How to make coloured cloud dough with three simple ingredients.
We did it—we made a batch of beautifully coloured cloud dough! If cloud dough is new to you, I wrote about the classic recipe a few years ago and why it’s such a sensory favourite. This coloured version keeps the same soft, crumbly texture you love but adds a vivid pop of colour that makes playtime even more inviting.
If you’ve played with cloud dough before, you know how wonderful it feels to run your hands through a tub of it. It smells nice and has an amazing texture, but the usual result is rather pale. I kept thinking it needed a strong hit of colour to match how delightful it feels and smells.
Colouring cloud dough can be tricky because cloud dough is oil-based while most food colourings are water-based, so they don’t mix well. When you try to add liquid food colouring you usually end up with a speckled, faint tint rather than a vibrant colour.
We experimented several times until we found a reliable method to get bold, even colour. The results were worth the trial and error—check out how vivid our cloud dough turned out!
How not to colour cloud dough
Before I share the solution, here are a couple of approaches that don’t work:
#1 Do not rely on Kool-Aid packets. Adding two packets of cherry-flavoured Kool-Aid did not produce red dough or a noticeable scent. It’s better used for making flavored playdough than colouring oil-based cloud dough.
#2 Don’t expect Jell-O crystals to work. A box of cherry gelatin didn’t give us colour or fragrance either. The oil seems to prevent the scent and colour from dispersing effectively.
After those failed attempts we were close to giving up, but a simple idea changed everything.
What we use to colour our cloud dough
Tempera paint powder. A heaping spoonful of non-toxic tempera paint powder mixed into the dough gives strong, even colour without altering the texture. It blends well with the dry ingredients and creates vibrant results.
Coloured cloud dough recipe—start to finish
- 8 cups all-purpose (white) flour
- 1 cup baby oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon non-toxic tempera paint powder (adjust slightly for deeper colour)
In a large bowl or container, mix the flour and baby oil thoroughly. A pastry cutter, potato masher, or sturdy spoon works well to break up clumps and combine the ingredients into a smooth, crumbly texture.
Add a heaping tablespoon of tempera paint powder to the mixture.
Continue mashing and stirring until the colour is evenly distributed and the dough has a consistent hue. If you want a deeper shade, add more tempera powder a little at a time and blend thoroughly.
Once blended, transfer the coloured cloud dough to a play bin and add scoops, cups, molds, and toys. It’s ready for sensory play and creative digging.
Cloud dough without baby oil
If you prefer a baby oil-free option—especially for toddlers who might still taste materials—use our toddler-safe, non-toxic cloud dough recipe instead. It replaces the baby oil for a safer choice for younger children.
*Cloud dough can be messy, so we suggest playing outside when possible. If playing indoors, place a plastic tablecloth or drop cloth under the play area for easier cleanup.
*Although we haven’t experienced staining with tempera powder, consider protecting clothing with a smock or apron during play.
More activities for toddlers and preschoolers
GIANT Homemade Bubble Recipe
Dino Dig – Melting Ice with Salt and Water
Easy, Homemade Water Wall
2-Ingredient Clean Mud
Fairy Mud
Garden Soup
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