Salt Dough Ornaments Recipe: There’s something truly magical about handmade decorations—especially when they’re crafted with love, creativity, and a pinch of salt! Salt dough ornaments are the ultimate DIY project for anyone looking to create personalized, long-lasting keepsakes. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, making gifts with the kids, or just want a fun craft to fill a cozy weekend, salt dough delivers.
What makes salt dough so special? It’s incredibly simple. You likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen, and the process is as easy as mixing, shaping, and baking. But beyond the simplicity, these ornaments can hold sentimental value—think of your child’s tiny handprint captured forever, or a personalized tag for your best friend’s holiday gift.
This guide is your ultimate, foolproof walkthrough to making salt dough ornaments from scratch. From ingredients to decorations, we’ll walk through every step in detail. Grab your apron, a rolling pin, and let’s dive in!
Benefits of Making Salt Dough Ornaments
Why bother making these yourself when you can buy decorations at any store? Well, homemade salt dough ornaments offer a unique blend of charm, customization, and cost-effectiveness.
- Budget-Friendly: The basic dough uses just three ingredients: salt, flour, and water. No fancy tools required!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s like edible play-dough (but please don’t eat it!). Kids love getting their hands messy, rolling, cutting shapes, and later, painting their creations.
- Long-Lasting Keepsakes: With proper storage, salt dough ornaments can last for years. They become yearly holiday traditions, each one holding memories.
- Personalized Gifts: Write names, stamp dates, or press in tiny fingerprints—these ornaments can be deeply personal gifts for friends and family.
- Creative Fun: They’re a blank canvas. Go wild with color, glitter, ribbons, and more.
There’s a reason salt dough has stood the test of time—it’s fun, easy, and meaningful.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how simple this is. Most of what you need is already in your kitchen. Here’s your go-to ingredient list for basic salt dough:
Basic Salt Dough Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of table salt
- 3/4 to 1 cup of warm water (adjust as needed)
These three ingredients are the backbone of the recipe. The salt preserves the dough, the flour gives it structure, and the water brings it all together.
Optional Crafting Add-ons:
- Acrylic paints – For coloring once baked
- Glitter – Add sparkle for festive flair
- Clear varnish or Mod Podge – To seal and protect the ornament
- Ribbon or string – For hanging
- Cookie cutters – Fun shapes like stars, hearts, trees, snowflakes, etc.
- Straws or skewers – For poking hanging holes
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking on the baking tray
Pro Tip: Don’t use self-raising flour—it causes the ornaments to puff up and lose their shape!
Tools and Materials Required
To make the process smooth, gather your tools ahead of time. This ensures you’re not scrambling mid-baking for a missing cookie cutter or baking tray.
Baking Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
Crafting Tools:
- Cookie cutters
- Skewers or straws (to make holes)
- Paintbrushes
- Acrylic paints or markers
- Glitter, stickers, or stamps (optional)
- Varnish or sealant for finishing
Having everything laid out before starting helps the process feel less chaotic, especially if you’re crafting with little ones.
Preparation Tips Before You Start
Before diving in, a few quick prep tips can make your crafting session much smoother.
- Set Up a Craft-Friendly Workspace: Salt dough can get messy. Lay down some newspaper, butcher paper, or an old tablecloth to catch flour and dough bits.
- Preheat the Oven: 200°F (93°C) is ideal for slow, even baking without browning.
- Store Extra Dough: If you’re making a big batch, wrap unused dough in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Have Aprons or Smocks Ready: If kids are involved, keep clothes safe from flour, water, and later—paint!
- Use Room Temperature Water: Warm water mixes more easily but avoid hot water—it can cook the dough prematurely.
- Flour Everything: Just like cookies, dust surfaces and rolling pins with flour to prevent sticking.
Getting organized first makes for a smoother, more enjoyable crafting session. Now that you’re set, let’s move into the actual making process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salt Dough Ornaments
This is where the fun begins! Making salt dough ornaments is as easy as making cookies—but without the calories (and sadly, no eating). Let’s break it down step by step so you get perfect results every time.
Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients
Measure 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and ¾–1 cup water. Accurate measurements help the dough hold its shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add water while stirring until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and pliable. If sticky, add a little flour.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Keep it even so ornaments bake uniformly.
