Cloud dough is a soft, mouldable sensory dough that takes just two ingredients to make: cornflour (cornstarch) and hair conditioner. Mix 2 heaped cups of cornflour with 1 cup of scented conditioner, knead with your hands, and you’ll have a silky dough that holds its shape but crumbles softly in little fingers. It takes about five minutes to make.
Cloud dough recipe
Ingredients
2 heaped cups cornflour (called cornstarch in the US)
1 cup scented hair conditioner
Food colouring (optional)
Method
Add the cornflour to a large mixing bowl.
Pour in the conditioner.
Stir with a spatula until it gets hard to mix.
Finish by kneading with your hands. Popping it all into a large zip-lock bag and squishing works well too.
Add a few drops of food colouring if you like, and knead until the colour is even.
Time to play.
Important: cloud dough is for play only and is not edible. Supervise young children, and do a quick patch test first if your child has sensitive skin.
Can you make cloud dough with flour?
Yes. The classic flour version uses 8 cups of plain flour and 1 cup of vegetable or baby oil. Mix well until it holds together when squeezed. It’s a little crumblier than the cornflour version but just as fun. Use gluten-free flour if you need to.
How do you make cloud dough without cornflour?
Use the flour and oil version above. It’s a great option if you don’t have cornflour in the pantry.
How long does cloud dough last?
Stored in an airtight container or sealed bag, homemade cloud dough usually lasts a few weeks. If it starts to dry out, knead in a small amount of conditioner (or oil, for the flour version) to soften it again.
Why is cloud dough good for kids?
Cloud dough is a brilliant sensory play activity. Squeezing, rolling and shaping it builds fine motor skills, and the soft, silky texture is calming for lots of kids. Add scoops, cookie cutters and small toys to keep the play going.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two ingredients in cloud dough?
Cornflour and scented hair conditioner.
Is cloud dough safe for toddlers?
It’s made from simple household ingredients, but it isn’t edible, so always supervise little ones who still put things in their mouths.
Can I use any conditioner?
Yes. A scented conditioner makes it smell lovely. Choose a gentle one for sensitive skin.
What if my cloud dough is too sticky?
Add a little more cornflour and knead it through.
Want more creative play?
Love hands-on activities like this? Our toddler and kids classes in North Perth and Kalamunda are full of sensory and creative play. [Explore our classes].
