Salt Dough Ornaments: The Recipe That Doesn't Crack

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Salt dough ornaments are a staple of handmade gifting because they use simple pantry ingredients to create durable keepsakes. The key to a finish that doesn't crack or puff is maintaining a specific salt-to-flour ratio and drying the dough at a very low temperature for several hours.

The Reliable Salt Dough Ratio

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup table salt (fine grain works best for a smooth finish)
• 1 cup room temperature water
• Mixing bowl and wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Drinking straw for hanging holes

Basic Salt Dough Shapes

ages 3-10 · 30 min active / 3 hours bake · about $2

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup table salt
• 1 cup water
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Assorted cookie cutters
• Plastic drinking straw

1. Stir the flour and salt together in a large bowl until combined.
2. Gradually add the water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and no longer grainy.
3. Roll the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. Thinner ornaments may warp, while thicker ones take significantly longer to dry.
4. Press cookie cutters into the dough to create shapes. For handprints, have the child press their palm firmly into a flattened circle of dough.
5. Use a drinking straw to punch a hole at the top of each ornament, ensuring it is at least 1/2 inch away from the edge to prevent breaking.
6. Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 2 to 3 hours. Turn the ornaments over halfway through the baking time to ensure even drying.

Decorating and Sealing Keepsakes

ages 5-10 · 45 min · about $6

• Dried and cooled salt dough ornaments
• Acrylic craft paint
• Small synthetic bristle brushes
• Clear acrylic sealer spray (matte or gloss)
• 1/8 inch satin ribbon or twine

1. Wait until the ornaments are completely cool and hard to the touch before applying any decoration.
2. Paint the surface with acrylic craft paint. For vibrant colors, apply a base coat of white paint first and let it dry before adding colors.
3. Use a fine-tip brush to add names or dates. For younger children, paint pens can offer better control than brushes for small details.
4. Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes until it is no longer tacky.
5. An adult should move the ornaments to a well-ventilated outdoor area and apply a thin, even coat of clear acrylic sealer to both sides to prevent the dough from absorbing moisture.
6. Once the sealer is fully dry, thread the ribbon through the pre-punched hole and tie a secure loop for hanging.

Safety note: Adult supervision is required for all oven use. The clear acrylic sealer must be applied by an adult in a well-ventilated space, as the fumes are strong.