your kids to use their imaginations to create all sorts of shapes, figures, and textures with the dough. It’s also great for sensory play as they can explore the different sensations and textures.

Step 8: Clean Up the Mess

As with any sensory material, using cloud dough can get messy. Make sure to have a clean-up plan in place ahead of time to minimize the mess. Use a drop cloth, a clean floor, or take the play outside to make clean up easy.

Step 9: Dispose of Any Leftovers

Cloud dough can last for a few weeks. However, if there are any spills or leftovers, make sure to dispose of them properly. Cloud dough should never be flushed down the toilet or drainage system as it can clog the pipes.

Step 10: Enjoy the Fun

Finally, remember to enjoy the fun that comes with cloud dough play. It’s a great way to bond with your kids and encourage their creativity while also providing them with a sensory play experience. Plus, making cloud dough without cornstarch is an affordable and easy way to keep them entertained.

Materials needed for making cloud dough without cornstarch

Cloud dough, also known as moon sand or kinetic sand, is a fun and easy sensory play activity for children. However, traditional versions of cloud dough often call for cornstarch, which can be problematic for children with allergies to corn. Luckily, you can still create this exciting sensory play activity without cornstarch, and with just a few simple ingredients. Here are the materials you will need:

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is the primary ingredient in this recipe. It is readily available and easy to use. You can use regular flour or more finely milled pastry flour. The flour acts as the base for the dough and provides a soft and pliable texture.

Vegetable Oil

The oil is necessary to give the dough its signature texture. It allows the flour to clump together and mold like wet sand. You can use any type of vegetable oil, but try to use a light-colored oil, as they tend to stain less than darker oils.

Food Coloring (Optional)

If you want to add some color to your cloud dough, you can use food coloring. Gel or liquid food coloring works best for this recipe. However, keep in mind that using too much food coloring may make the dough too wet and sticky, so add it sparingly.

Scented Ingredients (Optional)

If you want to add a fun twist to your cloud dough, you can also use scented ingredients. Essential oils, vanilla extract, or powdered spices are all great options to add some sensory joy to this activity. Just be sure to keep in mind any allergies before adding any scent.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups and spoons are necessary to ensure you have the right proportions of ingredients. You need to be exact particularly if this recipe is for children with allergies, so be sure to measure carefully.

Mixing Bowl

A mixing bowl is necessary to combine your ingredients. You can use any size bowl, depending on how much cloud dough you wish to make.

Spoon or Whisk

A spoon or whisk is necessary to mix your cloud dough ingredients together. You should use a mixing utensil that can incorporate your ingredients without flattening the dough or making it too sticky.

Bowl or Sensory Bin

You will need a bowl or sensory bin to contain the cloud dough as your child plays. A bowl is sufficient for small children, but if you want to make a larger batch, consider using a plastic storage bin with a lid to keep the dough fresh for multiple play sessions.

Small Toys or Tools (Optional)

If you want to add some interest to your child’s sensory play, you can include small toys or tools. These can include shovels, cups, and cookie cutters to help them mold and shape their dough creations.

Clean Up Supplies

Lastly, be sure to have some clean-up supplies handy such as a vacuum and a damp cloth. Cloud dough can be a bit messy, so be prepared to clean up stray flour.

Alternative Ingredients for Cloud Dough

When it comes to making cloud dough without cornstarch, there are some alternative ingredients that are commonly used to replace it. Here are some of the best options:

Ingredient Properties Pros Cons
All-Purpose Flour Soft, powdery texture and mild smell Cheap and easily available Not as long-lasting as cornstarch and can make a mess
Rice Flour Very fine texture and odorless Good for people with corn allergy and safe for toddlers to ingest Can be more expensive than cornstarch
Arrowroot Powder Smooth and silky texture with no scent Works well for sensory play and is gluten-free Can be more expensive than cornstarch and doesn’t last very long
Baby Powder Soft and powdery texture with a light fragrance Easy to find at any grocery store and safe for toddlers to ingest Not long-lasting and can be expensive for frequent use

1. All-Purpose Flour

One of the easiest alternatives to cornstarch is all-purpose flour. It has a soft, powdery texture that can work well for sensory activities. However, it may not last as long as cornstarch and can make a mess if left exposed to air for too long. All-purpose flour is not the best option if your child has a wheat allergy.

2. Rice Flour

Rice flour is a great alternative if you want to avoid wheat products or have a family member with a cornstarch allergy. It has a fine texture that is great for sensory play, and it is safe for toddlers to ingest. However, it can be more expensive than cornstarch and may not last as long.

3. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch that has a silky texture and no scent. It’s a great option for sensory play and easy to find at natural food stores. However, it may not last as long as cornstarch and can be a bit more expensive.

4. Baby Powder

Baby powder can be a great option if you already have it on hand. It has a soft, powdery texture and a light fragrance that can add to the sensory experience. It’s also safe for toddlers to ingest, which is a plus. However, it may not last as long as cornstarch and can be expensive if you use it frequently.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another alternative to cornstarch that can be used to make cloud dough. It has a similar texture and is safe for children to play with. However, it may not last as long as cornstarch, and it can be messy if left exposed to air for too long.

In conclusion, there are several alternatives to cornstarch that you can use to make cloud dough. All-purpose flour, rice flour, arrowroot powder, baby powder, and baking soda are all great options that can work well for sensory play. Consider your budget and any specific needs or allergies before choosing the best alternative for your child.

That’s it, now go make some cloud dough!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to make cloud dough without cornstarch. It’s a fun and simple activity that you and your kids can enjoy. Remember to store the cloud dough in an airtight container for future playtime. If you have any other tips or tricks to share, let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back for more fun and exciting DIY projects!