Lemon Cloud Dough Recipe
Whip up a batch of lemon cloud dough, a soft and fluffy sensory experience bursting with the refreshing scent of lemons!
This simple recipe brings the fresh scent of lemons to playtime, making it both fun and engaging for kids.
Don’t miss out on our other fun sensory activities for kids!

Perfect for hands-on play, this easy recipe combines fun and creativity for kids to enjoy.
Scented Playdough is another fun, tactile sensory play recipe to make at home!
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Can Cloud Dough Dry Out
Yes, cloud dough can dry out over time, especially if it’s not stored properly.
If exposed to air for long periods, it can lose its soft, pliable texture and become crumbly.
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To prevent this, store cloud dough in an airtight container or resealable bag when not in use.

If it begins to dry out, you can try adding a small amount of oil or water to restore its consistency.
When Was Cloud Dough Invented
Cloud dough, as a sensory play material, doesn’t have a specific invention date.
However, it became popular in the early 2000s as part of the growing trend of homemade sensory activities for children.
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Its soft, fluffy texture made it a favorite for parents and educators looking for safe and creative play options.

Cloud dough is often made using simple ingredients like flour and oil, and its rise in popularity is linked to the increasing awareness of the benefits of sensory play in early childhood development.
Why Is My Cloud Dough Crumbly
Cloud dough can become crumbly for a few reasons:
Too Much Flour: If there’s an excess of flour compared to the oil, the dough will be dry and crumbly.
Not Enough Oil: The oil is essential for giving the cloud dough its soft, pliable texture. If you didn’t add enough oil, it can result in a crumbly consistency.
Exposure to Air: If cloud dough is left uncovered or stored improperly, it can dry out and become crumbly.
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Old or Dry Ingredients: Using older or dry ingredients like flour can affect the texture, making it less smooth.

To fix crumbly cloud dough, simply add a bit more oil (or water if it’s too oily) and knead it until it reaches the desired consistency.
Lemon Cloud Dough Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this lemon cloud dough recipe:
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup white conditioner
- Yellow food coloring
- Lemon resin flatback buttons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Plastic mat
- Optional: lemon scented oil for slime
How to Make Lemon Cloud Dough
Start by adding cornstarch to a mixing bowl.

Pour in the conditioner and mix until fully combined. The dough should have a smooth, soft, and silky texture, with no stickiness. If the mixture becomes too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and mix well. Repeat this step until the desired texture is achieved.
Add 10-20 drops of yellow food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly colored. Then, incorporate the lemon-scented oil for extra fragrance.
Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball, using a plastic mat to protect your work surface.
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Add the lemon buttons to the dough.

Allow your child to explore and engage with the dough, observing their actions as they play.
More Cloud Dough Ideas
Explore creative ways to make cloud dough with fun textures, scents and colorful additions!
- Super Easy Cloud Dough
- Gluten-free Cloud Dough
- Cloud Dough Sand Castles
- Apple Scented Cloud Dough
- Pumpkin Cloud Dough
- Christmas Sparkle Cloud Dough
More Sensory Activity Ideas
Sensory play is a powerful way for children to learn, develop and engage with their surroundings, and it’s also a whole lot of fun!
Take your child on a sensory adventure that sparks imagination, creativity and learning.
- Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Easy Projects to Develop Fine Motor Skills, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Early Measurement Concepts
- The Ultimate Sensory Play Recipe Book: Learning Through Play
- Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids: 60 Easy Creative Play Projects That Boost Brain Development, Calm Anxiety and Build Fine Motor Skills
- Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play
- Sensory Adventures: A Guide to Increasing Literacy Through Sensory Play
- Playful Wonders: 50 Fun-Filled Sensory Play Activities
- The Book of Nature Connection: 70 Sensory Activities for All Ages
- 52 Weeks of Sensory Play