introduction
Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments are a simple and fun craft you can make at home. They use common kitchen ingredients and a little time. This section will tell you what they are and why they are great for holiday fun. If you like easy seasonal projects, you might also enjoy a warm dessert idea like apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting, which is easy to make and tastes like a holiday treat.
These ornaments stay on the tree for years if you make them well. They let kids join in and adults add small details. You can keep them plain, paint them, or add glitter and names. Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments make a simple gift, a family keepsake, or a way to decorate your home without spending much.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
You will love these ornaments because they are cheap and easy. The ingredients are in most kitchens. The dough is soft and easy to shape. You can make many shapes with cookie cutters or by hand. The process is not hard and kids enjoy rolling and cutting the dough.
You also love how each ornament becomes unique. Paint, stickers, and markers let you add color and details. The ornaments can hold small photos or prints, or you can press a child’s handprint into the dough to remember this year. They dry hard and last a long time when baked and sealed with varnish.
Why Make This Recipe
Make these salt dough ornaments because they are quick and rewarding. They teach simple crafting skills and give a feeling of making something by hand. You do not need special tools or skills. People of all ages can help.
This recipe also helps reduce holiday spending. Store bought ornaments can be costly and many break easily. These are sturdy when made right. They also give a chance to make gifts with meaning. A set of handmade ornaments in a little box is a thoughtful present.
What You Need for Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
You need a few basic tools and supplies. Gather a large bowl, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, a baking sheet, and wax paper or parchment. You will also want items for decorating: paints, brushes, glitter, ribbon or string for hanging, and a varnish or sealant to protect the finished ornaments.
For small holes to hang the ornaments, use a straw or a skewer before baking. If you want a smooth finish, use a damp sponge lightly after baking to remove any rough bits. Make sure to have an oven set to a low temperature and a cool place to let the ornaments dry fully.
How to Make Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
This recipe is simple and follows a few clear steps. Read each step and take your time. Use the ingredients and directions below.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, Optional: food coloring, baking soda for extra strength
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Gradually add water and oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- If desired, add food coloring to the dough.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and make a hole for hanging.
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours until hard.
- Allow to cool completely before decorating.
Start by mixing the dry ingredients then add water slowly. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour. If it cracks, add a small amount of water. After kneading, let the dough rest for a few minutes so it is easier to roll. Roll to about 1/4 inch thick so the ornaments are not too thin. Cut shapes and make a hole near the top with a straw or toothpick before baking.
Bake low and slow. This prevents cracks and keeps the color even. After baking, let the ornaments cool on a rack. They will firm up more as they cool. Once cool, paint them with simple craft paint or markers. A light coat of clear varnish helps them last longer and adds a soft shine.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
These ornaments are not for eating, but they serve many uses in holiday decor. Hang them on the tree with ribbon or twine. Use them as gift tags tied to presents. Place them on a wreath or string several together to make a garland. You can even tie one to a jar lid for holiday kitchen decor.
If you make a set, pack them in tissue in a small box for a homemade gift. Add a little card with the year and the maker’s name. They look good on a mantel, hung with ribbon, or on a small tabletop tree.
For other homemade holiday ideas to pair with your crafting time, try a sweet treat like the cookie dough truffles recipe. It is another simple project that makes a great homemade gift.
How to Store Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
Store finished ornaments in a cool, dry place. Wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap to stop chipping. Keep them flat in a sturdy box. If you stack many, place cardboard sheets between them.
Do not store in very humid areas. Moisture can soften the salt dough over time. If an ornament gets damp, let it dry fully before storing. Label the box with the year so you can find them easily for the next holiday season.
Easy Tips to Make Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
- Measure ingredients well. Too much water makes the dough sticky.
- Knead the dough until smooth. This makes it easier to cut shapes and reduces cracks.
- Keep the thickness even. About 1/4 inch is a good thickness.
- Make the hanging hole before baking. It is harder to make a neat hole after the dough hardens.
- Bake on low heat. This stops the edges from browning and keeps the dough smooth.
- Use varnish or clear glue to seal painted ornaments. This adds shine and protection.
- Add baking soda to the mix for extra strength: a small amount can help the final texture.
- If working with kids, keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe hands and tools.
Try These Variations of Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
- Scented ornaments: add a drop of cinnamon or vanilla essential oil to the dough.
- Painted scenes: paint small pictures like trees, stars, or a year number.
- Stamped patterns: press lace, leaves, or stamps into the dough before baking.
- Photo ornaments: press a small photo into a soft disk of dough and bake, then seal.
- Glitter accents: apply glue and sprinkle fine glitter after painting, then seal with varnish.
- Salt dough beads: roll small balls and bake to make a homemade garland.
These small changes keep the basic recipe but let you be creative.
Common Questions About Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
Q: How long do they take to dry fully?
A: They take 2–3 hours in the oven, but drying time can vary by size. Let them cool fully before decorating.
Q: Can I air dry them instead of baking?
A: Yes. Large or thick ornaments may air dry in a few days, but this takes longer and can risk uneven drying. Baking is faster and reliable.
Q: Can kids help?
A: Yes. Kids can roll, cut shapes, and paint. Adults should handle the oven and make the holes for hanging if needed.
Q: Will they last many years?
A: Yes, if you bake them well and seal them, they can last for many seasons. Store them properly between uses.
Q: Can I use food coloring in the dough?
A: Yes, but food coloring can stain your hands. Consider painting after baking instead if you want cleaner work.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments are a simple way to add handmade charm to your holidays. The recipe uses everyday ingredients and lets you make many shapes and styles. Make them with family, give them as gifts, and keep some as memories. The process is simple and the results are special.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your flour, salt, water, and a little oil. Set aside cookie cutters and paints. Make a small batch first to learn the feel of the dough. Then make more in different shapes. Enjoy the process and make ornaments that you will love to see on your tree year after year.
Conclusion
If you want more detail on making strong salt dough for ornaments and other crafts, check this helpful guide on the best salt dough mixes by visiting The Best Salt Dough (for Ornaments and Crafting!) to Make with the ….
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Christmas Salt Dough Ornaments
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: Multiple ornaments
- Diet: Non-Dietary
Description
A simple and fun craft to create unique Christmas ornaments using common kitchen ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Optional: food coloring, baking soda for extra strength
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Gradually add water and oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- If desired, add food coloring to the dough.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and make a hole for hanging.
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 2–3 hours until hard.
- Allow to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Wrap finished ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent chipping. Avoid humid areas during storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Crafts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ornament
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg