Thanks so much for popping by today! Whether you’re here for a rainy-day activity, a calming sensory play idea, or just a bit of creative kitchen fun—I’m so happy you’re here. Today’s recipe is the perfect blend of simple and satisfying, and it’s made with two ingredients you probably already have at home.
Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is soft, squishy, and stretchy like play dough, but with a silky, bubbly twist. And yes—it smells amazing and feels even better!
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What Is Bubble Dough?
Bubble dough is a super soft sensory dough made from just cornstarch and dish soap. The result is something between cloud dough and play dough—stretchy, squishy, and easy to mold. It’s an open-ended play activity that kids and adults can enjoy.
The dish soap gives it a smooth texture and a light sudsy feel, while the cornstarch keeps it moldable and non-sticky. Add some scent and color, and you’ve got a full sensory experience ready to go in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Activity
🖐️ Perfect for sensory exploration
🌿 Naturally calming with essential oils
👃 Smells great and feels even better
🧼 Easy cleanup (just soap and starch!)
🧠 Encourages fine motor development & creativity
What It Feels Like
Imagine a soft, stretchy dough that you can mold like clay, pull like taffy, and squish like slime—but without the sticky mess. It’s silky-smooth, lightweight, and slightly foamy, thanks to the dish soap. It’s perfect for shaping, stretching, and even “bubble kneading”!
Benefits of Bubble Dough Play
Supports sensory development
Helps calm and focus energetic kids
Great for imaginative play and hand strength
A quick alternative to store-bought modeling doughs
Can be adapted for older kids and themed play (like ocean or garden scenes!)
Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, measure out 1 cup of cornstarch.
- Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of dish soap.
- Using a spoon or your hands, begin mixing until it starts to come together.
- Knead the mixture with your hands until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Adjust texture if needed.
- If adding color, drop in food coloring or liquid watercolor and knead until evenly mixed.
- Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil and knead again for scent.
- Enjoy playing with your bubble dough! Stretch, squish, and mold to your heart’s content.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🧂 Ingredients
1 cup cornstarch
½ cup dish soap (mild, tear-free, or natural varieties work great)
Optional:
Food coloring or liquid watercolor
A few drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or mint)
Glitter or small beads for added texture
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Airtight container (for storage)
Gloves (optional if using food coloring)
🎨 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure the Cornstarch
In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of cornstarch.
2. Add the Dish Soap
Pour in ½ cup of dish soap slowly. Choose a mild or tear-free option if you’re making this for younger kids.
3. Mix It Up
Using a spoon or your hands, begin to combine the ingredients. Stir until the cornstarch starts to absorb the soap.
4. Knead Into Dough
As it thickens, switch to your hands and knead the dough. It should start to form a smooth, stretchy texture.
Too sticky? Add a little more cornstarch.
Too dry? Add a tiny bit more soap—just a drop at a time.
5. Add Color (Optional)
Add a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor, then knead until the color is evenly distributed. You can divide your dough into sections and make multiple colors too!
6. Add Scent (Optional)
Drop in 1–2 drops of your chosen essential oil and knead again. Lavender is great for calming play; citrus oils add an energizing boost!
7. Play Time!
Now it’s ready to play! Stretch, roll, squish, shape, and build to your heart’s content. Add cookie cutters or plastic toys for even more fun.
✨ Tips & Creative Variations
Glitter Time! Add a pinch of glitter for sparkly dough.
Textured Dough: Mix in small beads, seeds, or rice for a sensory twist.
Themed Colors: Use pastel shades for spring, or bold brights for summer play!
Make Batches: Create different scented doughs like lavender (purple), mint (green), and lemon (yellow).
🧺 Storage & Shelf Life
Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Keeps fresh for 2–3 days, though it may need a quick knead before use.
If it dries out, mix in a few drops of water or soap to refresh the texture.
🔬 The Simple Science Behind It
Cornstarch is a starch-based thickener, while dish soap is a surfactant (it reduces surface tension). When mixed, they form a non-Newtonian substance—meaning it behaves like a solid and a liquid depending on how you handle it. That’s why it stretches slowly but breaks apart if pulled too fast. Cool, right?
🙋 FAQ
Is this safe for toddlers?
Yes—with supervision. Always use tear-free dish soap and discourage tasting.
Can I use hand soap instead of dish soap?
You can, but the texture may be different—dish soap tends to give a smoother, stretchier finish.
Can I use baking soda instead of cornstarch?
Not for this one! Cornstarch is key to getting that soft, pliable texture. Baking soda won’t behave the same way.
🧁 Conclusion
This Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is proof that a little bit of creativity can go a long way. With just two basic ingredients and a few optional extras, you can create a sensory experience that’s colorful, calming, and completely captivating. Whether you’re using it to wind down after a long day or spark imaginative play indoors, this dough is a surefire winner.
It’s satisfyingly squishy, refreshingly simple, and endlessly fun.
🌟 More Sensory Recipes to Try
📸 Show Off Your Dough!
Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to see your colorful creations!
Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram and let’s inspire even more sensory fun!
🍬 Nutritional Info?
Nope, this one’s for fingers, not forks!
But it’s packed with creative value and sensory satisfaction. 💖
Thanks for stopping by today! Until next time—stay curious, stay playful, and keep making everyday magic.
