How to Make Cloud Dough: Basic, Colored and Chocolate

Steps

1. 1. Measure the Flour and Oil for Cloud Dough

   Cloud dough uses one simple ratio: 8 parts flour to 1 part oil. Put 2 cups of all-purpose flour in a large bowl.

   Tip: Use a bowl bigger than you think you need. Flour flies when kids help stir.

   

2. 2. Stir the Flour and Oil Together

   Stir the oil into the flour with a spoon. At this point it looks like dry, lumpy sand, with a few wet patches where the oil landed.

   Tip: Let kids do the stirring. This part is hard to get wrong.

   

3. 3. Knead the Cloud Dough Until It Holds a Shape

   Now use your hands. Squeeze and rub the mixture between your palms to work the oil through.

   Tip: Too greasy? Sprinkle in a spoonful of flour and knead again.

   

4. 4. Mix Candy Coloring Into the Oil for Colored Cloud Dough

   For colored dough, start a fresh batch with 2 cups of flour. Measure a quarter cup of oil, then stir a few drops of oil-based candy coloring into the oil before it goes in the bowl.

   Tip: Powdered chalk or tempera paint also works. Stir it into the flour instead.

   

5. 5. Pour the Colored Oil Into the Flour

   Pour the colored oil over the flour. You will see bright streaks and spots of color on the white flour.

   Tip: Make one bowl per color, then line them up for a rainbow tray.

   

6. 6. Knead Until the Cloud Dough Color Is Even

   Knead the dough with your hands until no white streaks are left. It takes a minute or two of squeezing and rubbing.

   Tip: Candy coloring can tint hands for a bit. It washes off with soap.

   

7. 7. Sprinkle Cocoa Powder Into Plain Cloud Dough

   Chocolate dough is a favorite with Ana's kids, and it needs no coloring. Take a bowl of plain cloud dough and sprinkle in a few spoonfuls of unsweetened cocoa powder.

   Tip: Remind little ones that it smells like chocolate but is not for eating.

   

8. 8. Knead the Cocoa Through the Chocolate Cloud Dough

   Stir the cocoa in with a spoon, then knead it with your hands until the color is an even brown. The cocoa adds a soft scent and makes the dough look like cookie crumbs.

   Tip: A pinch of cinnamon gives it a spiced cookie smell.

   

9. 9. Mold and Play With the Cloud Dough

   Time to play. Pack the dough into cups, bowls or silicone molds and turn it out like a sandcastle.

   Tip: Press it down hard into the mold. Packed dough releases in one piece.