Step 5: Cut Out Shapes
Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut shapes. Gently lift and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Make Holes for Hanging
Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each ornament. Make it wide enough for string after baking.
Step 7: Bake the Ornaments
Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1½–2 hours, or until dry and hard. Turn once halfway for even drying.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let ornaments cool fully before decorating. Once cool, paint, seal, and thread string or ribbon for hanging.
Decorating Your Salt Dough Ornaments
This is where your creativity gets to shine. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate salt dough ornaments—just have fun with it!
Painting Tips:
- Use acrylic paint for the best results—it dries fast and sticks well.
- Watercolors work too but may need a white base coat first.
- Let kids paint with their fingers for a fun sensory experience!
You can also use permanent markers or paint pens for small details like names, dates, or messages.
Add Extra Sparkle:
- Glitter glue adds instant sparkle.
- Press sequins or rhinestones into wet paint.
- Stickers, googly eyes, or gems are fun add-ons for kid-made ornaments.
Sealing and Protecting:
Once paint is fully dry, use a clear varnish, Mod Podge, or spray sealant to lock in your design and protect the surface.
- This prevents chipping, especially if you plan to store them.
- You can choose a glossy or matte finish depending on your style.
Don’t forget to thread a ribbon or twine through the hole for hanging. You can match the ribbon to the ornament’s colors for a coordinated look.
Drying vs. Baking: What’s Better?
Some people skip the oven and let salt dough air dry. Which method should you use?
Baking Pros:
- Fast and consistent results
- Great for thicker ornaments
- Ready to decorate the same day
Air Drying Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Better for delicate or thin ornaments
- No risk of overbaking
Downside: Air drying takes 1 to 3 days and is best for very thin designs. If you’re short on time, baking is your best bet.
Storage and Preservation Tips
If you want your ornaments to last year after year, storage is everything.
Tips for Long-Term Storage:
- Keep them dry: Moisture is the enemy. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Use tissue paper or bubble wrap between ornaments to avoid scratches.
- Store in a sturdy container like a shoebox or craft box.
Avoid attics or basements where temperature and humidity fluctuate. If an ornament cracks or molds, it’s often due to poor storage conditions.
Also, don’t skip sealing them! A good sealant helps keep moisture out and colors vibrant.
Creative Ideas for Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is like a blank canvas—you can go in so many directions with it! Whether you’re crafting for the holidays or just looking for a cute DIY gift idea, here are some creative ways to use your ornaments:
1. Holiday-Themed Ornaments
The classic use! These are perfect for Christmas trees, window hangings, or even gift tags.
- Christmas Trees & Snowflakes – Paint them in traditional reds, greens, golds, or silvers.
- Santa Faces or Snowmen – Add cotton for beards or hats!
- Gift Tags – Press a name into the dough before baking, then tie to a wrapped present.
2. Handprint or Footprint Keepsakes
Salt dough is amazing for preserving tiny handprints or footprints. Parents and grandparents love these keepsakes.
- Roll the dough thicker (around 1/2 inch)
- Press baby or toddler’s hand or foot firmly into the dough
- Add name or date before baking
These make adorable gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or baby’s first Christmas.
3. Wedding or Anniversary Mementos
Salt dough can be surprisingly elegant! Cut into hearts, press in initials or dates, and paint them with metallic colors.
- Add gold leaf or glitter
- Use as favors or table decor
- Write a meaningful quote or message
4. Pet Paw Prints
Honor your furry friends by capturing their paw prints in salt dough.
- Press gently (use a treat as a reward!)
- Paint in your pet’s colors
- Add their name for a personalized touch
5. DIY Wall or Window Decor
Make larger, themed designs for seasonal window hangings, nursery decorations, or even kitchen wall art.
- String several together to make a hanging garland
- Try seasonal themes: pumpkins for fall, flowers for spring
Salt dough isn’t just for Christmas—it’s a year-round DIY hero.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though salt dough is easy, a few slip-ups can ruin your ornaments. Here’s how to dodge the most common mistakes:
1. Dough Is Too Dry or Too Wet
- Fix for dry dough: Add water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Fix for wet dough: Add more flour until it holds together.
