DIY Pumpkin Spice Salt Dough: Easy to Make Recipe
Learn how to make DIY pumpkin spice salt dough with this simple recipe. Create festive fall crafts with just a few pantry staples.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to blanket the ground, there’s nothing better than cozying up indoors with a fun DIY project that celebrates the fall season.
One of my favorite ways to bring autumn into our home is with DIY crafts, and this simple pumpkin salt dough recipe is a great way to create festive decor that will last season, after season, after season.
Whether you’re crafting with the kids or looking to add handmade pieces to your fall decor this easy, budget-friendly DIY uses pantry staples, making it the perfect cozy afternoon activity.
Now, what sets this salt dough apart from other recipes you might find is the use of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
As you knead and shape the dough, it will fill your home with the unmistakable fragrance of fall, just like freshly baked pumpkin pie.
It’s so good, I wish you could smell it through the screen!
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of pumpkin scented dough ready for shaping into fun fall creations…let’s get crafting!
What is salt dough?
If you’re unfamiliar with salt dough, it’s a simple mixture of flour, salt, and water that can be molded into various shapes.
It’s commonly used in DIY projects because it’s easy to shape, bake, or air-dry into a hardened form.
Once dried, the dough can be painted or decorated which is great for creating ornaments, keepsakes, and seasonal decor.
The salt in the dough acts as a preservative, helping it harden and last for many years.
I still have a salt dough Christmas ornament I made over 4o years ago!
What you’ll love about this DIY:
Materials You’ll Need to Make Homemade Salt Dough
Before we dive into the step by step tutorial, gather these simple supplies to create your festive, fall scented DIY craft dough…
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED
*If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission. This does not add any cost to you, but helps me to continue to create & share meaningful content. Thank you for supporting my small business!
DIY Pumpkin Salt Dough Step by Step Instructions
Here’s the easy steps to making your own homemade dough…
seasonal inspiration
Fall Decor, DIY’s, Recipes, & More!
Find everything you need to make the most of the coziest season of the year.
One. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
Stir well to evenly distribute and set aside.
Note: If pumpkin spice isn’t your favorite, don’t worry! You can easily swap it out for apple pie spice. This alternative will give your salt dough a warm, fruity scent that’s just as perfect for fall.
Two. Add the Water
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients.
Pour slowly, mixing as you go, until the dough begins to come together.
Three. Knead the Dough
Once the clay is well mixed and slightly sticky, transfer it to a clean surface and knead for about 1-2 minutes.
The dough should become smooth and firm (if it’s crumbly add a few more drops of water).
Four. Shape & Store
Once your salt dough is ready, you can start using it for your fall crafts, or you can store it in an airtight container for later use.
Tips
- Add the water slowly to the dry ingredients. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, sprinkle in more water.
- If you want a little extra fall scent, you can increase the cinnamon or pumpkin spice, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much spice can make the dough crumbly.
- Not using the dough right away? Store it in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge. This will keep it pliable for up to 2 days.
What if my DIY salt dough is too sticky or too dry?
If your dough is too sticky, add just a touch more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
If it’s too dry, gradually add a few drops of water until it becomes pliable.
Download Our Free Cozy Magazine
What is the best way to store leftover craft dough?
Store the dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep it from drying out.
Is salt dough safe for children to use?
Yes, salt dough is non-toxic and safe for kids to handle.
However, salt dough is not edible so it’s a good idea to supervise young children during crafting to make sure they don’t accidentally eat any.
Hey friend! What can I help you find?
Search our entire site!
What can I use this pumpkin salt dough for?
You can use this pumpkin salt dough for a variety of creative crafts and decorative purposes.
Here are a couple of ideas…
- Fall Ornaments: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into mini pumpkins, leaves, or other fall-themed shapes. Add a hole for string, then bake and hang them around your house or on a seasonal tree.
- Gift Tags: Cut the dough into small shapes and add a hole for twine before baking. After drying, use them for unique, rustic gift tags.
- Fall Home Decor: Use the dough to make fall decorations for your home, like garlands, embellishments for wreaths, or table centerpieces.
Make sure to check out the DIY fall wreath I made with this pumpkin salt dough recipe!
you might also
Enjoy These Fall DIY Projects
Shop My Favorite Products
Shop my favorite home decor & lifestyle products, my LTK sources, and my Amazon Storefront.
By making a purchase with one of my affiliate links, I earn a small commission which helps me continue to create meaningful content for you!
I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home!
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.
xoxo, heidi
Pumpkin Spice Salt Dough
Materials
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Table Salt
- 5 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 cup Lukewarm Water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to evenly distribute and set aside.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients. Pour slowly, mixing as you go, until the dough begins to come together.
- Once the clay is well mixed and slightly sticky, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for about 1-2 minutes. The dough should become smooth and firm.
- Once your salt dough is ready, you can start using it for your fall crafts, or you can store it in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- Add the water slowly to the dry ingredients. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, sprinkle in more water.
- If you want a little extra fall scent, you can increase the cinnamon or pumpkin spice, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much spice can make the dough crumbly.
- Not using the dough right away? Store it in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge. This will keep it pliable for up to 2 days.
Don’t forget to pin this for later…
shop the post
I’m so glad you enjoyed this DIY Laurie! Using cinnamon instead of flour to roll out the dough is a great idea!
These were so fun to make. I followed your directions and baked for 1 hour and then turned them over for another hour at 200 degrees. I did have to apply the cooking oil to the tops though to make remove the white coating from the salt. I used cinnamon instead of flour on my board to roll them out and it made them even better. I have a silicone baking mat that I use but the addition of the cinnamon made them easier to cutout and remove. I shared this craft with my girlfriends at a fall get together and it was so well received. Thank you so much I am one of your biggest fan!!
Yes. I shared how to bake them in the next blog post, DIY Salt Dough wreath.
Do these need to be baked at all?
Thank you Kim!
I love this idea, Heidi! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Rachel!
Heidi
These turned out great.