Tired of traditional play dough that dries out and crumbles? Want something super soft and squishy? Then you need to try making marshmallow play dough! It’s super easy, and it’s guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained for hours. Here’s how to make marshmallow play dough.
3 Easy Ways to Make Marshmallow Play Dough: Get Ready for Gooey Fun!
Before: Remember those days when you were a kid, and the simple act of playing with play dough could bring hours of joy? Well, guess what? You can relive those happy times – and even share them with your kids – with a super easy and fun recipe: marshmallow play dough!
Bridge: Forget about those expensive, store-bought play doughs that often leave your hands sticky and your wallet feeling lighter. Marshmallow play dough is the perfect solution. Not only is it super easy to make, but it also smells amazing thanks to the marshmallow goodness, and it’s super soft and pliable, making it ideal for even the youngest of hands.
After: So ditch the plastic tubs, grab your favorite marshmallows, and get ready to get creative! Here are three totally awesome ways to make marshmallow play dough:
Method 1: The Classic Marshmallow Play Dough
Before: This is your standard, tried-and-true marshmallow play dough recipe. It’s super simple and only requires a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Bridge: This recipe is perfect for beginners or if you’re looking for a quick and easy play dough solution.
After: Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (we’ll use these to create that gooey, marshmallowy texture)
- 1 tablespoon butter (this helps to make the play dough smooth and pliable)
- 1/2 cup water (we’ll use this to melt the marshmallows and create the dough base)
- 1/2 cup flour (this will help to bind the dough and give it the right consistency)
- Food coloring (optional) (to add a splash of color to your play dough)
- Flavoring (optional) (think vanilla extract, almond extract, or even peppermint extract for a refreshing twist!)
Instructions:
- Melt those marshmallows! Combine the marshmallows, butter, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Add the flour. Slowly sprinkle the flour into the melted marshmallow mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Mix it up! Keep stirring until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Flavor and color! Add your desired food coloring and flavoring at this stage.
- Let it cool. Transfer the play dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s smooth and cool enough to handle.
- Play time! Your marshmallow play dough is ready to go!
Method 2: The No-Cook Microwave Method
Before: Who says you need to stand by the stove and stir for ages? This microwave method is a real time-saver!
Bridge: It’s perfect for those evenings when you just want to whip up something quick and fun for the little ones.
After: Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (our star ingredient!)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for smooth and pliable dough)
- 1/4 cup water (helps melt those marshmallows)
- 1 cup flour (binds the dough and gives it the right texture)
- Food coloring (optional) (for a colorful creation)
- Flavoring (optional) (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows, butter, and water.
- Microwave it! Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are completely melted.
- Add the flour. Slowly add the flour, stirring constantly until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Flavor and color! If desired, add your food coloring and flavoring.
- Knead it up! Let the dough cool slightly, then knead it on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and easy to handle.
- Time for play! Your microwave marshmallow play dough is ready to go!
Method 3: The Super Simple Marshmallow Play Dough
Before: Looking for the absolute easiest way to make marshmallow play dough? This method is so simple, even the littlest hands can help!
Bridge: It requires minimal ingredients and minimal cooking, making it ideal for impromptu play sessions or even a fun activity for a rainy day.
After: Here’s what you need:
- 1 bag (10 oz) of mini marshmallows (the heart of our play dough)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for a smooth and creamy texture)
- Food coloring (optional) (gives your play dough a vibrant look)
- Flavoring (optional) (adds a little extra deliciousness)
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, add the marshmallows and peanut butter.
- Mix it up! Knead the mixture together with your hands until the marshmallows are completely incorporated and the dough is smooth.
- Add color and flavor! If desired, add food coloring and flavoring.
- Play time! Your super simple marshmallow play dough is ready to go!
Tips for Making the Best Marshmallow Play Dough
- Storage: Store your marshmallow play dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week.
- Soft? If your play dough gets too soft, just add a little bit of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Too sticky? If your play dough is a bit too sticky, add a little bit of powdered sugar.
- Be creative! Experiment with different food colors and flavorings to create unique and fun play dough creations!
Marshmallow Play Dough: More Than Just Fun!
Before: Marshmallow play dough isn’t just a fun and engaging activity, it also provides a range of benefits for kids.
Bridge: Playing with play dough encourages creativity, fine motor skills development, and even helps children learn about colors, shapes, and textures.
After: It also promotes sensory exploration, which is essential for a child’s development.
So go ahead and try out these easy marshmallow play dough recipes! You and your little ones will have a blast creating and playing with this gooey, marshmallowy delight!
