Use this salt dough recipe to make lasting treasures like ornaments, paw print impressions, and so much more.
What Is Salt Dough?
Salt dough is a malleable dough made with flour, water, and salt. Since it doesn't crumble or crack and it's easy to dry in the oven or microwave, salt dough is a popular DIY material for homemade crafts and ornaments.
How to Make Salt Dough
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make salt dough at home:
- Mix the dry ingredients, then gradually add the water.
- Knead and let rest.
- Roll and cut the dough into shapes.
- Bake, decorate, and preserve the salt dough.
Recipe Tip
The yield will vary based on the size of the cookie cutters you use.
How to Preserve Salt Dough
Decorate your baked and cooled salt dough shapes with paint, then preserve them with a craft sealer (such as Mod Podge) or spray sealant coating. Allow the sealant to dry completely before storage.
How Long Does Salt Dough Last?
If you preserve salt dough properly, it will last for decades. Without sealant, it will begin to crumble after a few weeks.
How to Store Finished Salt Dough Ornaments
When it comes to storing your salt dough ornaments, it's important to avoid heat and humidity. Choose a cool, dry place and opt for a sturdy container for the best protection. For the best protection, wrap each ornament in wax paper before you store them away.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Worked great," according to Dana Burke. "A little tip: Put dough in the fridge for 5 minutes to make it easier to make imprints."
"Want your decorations to smell amazing? Add in some cinnamon to the dry ingredients and mix as directed," advises Patches Jackson. "Really smells great! Just make sure no one tries to eat them."
"Super easy directions," says Lee Anne Barbara. "It's important to know that it turns out best if you SLOWLY add in the water!"
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
