How to Make Playdough with Peep Marshmallows: A Fun Sensory Activity for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun, colorful, and easy DIY activity to do with kids, making playdough out of Peep marshmallows is a perfect choice. This vibrant and sweet-smelling craft turns leftover holiday treats into a hands-on sensory play experience that kids absolutely love. Even better, this recipe is simple to follow and only requires a few ingredients you probably already have at home.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide to creating homemade Peep marshmallow playdough, discuss tips for success, and explore how sensory play like playdough helps child brain development. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this activity is sure to bring smiles while also supporting early learning through touch, smell, and creativity.

Why Make Playdough with Peep Marshmallows?

To begin with, Peep marshmallows are not just for Easter baskets. They can also be used to make a soft, colorful, and slightly sweet-smelling playdough that is completely edible (though not especially tasty). Using Peeps to make playdough is a great way to repurpose extra holiday treats and create a budget-friendly sensory activity for children.

In addition, the bright colors of Peeps—whether pink, yellow, blue, or purple—make for beautiful dough that appeals to kids’ sense of sight and touch. Plus, since this playdough is made with food-safe ingredients, it’s safer for younger kids who are still exploring with their mouths.

Ingredients for Peep Marshmallow Playdough

Before you start making your homemade Peeps playdough, gather the following ingredients. These items are all commonly found in most kitchens.

• 5 Peeps (any color). Buy in bulk on Amazon.
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (plus more for kneading)
• Optional: Food coloring for brighter hues. I love this plant based food coloring!

You’ll also need a microwave-safe bowl and a spoon for mixing. Additionally, having a clean surface and extra cornstarch ready will make the process easier when it comes time to knead your DIY playdough.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peep Marshmallow Playdough

Now that you have your ingredients, follow these easy steps to create your Peep marshmallow playdough at home. This process is quick, simple, and fun to do with children.

Step 1: Melt the Peeps

First, place 5 Peeps into a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil over the marshmallows. This helps prevent them from hardening too quickly and gives the dough a soft, pliable texture. Microwave the mixture for 10 to 15 seconds. You’ll notice the Peeps puff up—this is your cue to take them out.

Step 2: Stir and Add Cornstarch

Next, use a spoon to stir the warm marshmallows until smooth. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixing a little at a time. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to form a sticky dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once it’s mostly combined, sprinkle a clean surface with cornstarch and scoop the dough onto it. Before you start kneading, dust your hands with cornstarch. This prevents sticking and makes the dough easier to handle. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

If your Peep playdough is still too sticky, don’t worry. Simply add a little more cornstarch, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. This is a common step and easy to fix, especially with colorful or fluffy Peeps that may vary in sugar coating.

Tips for Making Perfect Peep Playdough Every Time

Even though the recipe is simple, a few helpful tips can make the process smoother. Here are some best practices to ensure your homemade marshmallow playdough turns out soft, stretchy, and fun to play with.

First, make sure not to overheat the Peeps. Microwave them just long enough to puff up, as overheating can make them too hard and brittle. Additionally, always mix the cornstarch in gradually. This helps you control the dough’s texture and avoid lumps.

Covering your hands in cornstarch before kneading is one of the best tricks for keeping the dough from sticking. This also makes cleanup easier, especially when working with kids. Lastly, if you’re making multiple batches in different colors, clean the surface between each one to prevent colors from mixing too soon.

How to Store Peep Marshmallow Playdough

Because Peep marshmallow playdough is made with food ingredients, it doesn’t last as long as traditional playdough. However, you can store it for short-term use.

After playtime, place the dough in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it at room temperature. It should stay soft for up to one day. If it starts to dry out, you can try microwaving it for a few seconds with a small drop of oil and then kneading it again with more cornstarch.

Keep in mind that this dough is best used the same day it’s made. Since it’s made from sugar, it can harden or attract ants if left out too long.

Wrapping Up: Make, Play, and Learn with Peep Marshmallow Playdough

Making playdough out of Peeps is a fun, engaging, and educational activity for kids of all ages. It’s easy to whip up in minutes, safe to play with, and supports child development in creative ways. From encouraging fine motor skills to boosting sensory awareness, this DIY marshmallow dough is more than just a craft—it’s a learning tool in disguise.

Whether you’re planning an afternoon activity at home or looking for a fun classroom project, Peep marshmallow playdough is a sweet way to spark imagination and learning. So, grab those leftover Peeps, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a world of colorful, squishy fun!

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