DIY Salt Dough Donut Ornaments: Easy & Fun Craft for All Ages

Brighten your holidays and spark creativity with simple, delightful salt dough donut ornaments anyone can make.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Jul 5, 2025

Brighten your holidays and spark creativity with simple, delightful salt dough donut ornaments anyone can make.

DIY Salt Dough Donut Ornaments: The Ultimate Handmade Holiday Craft

Salt dough crafts evoke a sense of nostalgia and playfulness—many of us remember shaping salt dough creations as children. Reimagining this classic, salt dough donut ornaments combine the fun of modeling with the charm of baked treat decor. Whether you’re searching for a family project, unique holiday ornaments, or creative gift toppers, this in-depth guide covers everything you need to make, bake, and decorate whimsical donut ornaments that look good enough to eat!

Why Salt Dough Donuts?

Salt dough ornaments are beloved for their versatility and ease. Donuts—with built-in holes, endless decorating possibilities, and playful appeal—make the perfect subject for this craft. Their compact size ensures they’re lightweight enough for trees, wreaths, or gift wrapping, and they’re a joyful way to personalize your holiday decor or involve kids in creativity during winter break.

Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Customizable shapes, frosting, and sprinkles—every donut can be unique.
Kid-friendly steps and a safe, hands-on creative process.
Perfect for gifting, decorating, or play.

Supplies You’ll Need

Gather your materials before you begin. Many of these are standard household or crafting supplies, making this a budget-friendly project.

Mini donut pan (silicone pan recommended for easy removal; metal works too)
Baking sheet dedicated to crafts (will not be food-safe after use)
Flour, salt, and water (basic salt dough ingredients)
Acrylic paint (in frosting and dough colors; optional, but highly recommended)
Polymer clay in sprinkle colors or colored rice, glitter, or clay bits for sprinkles
Bakeable adhesive (for attaching sprinkles)
Paintbrushes (various sizes for base, frosting, touch-ups)
Twine or thread for hanging
Optional: Varnish for sealing, cookie cutters for alternate shapes, and a rolling pin for shaping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Salt Dough

Begin by making your salt dough:

In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/3 cup salt.
Add 1/3 cup water and mix. Gradually add up to an additional 1/4 cup water until the dough holds together but is not sticky.
Knead the dough on a clean surface for several minutes until smooth and pliable.

If you’re working with children, this is a great sensory activity. The dough should be soft but maintain its shape when formed.

2. Shape the Donuts

There are two easy ways to shape your donuts:

Using a mini donut pan: Pinch off small pieces of dough, roll between your palms, and press into the pan.
Freehand: Roll dough into a ball, flatten slightly, then poke a hole through the center using your finger or a straw. Shape the edges to look like a donut.

Ensure each donut is even in thickness for uniform baking. Place shaped donuts on your prepared baking sheet.

3. Baking the Donuts

Preheat your oven to 225°F (100°C). Lower temperatures prevent puffing and ensure thorough drying.
Bake for several hours (exact time depends on donut size and thickness), flipping halfway through to promote even drying. Typically, small ornaments take 2–3 hours.
Once baked, let the donuts cool completely.

Patience is key: ensure ornaments are fully dry before decorating to prevent chipping or cracking. For a richer ‘baked’ look, some crafters toast the donuts lightly or use paint to mimic golden edges.

4. Painting & Decorating

Now the real fun begins—decorate your donuts!

Paint the entire donut in a ‘dough’ shade if desired (tan, light brown, or classic unpainted for a rustic look).
Allow base to dry. Then, using a smaller brush, add ‘frosting’ colors to one side. You may need 2–3 coats for an opaque finish.
Let each coat dry before adding the next.
Once the paint is fully dry, apply a thin coat of bakeable adhesive where you’d like ‘sprinkles’.
Press in tiny pieces of colored polymer clay, colored rice, glitter, or small craft sprinkles.
Re-bake briefly if using polymer clay or bakeable adhesive (follow product instructions), or simply allow glue to dry thoroughly.
For extra durability or shine, finish with a coat of clear varnish once all decorations are set.

