Dough Ornaments For Christmas
Create charming Christmas ornaments with simple salt dough that can be shaped, baked, and painted for a festive, handmade holiday decoration suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put your flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Gradually add your water and knead the dough for 7 to 10 minutes, until smooth.
- Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters or shape into your desired ornaments.
- Make a small hole in the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Bake on a cookie sheet at 325°F (160°C) until light brown, about 30 minutes.
- Let the ornaments cool, then paint as desired.
- Thread colored yarn through the hole and hang.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the dough is kneaded well to achieve a smooth texture. If you want a more fragrant dough, consider adding a few drops of essential oils or spices like cinnamon. You can also substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a rustic look. To speed up drying time, place the ornaments in a warm, dry area after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These dough ornaments make delightful holiday decorations and can be used as gift tags by adding names to them. They pair beautifully with Apple-Carrot-Raisin Salad(With Pineapple And Nuts) when used as a festive centerpiece. Consider making a variety of shapes and sizes to create a whimsical display on your tree or mantle.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled, store your dough ornaments in a cool, dry place. To keep them safe from moisture, consider wrapping them in tissue paper and placing them in a sealed container. If you want to preserve their colors, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. These ornaments can last for several years if stored properly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dough Ornaments For Christmas contains roughly 439 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 1747mg 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 food coloring to dye the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to your dough for vibrant ornaments. Mix a few drops of gel or liquid food coloring into the water before combining it with the flour and salt. Just remember to knead well to distribute the color evenly.
How can I make the ornaments smell nice?
To add a pleasant scent to your ornaments, consider mixing in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. Alternatively, you can paint them with scented acrylic paints after they have cooled and dried to enhance their fragrance.
Can I bake these ornaments in a microwave?
While it's not typical to bake these ornaments in a microwave, you can dry them in the microwave on low power. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid burning them. This method may require some experimentation for best results.
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).