Hey Craft Buddies! 🎄
You know those sweet, spicy scents that instantly make it feel like Christmas? That’s exactly what today’s DIY brings to your home — and bonus, it’s one of the easiest and most nostalgic crafts you can make for the holidays.
These cinnamon salt dough ornaments look like little gingerbread cookies, smell incredible, and are perfect for decorating your tree, topping gifts, or even stringing together as a garland. Best part? You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
Whether you’re crafting solo with a cup of cocoa or making a memory with your kiddos, this recipe is simple, fun, and oh-so-festive.
Cinnamon Salt Dough (Gingerbread “Cookie” Ornaments)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Bake/Dehydrate Time: 60–90 minutes (see notes)
Makes: ~25–35 small ornaments (varies by cutter size)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup table salt
- 1/2 cup ground cinnamon (budget cinnamon is perfect)
- 1 cup water
Tools
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Rolling pin
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Cookie cutters (gingerbread men, stars, etc.)
- Optional: straw or skewer to make hanging holes
- Optional:
- Optional: small brush + a tiny amount of olive oil for shine
Instructions
- Mix dry: In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add water: Pour in water and mix until a dough forms. If it’s crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time. If sticky, dust with a little flour or cinnamon.
- Roll & cut: Lightly dust your surface with flour (or cinnamon). Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. If you want faces or details, lightly press with a straw, pencil tip, or sculpting tool.
- Vent for hanging: Use a straw to punch a small hole near the top of each ornament for ribbon or twine.
- Bake/Dehydrate:
- Oven: 250°F (120°C) for 60–90 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Low & Slow Option: 200°F (95°C) for a longer dry to minimize puffing.
Bake until completely dry and firm.
- Cool & finish: Let cool completely. If pieces look dull, rub a tiny bit of olive oil on the surface with your finger for that perfect “fresh-baked” shine.
Styling Ideas
- Tie with jute or ribbon for rustic tree ornaments.
- Add puffy paint “icing” once cooled for extra charm.
- Mix small and large shapes to make a festive garland.
- Use as natural gift toppers — your presents will smell amazing!
Storage
- Keep fully dried ornaments in an airtight container.
- Add a silica gel packet if you live in a humid area.
- These are for decoration only — not edible (no matter how good they smell 😉).
Craft Buddy Tips
- Cheap cinnamon works best — save the fancy stuff for your cookies! I like to get mine at Aldi 🙂
- If cracks appear, your dough might be too dry; add a touch more water next time.
- Want a deeper color? Add a tablespoon of apple sauce or a splash of brewed coffee.
- Perfect project for holiday parties or cozy family craft nights.
- Add some Tulip puffy paint to “ice” your cookies for a super fun finishing touch like I did for this wreath.
This project is pure Christmas nostalgia — a little messy, a lot of fun, and guaranteed to fill your home with the coziest cinnamon scent. Every time I make these, I’m instantly transported back to childhood holiday crafts and cookie-baking days.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me over on Instagram @whiskeyandwhit so I can share your adorable ornaments.
Happy crafting and happy holidays, Craft Buddies! ❤️✨
