Coconut oil only — antimicrobial and fully food-safe if he puts it in his mouth. Vanilla scent, no food coloring. Adjust batches below using the +/- controls.
Batch Size
1
batch
Makes 1 standard ball — good for one session
Ingredients
2 cups
All-purpose flour
1 cup
Fine sea salt
2 tbsp
Cream of tartar
Improves texture, extends shelf life
2 tbsp
Unrefined coconut oil
Solid is fine — melts in the heat
1½ cups
Warm water
¼ tsp
Pure vanilla extract
For scent only
Instructions
1
Combine dry ingredients
Add flour, salt, and cream of tartar to a medium saucepan. Whisk together until fully combined.
2
Add wet ingredients
Add coconut oil, warm water, and vanilla. Stir until no dry clumps remain before turning on heat.
3
Cook the dough
Medium heat. Stir constantly. It'll look lumpy — keep going. After 3–5 minutes it pulls away from the sides and forms one ball. That's your signal to pull it off heat.
4
Cool and knead
Turn dough onto a clean surface. Let cool ~5 minutes before touching — it will be hot. Then knead 1–2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5
Store
Airtight container or zip-lock bag at room temperature. Keeps 3–6 months.
Storage Tips
Room temperature in an airtight container — no refrigeration needed. If the dough starts to feel sticky after a few sessions, a small sprinkle of flour on the play surface fixes it. If it dries out slightly, a tiny bit of water kneaded in brings it back.
✓ Safe if mouthed
All ingredients are food-grade. Coconut oil is antimicrobial. The high salt content is a natural deterrent — it tastes awful, which discourages eating. Still supervise play as you normally would.