Get ready for hours of yummy fun with this 3-ingredient edible playdough recipe! Frosting, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring are all you need.
3 Ingredient Edible Playdough
This edible playdough recipe is so much fun to have around and with fewer ingredients used than my original homemade playdough recipe. It’s super fun, the kids love making it, and best of all, it’s a super easy activity for the kids to get involved in!
It’s safe for toddlers and preschoolers and fun for older kids and a great rainy day activity or something to keep on hand if you run a daycare.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Safe for kids. What kid doesn’t love playing with their food?! This edible activity means you’re not worrying about little ones putting things in their mouths.
- Quick and easy. An activity that provides hours of fun, without a ton of mess to clean up, is always welcome when you’ve got kids! No cooking, boiling water, or electric mixing anything.
- Budget-friendly. You don’t need to spend a lot of cash to have fun! This edible playdough is made with pantry staples and lasts up to a week.
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla frosting: The kind you find in tubs at the store. We use Pillsbury but you can use what you have. As long as it binds nicely and isn’t runny.
- Food coloring: This is optional. You can either buy colored frosting and not worry about this, or leave your playdough white. Then again, you could use a few different vibrant colors. It’s all up to you!
- Powdered sugar: This helps to stabilize the playdough and helps to keep it from falling apart. You may need to adjust the amount you use, depending on what type of frosting you have.
- Cornstarch: Forms the dough into a cohesive smooth blob that can stretch and retract.
How to Make Edible Playdough with Frosting
- Stir frosting and food coloring. Add frosting to a large, clean bowl. Stir in drops of food coloring if you’re using it. Start with a couple of drops and then add more until it’s the color you want it. Stir until smooth.
- Add in cornstarch and powdered sugar. Stir in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, stirring until smooth. Then add the cornstarch.
- Knead the dough. At this point, you may find it easier to combine the mixture by hand. Knead the dough like you would any other type of dough.
- Adjust consistency and enjoy! Add more cornstarch or powdered sugar if you notice it’s still a bit sticky. Roll the dough out, use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and just have fun with it!
Recipe Tips
- Start with clean hands and a clean work surface. It is something you might eat after all!
- Gel food coloring and liquid food coloring both work. You’ll need less gel coloring to get as vibrant of color, however, it is pricier.
- For extra yummy fun, mix it up by using different flavors of frosting!
- You could also use different colors of food coloring for each kid. Everyone can make their own batch.
- Always store playdough covered to keep it from drying out so you can come back and play with it again later.
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Edible Playdough
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla frosting , we used Pillsbury
- Food coloring , optional
- 2 cups powdered sugar , plus more if needed
- 2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch , add more to texture
Instructions
- Wash your hands and workspace very well.
- In a large bowl, add the frosting. Stir in the food coloring, if using. Add more drops until you reach your desired color. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 Tablespoons cornstarch. You may need to knead the dough with your hands until it is mixed. Add more cornstarch or powdered sugar, if the dough is too sticky.
- Roll out the dough and cut out with cookie cutters. Have fun with it!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
FAQs
From start to finish, using my step-by-step instructions, just 5 minutes! All you need is your ingredients, and 1 bowl. Cookie cutters, rolling pins, and other accessories are all optional.
This one tastes like very sweet frosting! So you know, sugary goodness ;)
When covered in a Ziploc bag or airtight container it can last up to 1 week. If you don’t cover it, it will remain exposed and dry out quickly.
It can! You may not want to serve it as a dessert or anything, but it’s definitely edible and safe to eat. On its own, it might be too sweet, but when cut out into cookie shapes, they make great cake or cupcake decorations!
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Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, DIY, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Miscellaneous, Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is SO fun and creative! I’m so excited to make this for my toddler. He’s going to love it!
Have a great time!
Homemade Playdough has come a long way since my kiddos were little. This recipe was so fun with a my church group!
Glad everyone enjoyed it! :)