Edible Playdough Using Marshmallows

This post is all about how to make edible playdough! Edible playdough is a is a must-have playdough recipe if you have young kiddos who want to taste everything. This marshmallow playdough recipe is just that! Make your toddlers happy and how to make playdough using marshmallows.

This edible playdough recipe is super stretchy, but oddly holds its shape at the same time. Preschoolers and toddlers love playing with edible playdough!

Soft, stretchy edible playdough made from marshmallows.
Edible marshmallow play dough is a good choice for those who need something that is taste safe!

Every preschool teacher or parents needs an edible playdough recipe. And kudos if it’s an edible playdough recipe without cream of tartar. That’s this recipe.

It is made with just a few simple ingredients found in most home kitchens, so its quick and easy. And since this isn’t a peanut butter playdough recipe, it’s allergy free for most children. All you need is marshmallows, corn starch, and a little coconut oil.

However, if you ever do find yourself wanting a peanut butter playdough recipe, we have one of those too!

And if you like this edible playdough recipe, then you’ll love all the other recipes in my Playdough Cookbook! This cookbook features a wide range of playdough recipes and sensory doughs, so your preschoolers will always have a new sensory experience at their fingertips.

Why Use DIY Edible Playdough Without Cream of Tartar

This playdough recipe has a lot of benefits that makes it classroom and home friendly. It doesn’t call for the following:

  • cream of tartar
  • peanut butter
  • flour

Since peanut butter is a common allergy, and since it can be a very severe allergy for some, this recipe fits the bill for being a little more toddler and baby friendly. It’s also gluten-free.

However, while this could be an edible playdough for babies and toddlers, please supervise young children and discourage them from eating handfuls of the stuff. Even though this recipe is 100% edible, you still want to monitor how much is consumed.

Ingredients to Make Edible Playdough

This playdough recipe calls for only the most basic ingredients.

  • marshmallows
  • corn starch
  • coconut oil
Food coloring is optional, but always super fun to add.

How to Make Edible Playdough

Add the marshmallows and coconut oil to a heat proof, microwavable bowl. Use a larger bowl than you think you will need because the marshmallows will expand as they heat up. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds then remove.

Give the mixture a good sir, then add a few drops or squirts of food coloring if desired. Then give the mixture another stir.

Next stir in the corn starch. It’s going to be a sticky mess at first, but that’s ok. It will all come together. Trust the process.

Soft, stretchy edible playdough made from marshmallows. Orange playdough.
This soft, stretchy edible playdough made from marshmallows to so fun!

You may want to return to bowl to the microwave for a few seconds. Mix again. Heat a few seconds, then mix again.

Pour the dough mixture onto some parchment paper and allow to cool completely. Don’t rush this step!

Then, knead, and knead a lot. If the dough feels to sticky, just keep adding cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, until it is no longer sticky.

If you like this edible playdough recipe, then you’ll love the others from my Playdough Cookbook.

How to Make Playdough Less Sticky

If your marshmallow playdough is too sticky, there are a couple of things you can do.

  • add in more corn starch
  • add more coconut oil

I like to start by adding in a little more cornstarch, just one tablespoon at a time, and then add in a dollop of coconut oil to help mix it in. The dough should be able to be stretched and molded without sticking to your hands, so just keep mixing and kneading until you like the texture.

Soft, stretchy edible playdough made from marshmallows. Taste safe playdough, edible playdough recipe.
Preschoolers love playing with super stretchy playdough, like this one.

Why is My Playdough Crumbly?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, playdough can turn out crumbly. This means it needs more moisture. Classic playdough recipes will call for more water, but in the case of edible marshmallow playdough, you’ll want to work in more coconut oil.

For more tips and tricks on how to get perfect playdough every time, read this post about all the most commonly asked questions about how to make playdough.

Playdough Exercises

There are some seriously awesome benefits to playing with playdough. These playdough tools will make learning with playdough an even greater sensory experience for our babies and toddlers.

These playdough tools will increase fine motor skills and act as important hand strengthening activities.

What to Make With Playdough

Edible playdough acts a little differently than traditional recipes. If you want stretchy playdough, add less cornstarch.

If you want a more putty, dough-like consistency, add more corn starch.

Either way, kids love playdough with this playdough and sneaky a taste every now and then. This dough can be rolled and stamped, as well as stretched and wrapped.

Soft, stretchy edible playdough made from marshmallows.
A simple way to use this playdough is to make them into “cupcakes”. Follow the edible theme ad add sprinkles, too!

How Long Does Edible Playdough Last?

Once your kiddo is finished playing, you can try to save what is remaining of the edible playdough. Follow these steps for best results.

  • wrap dough in plastic wrap
  • store wrapped dough in airtight container

Your marshmallow playdough should last another 2-3 days, but it’s not going to last 3+ months like my playdough recipe without cream of tartar.

Playdough Learning Activities

There are so many ways to use playdough for learning activities. that’s one reason why I have developed over 45 playdough recipes! So I have a special playdough recipe for every sensory and learning experience.

Playdough Activities to Inspire You

Edible Playdough Using Marshmallows

Edible Playdough Using Marshmallows

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: easy

This edible playdough is soft and stretchy. but also holds its shape.

Materials

  • 12 large marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • food coloring (optional)

Tools

  • heat proof, microwave safe bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • rubber spatula
  • parchment paper

Instructions

    1. Measure the marshmallows and coconut oil into the microwave safe bowl.
    2. Heat for 30 seconds.
    3. Add corn starch and stir.
    4. Heat again for 15 seconds, then stir. Repeat until contents are thoroughly mixed.
    5. Turn out onto parchment paper and allow to cool completely.
    6. Knead thoroughly.

Notes

  • DO NOT ATTEMPT THE FOLLOWING until the playdough is completely cooled.
  • If the playdough is too sticky, knead in more corn starch, one tablespoon at a time, until desired texture is achieved.
  • If the playdough is too crumbly, knead in more coconut oil, one teaspoon at a time.

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