Edible playdough is your safest bet if you’ve got tiny tots ever-ready to put any and everything in their mouths. The peace of mind you have when you’re using edible playdough is priceless.
That’s why I’m going to share my special edible playdough recipe with you.
First, let’s talk a bit more about why I adore edible playdough as a kids’ activity so much.
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Why edible playdough is a great activity
Making homemade playdough is a fun, hands-on activity that keeps kids entertained while encouraging creativity and sensory play. What makes an edible playdough recipe even better is the peace of mind it offers parents. No worries if little ones take a nibble!
This type of playdough is made with safe, food-grade ingredients, making it perfect for toddlers who love to explore with their mouths. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with pantry staples so you can create a batch in minutes whenever the kids get bored.
What is the secret ingredient in playdough?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make playdough that’s extra soft and easy to mold, the secret ingredient is…cream of tartar!
This little kitchen staple helps give playdough its smooth, stretchy texture and keeps it from drying out too quickly. If you’re looking for an edible playdough recipe though, you can skip the cream of tartar and use ingredients like peanut butter, mashed bananas or condensed milk for a safe, taste-friendly alternative.
How to make edible playdough
If you’re looking for the easiest homemade playdough recipe, you only need two simple ingredients. A basic edible playdough recipe can be made with just frosting and powdered sugar. Simply mix 1 cup of frosting with 2 cups of powdered sugar until a soft, dough-like consistency forms.
Knead it a bit and it’s ready for little hands to squish, roll, and shape. The best part? It’s completely safe to taste, making it perfect for toddlers who love sensory play.
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How to make edible playdough with marshmallows
If you’re looking for a safe and fun sensory activity, this edible playdough for babies is perfect. It’s soft, squishy and made with just a few simple ingredients. No complicated steps or long prep time.
To make this playdough recipe without cream of tartar, you’ll need:
- 6 large marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- A few drops of food coloring (optional)
Microwave the marshmallows and coconut oil for about 10 seconds until soft. Stir in the cornstarch and knead until it forms a smooth dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more cornstarch. That’s it.
5 Fun ways to play with edible playdough
Making an edible playdough recipe is just the beginning. Now it’s time for the fun part. There are so many creative ways to keep little hands busy while also encouraging sensory exploration.
- Shape and sculpt. Roll, squish and mold the homemade playdough into fun shapes, letters or simple animals. This is a great way to practice fine motor skills.
- Cookie cutter. Use kid-friendly cookie cutters to stamp out fun designs. Let your little one explore different textures and patterns.
- Edible bakery play. Pretend to bake cookies, cupcakes, or mini pizzas using play kitchen tools. Since it’s safe to taste, there’s no worry if little ones sneak a bite.
- Color mixing. Make multiple batches of different colors and let kids mix them together to see how new shades form.
- Sensory bin. Pair the playdough with dry pasta, cereal or sprinkles for an extra fun, hands-on experience.
These simple and safe activities turn playtime into a creative learning experience while giving you some peace of mind.
How to store edible playdough
Once you’ve learned how to make playdough, the next step is figuring out how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Since an edible playdough recipe doesn’t contain preservatives like store-bought options, proper storage is key.
- Use an airtight container. Place your homemade playdough recipe in a sealed container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness. Since most edible playdoughs are made with perishable ingredients, storing them in the fridge helps extend their shelf life. Simply let it come to room temperature before playing again.
- Check before reusing. If the dough changes texture, smells off or becomes too sticky, it’s best to make a fresh batch.
With these simple tips, your little one can enjoy their edible playdough for a few extra days.
5 FAQs about edible playdough
1. Can I make edible playdough without salt?
Yes! Many edible playdough recipes skip the salt, making them gentler on little tummies. If you want a playdough recipe without cream of tartar, you can try a simple mix of flour and yogurt or melted marshmallows with cornstarch.
2. Is edible playdough safe for babies?
If you’re looking for edible playdough for babies, opt for simple, taste-safe ingredients like mashed bananas, baby cereal or plain yogurt mixed with cornstarch. Always supervise playtime to prevent choking even with edible versions.
3. How long does edible playdough last?
Edible playdough doesn’t last as long as traditional playdough, but if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can stay fresh for 1-3 days. If it starts to dry out, knead in a little oil or water to soften it.
4. Can I add food coloring to edible playdough?
Yes. Natural options like beet juice, turmeric or blueberry juice can add fun colors without artificial dyes. If using regular food coloring, mix it into the wet ingredients before combining everything to get an even color.
5. What should I do if the playdough is too sticky or too dry?
If your playdough is too sticky, add more dry ingredients like flour or cornstarch. If it’s too dry, knead in a little bit of oil or water until it reaches the right consistency.
Ready to give it a try?
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