Make this easy 2-ingredient cloud dough recipe in just a few minutes with ingredients you already have at home. It’s a simple sensory play activity kids will love!

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Last week, my son came home from school with a bag full of (mostly random) things he had bought at the third grade “mini-mall” activity his class did that day. One of the standouts in the pile of homemade products was cloud dough!

And of course, as soon as he showed it to me, he also wanted to make his own. But thankfully, it’s one of the easiest sensory play recipes I know, so it was an easy yes!

You only need TWO common household ingredients, and after just a few minutes of mixing you end up with an incredibly soft and fluffy dough that kids can squish, mold, scoop, and pretend with for ages.

Keep this one in your back pocket for summer!

Here’s what you need:

Just mix together the conditioner and cornstarch and add a few drops of food coloring if you want, and boom! You have cloud dough. Easiest project ever.

Before we get to the full recipe (which is really about as simple as I what I just said), here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Tips for Success

Name: 2-Ingredient Cloud Dough
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Cuisine: Craft
Ingredients: 1 cups cornstarch; 1/2 cup inexpensive hair conditioner; Food coloring (optional)

Choose a conditioner with a smell you like, because your dough (and hands) will smell like whatever scent you choose.
Cheap conditioner works perfectly for this activity, so there’s no need to use the fancy stuff. We used Suave brand, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Different brands of conditioner vary slightly, so adjust the cornstarch as needed until you get the texture you want.
Let kids help make the dough. Mixing and kneading are part of the fun!
Set out cookie cutters, muffin tins, measuring cups, toy animals, or small construction vehicles to encourage imaginative play.
If you want colored cloud dough, add a drop or two of food coloring to the conditioner before mixing.

2-Ingredient Cloud Dough

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Make this easy 2-ingredient cloud dough recipe in minutes with ingredients you already have at home! It's a simple, inexpensive, and fun sensory activity that kids of all ages will love.

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Ingredients

1 cups cornstarch
1/2 cup inexpensive hair conditioner
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Pour the cornstarch into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Add the conditioner slowly and begin mixing with a spoon.
Once the mixture starts to come together, knead it with your hands until soft and smooth.
If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more cornstarch.
If it feels too dry or crumbly, mix in a tiny bit more conditioner.
That’s it! Your cloud dough is ready to play with.

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Fun Ways to Play with Cloud Dough

Need ideas to get your creative juices flowing? Here are some fun invitations to play you can set up for your kids using cloud dough:

Build mini sandcastles
Hide tiny toys for kids to discover
Practice letter formation
Create pretend bakery treats
Use with toy dinosaurs or construction trucks
Add scoops or play dough tools
Roll and cut shapes with cookie cutters

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store cloud dough?

Store your cloud dough in an airtight container or zip-top bag when you’re not using it.

It usually stays soft for several days, but you might need to knead it again before playing with it. If it starts drying out, add a tiny bit more conditioner and it should soften up.

What age is cloud dough best for?

Cloud dough is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, too! It’s one of those magical activities that kids of a variety of ages can all enjoy playing with at the same time!

Keep in mind, it is NOT tast-safe, so supervision is recommended for younger for younger children who may still put things in their mouths.

Can I add color or scent?

Sure can! Use food coloring, extracts, or kid-safe essential oils to personalize your cloud dough and add an added level of sensory fun!