One of my favorite holiday projects over all my years of Christmas crafting is making things with salt dough.  It started with an impulsive purchase from an Instagram ad.  I bought two wooden cookie molds, not really even sure what I was going to do with them.  I just thought they were pretty and had good crafting potential.  After languishing in my tin with cookie cutters and piping tips, inspiration hit.  What if I used those pretty molds with humble salt dough?  I hadn’t even thought of salt dough since my elementary years, but it seemed like it might be an idea worth trying.  It’s cheap and easy to make and has the potential to be elevated with beautiful molds.  I made them and they turned out even better than I expected.  Since then, I’ve made several variations, shared my favorite sources for molds, and even made faux “gingerbread houses” out of cinnamon salt dough.  Since these posts are spread out over a few years, I decided I would put them all in one place, including the traditional salt-dough ornament recipe I use.  This is that post.  You’re welcome.

salt dough recipes

I have made two versions of salt dough – traditional salt dough made with flour, salt, and water, and cinnamon salt dough.  Cinnamon salt dough is used to get a “gingerbread look”, which is fitting for Christmas.

HERE is the traditional salt-dough recipe, including tips, a video tutorial, and a printable recipe.

HERE is the cinnamon salt dough recipe for ornaments and “gingerbread” salt dough houses.   It also includes a printable recipe, video tutorial (so you can see the texture of the dough), links to the molds I used, and tips.

HERE is the recipe and instructions for making cinnamon salt dough “gingerbread” houses.  Matte white glue sticks (sealing wax) and white Puff Paint for the icing.

my favorite salt dough cutters & molds

I have experimented with different molds and added to my collection of molds and cutters over the years.  You can really use any molds and cutters that are made for cookies, candies, and wax, but some will be easier to use on the salt dough than others.  Most of mine are wood, resin, or plastic.  I have bought a few of my new molds on Amazon or from THIS Etsy shop that has wonderful, vintage-style designs.

Here are some of my favorites…

I have also picked up a couple of antique butter molds to use for salt dough ornaments.  It’s been fun to hunt for beautiful designs, like this thistle…

storing salt dough

The beautiful thing about salt dough is that it’s sugar-free, fat-free, and it’s loaded with salt, so it’s going to last a long time.  I have “bread loaves” made from salt dough that were used in my childhood dollhouse, which are still in good condition.  They have been used and stored for almost 40 years.  To increase their lifespan, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.   I wouldn’t suggest storing them in an attic if that can be avoided.  (Especially if you decorate them with wax “icing”).

Over the last few years, salt dough ornaments and houses have been such a joy for me to make to use in my own home and give as small, handmade gifts.  Of course, they are great to make with kids, friends, and family, and it’s a perfect project for bakers who don’t want calorie-laden snacks sitting around.  I can promise you that salt dough is not the slightest bit tempting to eat!

I haven’t tried it yet, but these would be very cute to make with an imprint of your pet’s paw or a small child’s handprint.  If I recall, that was the classic kindergarten gift for parents.  Oo!  And I just got another idea I’m going to test out this year, so more salt-dough ideas will be coming…

You can find other Christmas decorating and craft inspiration HERE.