Bread-Dough Ornaments
Create charming, homemade dough ornaments perfect for holiday decorations or gifts. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and customizable shapes make it fun for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt together in a bowl.
- Add enough water to the mixture to make it rollable and cut with cookie cutters.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
- Make a hole near the top of each shape with a toothpick for hanging.
- Bake the ornaments at 300°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Allow the ornaments to cool, then paint as desired.
- Thread ribbon or string through the hole to hang.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dough, consider using warm water to help dissolve the salt more effectively. If you want to add color, mix in food coloring before rolling out the dough. You could also substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. To create unique designs, try using textured rolling pins or stamps. Make sure to bake the ornaments until they are completely hard to ensure durability.
Serving Suggestions
These bread-dough ornaments make delightful decorations for holiday gatherings or as gifts. Consider pairing them with homemade treats like Fruit Balls for a festive presentation. They also look lovely hung from branches or displayed on mantels. For a fun twist, create a themed ornament set for a holiday party, ensuring each guest can take one home.
Storage & Reheating
These ornaments can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They will last for years if kept away from moisture. If you want to refresh their appearance, you can lightly sand them and repaint. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading of any paint or decorations you apply.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread-Dough Ornaments contains roughly 437 calories, with 12g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ornaments without using salt?
Salt is essential for creating the right texture and durability in these ornaments. However, if you are concerned about salt usage, you can reduce the amount slightly, but be aware that it may affect the firmness of the final product. It’s best to stick to the recipe for the best results.
How can I decorate the ornaments once baked?
Once the ornaments have cooled, you can use acrylic paints, glitter, or even decoupage techniques to decorate them. A clear sealant will help preserve your designs. For a more natural look, consider using twine or dried flowers to embellish them, which can add a rustic charm perfect for holiday decor.
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If your dough is too dry, gradually add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a rollable consistency. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly between additions. If it becomes too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour to balance it out. The ideal texture should be pliable but not tacky.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).