Christmas Ornament Dough
Create festive ornaments with this easy, salt-based dough that hardens to a rock-like texture, perfect for decorating during holiday celebrations and crafting with children.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water in a bowl.
- Mix salt and 2/3 cup water in an electric skillet or saucepan on low heat. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately add the cornstarch and cold water mixture to the hot salt water.
- Knead the mixture until it forms an easy-to-handle dough.
- Allow the dough to cool and harden to a rock-like consistency.
- Roll out the dough and cut into ornaments for all occasions.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cold water before adding it to the hot mixture. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a bit more cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also experiment with adding food coloring or glitter to personalize your ornaments. This dough can be a fun craft for kids during the holidays, similar to how you might use it in vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These ornaments make delightful decorations for the holiday season and can be hung on trees or used as gift tags. Consider pairing them with homemade gifts or treats, like stuffed hot peppers or sugar-free punch, for a festive presentation. You can also use them to embellish holiday tables or as part of a larger craft project.
Storage & Reheating
Once the ornaments are fully dried and hardened, store them in a cool, dry place. If you have leftovers of the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To use the stored dough, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Ornament Dough contains roughly 148 calories, with 1g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% 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 use this dough for baking?
No, this dough is not intended for baking and is designed for crafting ornaments. It hardens into a non-edible form, so avoid using it in any food preparations.
How long does it take for the ornaments to dry?
Typically, the ornaments will take 24-48 hours to fully dry and harden, depending on the thickness of the pieces. To speed up the drying process, you can place them in a warm, dry area.
Can I paint the ornaments after they dry?
Absolutely! Once the ornaments are dry, you can paint them with acrylic paints or decorate them with markers, glitter, or other craft supplies to add a personal touch.
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).