Creativity is limitless—try vibrant glazes, pastel frosting, sparkly toppings, or even personalized designs like names or festive messages.

5. Preparing for Hanging

Thread twine or ribbon through the donut hole or a small opening at the top.
Tie into a secure loop so it’s ready for hanging on a tree, wreath, or gift.

Your ornament is now ready to display, gift, or enjoy as playful decor!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Seal the ornaments after painting for longevity and a professional finish.
Use a silicone pan for easy removal and smooth donut shapes.
Store leftovers of salt dough wrapped tightly in cling film for up to a day to reuse.
Go mini: Smaller donuts are lighter, less likely to crack, and perfect for delicate decorations.
Custom shapes: Use cookie cutters or sculpt freehand for other baked-good ornaments (pretzels, gingerbread, etc.).

Creative Play Ideas: Donut Shop Pretend Play

Once your salt dough donuts are complete, they aren’t just for the tree—kids especially love to use them in creative play!

Set up a pretend donut shop with a cardboard counter, paper cups, and price tags.
Integrate with a play kitchen and use a toy register for math and counting practice.
Make a mini bakery display with other salt dough treats.
Create hand-drawn menus or bakery signs for dramatic play.
Wrap and ‘deliver’ donuts in recycled boxes as part of a “donut delivery” game.

Alternative Decorating Ideas & Variations

Cinnamon salt dough: Add a tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough for a cozy scent and brown color.
Glitter and sequins: Add sparkling accents on top of the ‘frosting’ for festive shine.
Stamped designs: Use rubber stamps to press patterns into unbaked dough for a textured look.
Stained ‘glass’: For other ornaments, put crushed hard candy in the center and bake for a stained glass effect.
Handprints or footprints, marked with the year, make for memorable keepsakes.

Uses for Salt Dough Donut Ornaments

Christmas tree decorations – Add homemade charm to your holiday tree.
Gift toppers – Replace traditional bows with colorful donuts.
Party favors – Send guests home with a sweet, handmade memento.
Wreath accents – Cluster small donuts for a unique take on holiday decor.
Creative play – Perfect additions for any child’s imaginative bakery play set.

Salt Dough Donuts vs. Other Salt Dough Ornaments

Feature	Donut Ornaments	Traditional Ornaments
Shape	Round with hole, easy to hang	Varies (stars, trees, etc.)
Decoration	Layered “frosting” and “sprinkles”	Painted, cut-out, or stamped
Play Factor	Great for dramatic “bakery” play	Mainly decor/kids’ crafts
Gifting Use	Popular as gift toppers or party favors	Often used as keepsakes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are salt dough donut ornaments safe for kids and pets?

A: Yes, the ingredients are non-toxic, though the ornaments are not edible due to high salt content. Supervise small children and keep out of reach of pets.

Q: How long do salt dough ornaments last?

A: If thoroughly dried, painted, and optionally sealed, they can last for years. Store in a dry, cool place when not in use.

Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

A: Absolutely! Shape by hand, flattening dough balls and using a finger or small round tool to make the characteristic hole.

Q: Is it necessary to seal the ornaments?

A: Sealing is optional but recommended for added durability and moisture protection, especially if you want to keep them for several winters.

Q: What are some fun ways to personalize these ornaments?

A: Try adding initials, names, or special messages with paint or a fine-tip marker on the frosting. Let kids pick their own sprinkle colors and frosting styles for a custom look.

Final Thoughts & Inspiration

Salt dough donut ornaments are the perfect fusion of nostalgia, creativity, and holiday cheer. They bring people together—kids and adults alike can enjoy the process from mixing and shaping to painting and play. Beyond Christmas, try experimenting with new shapes, colors, and uses for these ornaments year-round. Hang them in windows, gift them for birthdays, or simply enjoy a session of imaginative crafting any time you crave a sprinkle of joy.

Happy crafting—and may your holidays be sweet and handmade!