Homemade Edible Play Dough Recipe for Safe Kids’ Sensory Play

An easy, delicious edible play dough made from frosting that kids adore. This simple homemade play dough is taste-safe, soft, and perfect for little hands — and it’s a fun activity that makes you look like the coolest parent on the block. It’s a great option for reducing snack-time worries while letting toddlers and older children explore, mold, and create.

Edible Play Dough

This edible play dough is a hit with toddlers and older kids alike. We’ve made it many times and the kids still ask for it. It’s quick to prepare, forgiving, and a wonderful sensory activity. If you’re wondering how it feels or how sweet it will taste, the recipe below answers those questions — it’s soft, slightly sweet, and safe to taste.

The magic ingredients are store-bought frosting and powdered sugar. Together they create a fluffy, soft dough that’s easy to shape. You can use plain white frosting, colored frosting, or add a few drops of food coloring to customize the look.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pre-made frosting
• 2¾ cups powdered sugar (adjust as needed)

Tools Needed:

• Measuring cups
• Stand mixer with a paddle or edge beater (or a similar mixer)
• Playdough toys or cookie cutters for shaping

To make the dough: add the powdered sugar to the mixing bowl, then spoon in the frosting. Mix on low speed, gradually combining the two ingredients. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly. Continue adding powdered sugar until the texture is soft and no longer sticky. Depending on the frosting brand and color, you may need slightly more or less powdered sugar — adjust until the dough feels right.

If you accidentally add a little too much powdered sugar and the dough becomes dry or crumbly, add a small drizzle of olive oil or coconut oil and knead gently until it softens. Leftover dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but it plays best at room temperature. If the frosting firms up after refrigeration, warm the dough gently in the microwave for a few seconds and knead to restore softness.

Edible Play Dough Recipe

Edible Play Dough Recipe

A simple, safe play dough you can taste. Roll it, squish it, and build with it.

Supplies

• Measuring cups
• Stand mixer with paddle or edge beater, or a similar mixer
• Playdough toys or cookie cutters

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pre-made frostingColored frosting works too.
• 2¾ cups Powdered sugarAmount may vary slightly depending on frosting brand and color.

Instructions

• Place the powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Add the frosting and begin mixing on low speed, combining the ingredients gradually.
• Continue mixing on low and scrape the sides of the bowl often to ensure even mixing.
• Before adding the final 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, test the dough with your fingers for stickiness.
• Add the remaining powdered sugar as needed until the dough feels soft and not sticky. You may not need the entire 3/4 cup.