Super Sweet No-Cook Play Dough Ice Cream Play Set

It’s hard to believe, but summer’s just around the corner and we can’t wait! In order to prepare for what’s to come, we recently created an ice cream play dough kit — something we do each and every year because we enjoy it that much. Though obviously not for eating, these doughs smell absolutely delicious and decorating a cone or cup of ice cream is too much fun to pass up — even when it’s made of play dough!

Our absolute favourite way to add scent and colour to this beautiful pastel set is with handy dandy Frosting Creation packets, but since they can be hard to find sometimes, we also often use a combination of liquid extracts and food colouring and they work just as well.

Here's how to make the play dough:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of salt
• 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of glycerine
• 3/4 cup of boiling water
• 1/2 packet of Frosting Creations (or a tablespoon of flavour extract and a few drops of gel food colouring)

To make your play dough, whisk together everything but the boiling water (and food colouring and extract, if you are using). If using, stir the food colouring and extract into the boiling water. Pour the water into the main mixture. Give the dough a really good mix and then let it cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to knead. When ready, dump the dough onto a clean surface and knead well for about 2 or 3 minutes. While it may feel a little sticky at first, avoid the urge to add flour until the dough is fully cooled. By the time it is, it should be the perfect consistency!

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Once your dough is prepared, all you need are some accessories/loose parts and your ice cream play dough set will be complete! For starters, I like to include some cones, cups, small spoons, and a scoop. These can be from a children’s play set or directly from your kitchen — real mini ice cream cones are always a hit! (Editor's note: Plastic shot glasses and a Tablespoon from the dollar store are also good options!) Next, raid your craft drawer for "toppings". Nothing is off limits here, but beads, sequins and pompoms work great. 

Now set everything out on a tray an invite your little ice cream makers to play!

Inevitably our ice cream play dough set gets turned into an entire ice cream shop with the addition of an apron, cash register and handwritten menu, and I’m guessing yours might too. Enjoy!