With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soft, pliable cloud dough that can be easily molded into shapes and structures for hours of sensory play.

What is Cloud Dough

Cloud dough is a popular sensory play material that is fun for kids and super easy to make.

In fact, this dough is so simple to make you can allow your children to make it themselves with your supervision.

Cloud Dough Ingredients

Like my easy homemade playdough, cloud dough is made with a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your home.

Cornstarch
Lotion
(Optional) Food Coloring

Lotion – Unscented is best if making this dough for young children. Use unscented lotion to avoid overpowering fragrances that can irritate skin. I suggest using a kind of baby lotion.

Food Coloring– While gel food coloring will work just fine, use liquid food coloring for best results. The liquid food coloring mixes more efficiently and gives a more vibrant color.

How to Make the Cloud Dough

To make cloud dough, you need a 2 to 1 ratio of cornstarch and lotion. Start with 1/2 cup of lotion and 1 cup of cornstarch for a small batch. This will give you about the same amount of dough that comes in a single can of playdough.

Mix the lotion and food coloring first before gradually adding in the cornstarch. This will ensure that the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Add in the cornstarch and use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable.

That’s it. Once you’ve mixed your cloud dough, the fun can begin!

cloud dough recipe — Step 1: Add lotion and food coloring to a bowl.

how to make cloud dough — Step 3: Mix in the cornstarch.

Step 4: Mix in cornstarch. Remove from the bowl and knead to form dough.

Tips for Making Cloud Dough

If your dough is too dry, slowly add more lotion until you get the desired consistency. If it is too wet, add more cornstarch.

Fun ways to use and play with your homemade cloud dough

Sensory play – Cloud dough is a fantastic sensory material that kids can squish, squeeze, and mold with their hands.

Encourage your child to explore the dough’s texture and create different shapes and designs.

Fine motor skills and Practical Life Skills – Give your child small tools like cookie cutters or plastic knives to practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Tips & tricks for Keeping your Cloud Dough Fresh

The good news is that cloud dough is very easy to store and can be kept for quite some time. Place your dough in an airtight container with a lid to store it.

This will help keep the dough fresh and prevent drying out. Keeping the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, is also a good idea. This will help to prevent the dough from becoming too warm and potentially melting or becoming sticky.

Additionally, if the dough is becoming too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of oil (such as baby oil or vegetable oil) to your dough and knead it in until it becomes soft and pliable again.

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your cloud dough and ensure that it stays enjoyable for kids to play with.