This activity is so much fun and is perfect for using in your preschool classroom or with your young children. It’s also easy to make and taste-safe!
Making ice cream-themed playdough using frosting and powdered sugar is super simple and fun! Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of frosting (store-bought or homemade, I used chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla)
- 1-2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Optional: food coloring for a colorful “ice cream” effect
- Optional: Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Start with the Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, place your 1 cup of frosting. If you’re using store-bought frosting, the creamy variety works best. - Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want to add enough sugar until the mixture thickens and becomes more dough-like. Start with 1 cup and then add more if necessary. - Knead the Dough:
Once the mixture is thick enough, use your hands to knead it into a smooth dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency (similar to playdough). - Optional – Color It:
If you want to make it look more like different ice cream flavors, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough and knead it in until you get the desired color. - Storage:
When you’re done, store the playdough in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh. You can keep it at room temperature for a few days, but if it starts to dry out, you can add a tiny bit of frosting to soften it up again.
Play Ideas:
- Mold it into little “ice cream scoops” and add pretend sprinkles using tiny beads or confetti.
- Make “ice cream cones” with the dough and let your creativity run wild!
It’s a great sensory activity that smells delicious, and it’s easy to whip up!
My students loved coming up to the “counter” and ordering a flavor and putting sprinkles in their bowl. I got these bowls and ice cream play set from the Dollar Tree.
