This year I wanted to simplify our Christmas tree’s decor. We opted to add white lights, a sparkling garland, and homemade salt dough ornaments. It’s the perfect touch of matching coziness and my kids are so proud that they had such an active hand in making our tree’s final beauty come together.
Thankfully, salt dough ornaments are an EXTREMELY easy to make Christmas craft. They require hardly any ingredients and come together in a jif. Exactly my kind of project.
Salt Dough Ornament Ingredients + Supplies
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 3/4 cup water
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
- Cookie cutters
- Disposable straw
- String or ribbon
DIY Directions
Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl with a whisk. Gradually add water and combine with a wooden spoon. Knead bare-handed until salt dough is smooth and formed into a ball. If you need more water, add a teaspoon at a time.
Roll dough into a large disc about 1/4 inch thick.
Then, have a blast cutting out shapes! From animals to snowflakes to circles … let your imagination be your guide! On our circles my kids pressed their thumb prints. You could also use a small knife to etch a word or design.
Use a straw to poke a hole near the top so once they’re baked you can string a ribbon and hang your ornament on the tree. I recommend a disposable straw because the dough starts lodging/filling the straw and it’s easier to cut the straw when it gets clogged.
Transfer completed ornaments to a parchment lined cookie sheet. They don’t expand so you can tuck them pretty tight together. Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours. Check that they’re done before cooling. You’ll know the salt dough ornaments are done cooking when they are solid and hard, not dough-y feeling when you gently press them.
Allow your ornaments to cool, thread them with ribbon, and adorn your tree with beautiful, unique ornaments. Don’t forget to send a few the grandparents 🙂
Curious about another homemade ornament option? We love these baked cinnamon ornaments too!