14. Cinnamon-Scented Salt Dough Ornaments
What This Idea Means
Salt dough crafts offer a classic, sensory-rich sculpting experience. Adding cinnamon gives the dough an aromatic twist, making it perfect for keepsake ornaments, tags, and wall hangings.
How to Make It
- Mix Dough: Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup fine salt, 1/2 cup ground cinnamon, and 1 cup warm water in a bowl. Knead until smooth and pliable.
- Roll & Cut: Roll the dough flat on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters (stars, hearts, animals).
- Punch Hanging Hole: Use a drinking straw to punch a clean hole near the top edge of each shape.
- Bake & Finish: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 200°F (95°C) for 2 to 3 hours until completely hard. Once cool, paint or leave natural, then thread with twine.
Tips and Variations
- Tips: Ensure the dough is baked fully at low temperatures; baking too fast at high heat causes the dough to puff up and crack.
- Variations: Press dried star anise or clove studs into the wet dough before baking for extra scent and visual charm.
Materials Needed
- All-purpose flour
- Fine table salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Warm water
- Cookie cutters
- Drinking straw
- Twine or ribbon