How to Make a Gingerbread Christmas Tree Decoration
Explore gingerbread Christmas tree decoration ideas with these charming ornaments using a wooden cookie mold, salt dough, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
I can finally check these ornaments of my long DIY bucket list!
I’ve been wanting to make these gingerbread salt dough ornaments for the past couple of years ever since I saw them on Miss Mustard Seed’s blog, and I’m so glad I finally did.
I think what took me all these years to muster the courage to make them was my fear of the wooden cookie mold which is essentially a piece of wood that can transform simple dough into intricate cookie shapes.
However this year, I decided it was time to conquer my intimidation and turn my salt dough ornament dreams into a festive reality.
The result? A relaxing time in the kitchen crafting ornaments, the smell of warm cinnamon permeating our home, and a new collection of homemade decorations to adorn the Christmas tree.
If the idea of making salt dough Christmas ornaments using a wooden cookie mold intimidates you too, I’m here to tell you that if I can do it…you can too!
Let’s turn intimidation into inspiration and create memories that hang, quite literally, on the branches of our Christmas trees.
Gingerbread Inspiration With The Cozy Creative Collaborative
The Cozy Creative Collaborative is back this month to share Christmas inspiration with a gingerbread theme.
Here are the gingerbread themed posts from my fellow Cozy Creative Collaborators:
- Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest Blog: The Best Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
- Kelly of The Tattered Pew: Potterybarn Gingerbread Theme Home Decor
- Charity of Mornings on Macedonia: Copycat Gingerbread Latte Starbucks Recipe
At the bottom of this post, you’ll find links and photos to all the holiday cheer this month.
What you’ll love about these gingerbread decorations:
The Ingredients & Supplies You’ll Need for this Easy Gingerbread Recipe
Before we dive into making these gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments, you’ll want to gather the necessary ingredients and supplies:
Ingredients
Supplies
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED
How to Make Salt Dough Gingerbread Cookies
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and water.
Mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Dough should be pliable but not sticky. If dough is sticky, add in another tablespoon or two of flour.
Sprinkle the inside of the wooden cookie mold with flour and tap it around to cover all of the nooks & crannies of the mold.
Press dough into mold, scraping off any excess with a knife.
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Carefully release dough from mold and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.
Use a drinking straw to create a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
Bake ornaments at 200 degrees for one hour with decorative side facing up. Flip ornaments over and cook for another hour. Place on a wire rack to cool overnight.
Once cooled, string ribbon or twine through the hole in the ornament.
Tips
- Before pressing the dough into the wooden cookie mold, lightly dust it with flour. This prevents the dough from sticking to the mold, ensuring a clean and defined impression.
- Aim for a consistent thickness when filling cookie molds to ensure even baking. This helps prevent some parts from hardening too quickly while others may still be soft.
- After the holiday season, store your gingerbread ornaments in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain in good condition for future use.
- Experiment with various cookie molds to create a diverse set of ornaments for your Christmas decorations or home decor.
Coloring of Gingerbread Ornaments
One thing I do want to point out about these ornaments is the coloring.
Each ornament I created ended up being a little different shade of brown or tan, which I actually loved!
Some ornaments might capture a bit more flour from the wooden cookie mold, giving them a slightly textured appearance. While others might show the natural rise of salt to the surface during baking, resulting in a lighter, more delicate shade of brown.
The imperfections, the different shades, and the unique textures all contribute to the handmade charm of your Christmas tree decorations.
It’s a reminder that perfection is not the goal, individuality is!
Start a New Family Holiday Tradition
Create a great tradition by involving everyone in the salt dough ornament making process. Designate a special day each year to gather around the kitchen table, roll up your sleeves, and craft this gingerbread Christmas decoration together. Encourage family members to choose their favorite shapes and enjoy creating personalized decorations. Not only does this activity encourage creativity and togetherness, but the ornaments crafted each year become cherished keepsakes. You could also set up a hot chocolate bar along with Christmas cookies for family to enjoy while crafting ornaments.
What should I do if my gingerbread dough is too sticky and keeps sticking to the mold?
If you find that your gingerbread dough is a bit too sticky, sprinkle a bit more all-purpose flour into the dough.
Gently knead the additional flour into the dough until it reaches a more manageable consistency.
What should I do if my gingerbread salt dough is too dry?
If your gingerbread dough is on the drier side, add a touch of water.
Begin by incorporating a tablespoon of water gradually, kneading the dough between additions. This allows you to control the moisture content without overdoing it.
A little water goes a long way, so proceed cautiously until the dough achieves a more pliable and workable consistency.
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What should I do if I can’t get the dough out of the cookie mold?
If you find it difficult to remove the dough from the wooden cookie mold, don’t panic!
Lightly dust the mold with flour before pressing the dough inside. This prevents sticking and helps with a smoother release.
If the dough is still stubborn to remove, gently tap the back of the mold or use a toothpick to loosen the edges.
Patience is key! Forcing the dough from the mold may distort the shape of the ornament.
Can I use cookie cutters instead of a wooden cookie mold?
You certainly can!
While wooden cookie molds provide intricate details, you can absolutely use cookie cutters for this DIY project.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press the cookie cutter firmly to create your desired shapes.
The versatility of cookie cutters allows you to explore various festive designs and sizes, offering a different but equally charming result.
What is the best way to store these ornaments after the Christmas season?
Store ornaments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Placing them in a sealed air tight container is a great way to prevent them from absorbing moisture, which will affect their longevity.
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xoxo, heidi
More Gingerbread Christmas Inspiration With the Cozy Creative Collaborative
Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest Blog | The Best Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Kelly of The Tattered Pew | Potterybarn Gingerbread Theme Home Decor
Charity of Mornings on Macedonia | Copycat Gingerbread Latte Starbucks Recipe
Gingerbread Salt Dough Ornaments
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Wooden Cookie Mold
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Drinking Straw
- Scissors
- Ribbon or Twine
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Salt
- 3/4 cup Ground Cinnamon
- 3/4 cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and water.
- Mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Dough should be pliable but not sticky. If dough is sticky, add in another tablespoon or two of flour.
- Sprinkle the inside of the wooden cookie mold with flour and tap it around to cover all of the nooks & crannies of the mold.
- Press dough into mold, scraping off any excess with a knife.
- Carefully release dough from mold and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Use a drinking straw to create a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Bake ornaments at 200 degrees for one hour with decorative side facing up. Flip ornaments over and cook for another hour. Put on a cooling rack to cool overnight.
- Once cooled, string ribbon or twine through the hole in the ornament.
Notes
-
- Before pressing the dough into the wooden cookie mold, lightly dust it with flour. This prevents the dough from sticking to the mold, ensuring a clean and defined impression.
- Aim for a consistent thickness when filling cookie molds to ensure even baking. This helps prevent some parts from hardening too quickly while others may still be soft.
- After the holiday season, store your gingerbread ornaments in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain in good condition for future use.
- Experiment with various cookie molds to create a diverse set of ornaments for your Christmas decorations or home decor.
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Thank you Rachel!
Heidi,
These are so cute. I plan to share a link on DRA Sunday.
Thank you Kelly! I know, I want to by more wooden cookie molds now since I enjoyed making this DIY salt dough ornaments so much!
Heidi these are stunning! Magazine worthy and now I want some wooden cutters…they themselves are beautiful. SO lovely my friend, thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Rachel!
These are SO pretty, Heidi!
What a lovely way to create simple holiday decor for your home!! Pinned! Rachel @ The Antiqued Journey