How to Make Peeps Playdough (Easy 3-Ingredient DIY for Kids)

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Need an easy and fun idea for all those leftover Peeps from Easter? Let’s make playdough!

If your house looks anything like mine after Easter, you probably have a pile of leftover Peeps sitting in the pantry.

And if your kids are also anything like mine… they were super excited about them at first… and then suddenly… not so much 😅

Instead of letting them go to waste, we turned them into the cutest (and easiest) DIY playdough — and honestly, it turned out SO good.

This is one of those simple, low-effort activities that feels like a win all around: it’s cheap, quick, and keeps little hands busy.

Why You’ll Love This Peeps Playdough

• Uses leftover candy you already have
• Only 3 simple ingredients
• Takes less than 5 minutes to make
• Perfect for spring sensory play
• Fun colors + sweet smell kids love

Ingredients

• 4–5 Peeps marshmallow candies
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3–4 tablespoons cornstarch

That’s it. No special ingredients, no prep — just things you probably already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Peeps Playdough

Start by adding your Peeps and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave for about 20–30 seconds, just until the Peeps puff up and start to melt.

Give everything a good stir. At this stage, it’s going to look like a sticky marshmallow mess — that’s exactly what you want.

Next, start adding in your cornstarch one tablespoon at a time, stirring as you go.

Once it gets too thick to stir, switch to using your hands and begin kneading the mixture together.

Keep kneading until it forms a soft, smooth dough.

Tips for the Best Texture

This part is key to getting that perfect playdough feel:

• If it’s too sticky: add a little more cornstarch
• If it’s too dry: add a tiny bit more coconut oil
• Lightly coat your hands with cornstarch before kneading to prevent sticking
• Keep kneading — it gets better as you work it

How to Store Peeps Playdough

This playdough is best used the same day for the softest texture.

If you want to save it, store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Just keep in mind it may dry out a bit over time.

A Fun (and Frugal) Spring Activity

I love activities like this because they turn something we would have thrown away into a fun memory.

It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it’s one of those little “mom wins” that makes the day feel easier.

Perfect for:

• After-school play
• Rainy days
• Keeping toddlers busy while you get something done
• A quick, no-prep activity when you need one

Is Peeps Playdough Taste Safe?

Since this recipe is made with Peeps marshmallow candies, coconut oil, and cornstarch, all of the ingredients are technically food-based.

So if a little one sneaks a tiny taste, it’s generally safe.

BUT once it’s turned into playdough:

• It’s been handled a lot (little hands, surfaces, etc.)
• The texture isn’t meant for eating
• It can taste chalky because of the cornstarch

👉 So it’s best to treat this as “taste-safe” but not edible

For Toddlers

If you have younger kids who still put everything in their mouths:

• Supervise closely
• Expect a taste test (because… toddlers 😂)
• Redirect to playing instead of eating

Watch It in Action

If you want to see exactly how it comes together, I shared the full process over on Instagram — it’s even easier than you think.

Save This for Later

If you’re not making it today, be sure to save or pin this idea so you have it ready for next time you find yourself with extra Peeps.

Trust me… it happens every year 😉

More Easy DIY Ideas You’ll Love

If you’re into simple, affordable activities like this, here are a few more ideas to try next:

• 2 ingredient cloud dough
• Easy at-home kids activities
• DIY Painted rock garden