Your dough should be soft and pliable—not sticky or crumbly.
2. Forgetting to Poke Hanging Holes
So simple, yet so easy to forget! Always remember to poke the hole before baking.
Pro Tip: Wiggle the straw around a bit to make sure the hole doesn’t shrink closed in the oven.
3. Overbaking or Underbaking
- Overbaking leads to cracking and browning.
- Underbaking means the inside stays soft, leading to mold.
Stick to low temps and keep an eye on the thickness. Thinner ornaments bake faster.
4. Skipping the Sealant
Unsealed ornaments are vulnerable to moisture and can start to break down over time. A good coat of Mod Podge or acrylic sealant is a must.
5. Storing in Damp Areas
Humidity = death for salt dough. Always store in a dry container with silica packets if possible.
Avoiding these pitfalls means your ornaments can last for years!
Alternative Dough Recipes
Want to switch things up or try a different texture or scent? There are fun alternatives to the traditional salt dough:
1. Cinnamon Dough
- Made with applesauce and cinnamon
- Smells amazing—like holiday cheer!
- Darker in color and naturally festive
Ingredients:
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon glue (optional for strength)
No baking required—just air dry!
2. Cornstarch Dough
- Smooth and white, like porcelain
- Great for a more elegant, delicate look
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1.5 cups water
Cook the mixture on a stove until it thickens. Let it cool, then roll and shape.
3. Gluten-Free Salt Dough
If you or your child has gluten sensitivity:
Swap: Use rice flour or gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour.
Keep in mind that alternative flours may change the dough’s texture, so some experimentation is needed.
Eco-Friendly and Natural Crafting Tips
Want to keep your crafting more earth-friendly? You totally can—here’s how:
- Use natural dyes: Try beet juice, turmeric, or spinach water instead of synthetic dyes.
- Avoid plastic glitter: Go for biodegradable glitter or skip it entirely.
- Recycle old materials: Use fabric scraps or ribbon remnants for hangers.
- Seal with beeswax: It’s a natural alternative to chemical varnishes.
Creating with sustainability in mind makes your crafting even more meaningful—and safe for little ones and pets too.
Fun Activities to Pair with Salt Dough Crafting
Making salt dough ornaments can be the main event, or it can be part of a larger day of family fun. Here are some ideas to build around your crafting session:
- Holiday Story Time: Read themed books while waiting for the dough to bake or dry.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Crafting is even better with snacks! Set up a hot cocoa station with toppings.
- Cookie Baking Party: While the salt dough ornaments are in the oven, make real cookies!
- DIY Gift Wrap Station: After decorating ornaments, wrap them up with homemade tags and paper.
- Photo Booth: Take pictures with your creations—especially fun with kids or during parties.
Make the day a memory in itself. Crafting isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the laughs, the mess, and the joy of doing something creative together.
FAQs about Salt Dough Ornaments Recipe
Q1: Can I air dry salt dough ornaments instead of baking them?
Yes! Just lay them flat in a cool, dry area. They may take 1–3 days to fully dry depending on thickness. Flip occasionally for even drying.
Q2: How long do salt dough ornaments last?
If sealed properly and stored in a dry place, they can last years—even decades. Unsealed ornaments may break down over time.
Q3: Is salt dough safe for toddlers to play with?
Yes, but it’s not edible due to the high salt content. Always supervise little ones and wash hands after play.
Q4: Can I use acrylic paint on salt dough?
Absolutely! Acrylic paint works best—it’s vibrant, sticks well, and dries quickly. Just let it dry fully before sealing.
Q5: What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Add water a few drops at a time and knead until smooth. Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way!
Conclusion
Salt dough ornaments are the perfect DIY project—simple, sentimental, and bursting with creative potential. Whether you’re making them with your kids on a cozy weekend, creating unique gifts for loved ones, or decorating your home for the holidays, salt dough delivers. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or expensive ingredients. Just flour, salt, and water—and a little imagination.
So go ahead—try it out. Play with shapes, paint with wild colors, press in tiny handprints, or craft a snowman that’ll never melt. These little ornaments hold big memories.
Happy crafting!
