Salt Dough Donut Ornaments: A Sweet DIY Craft

Do you have fond memories of playing with salt dough as a child? The last time I made something with it was at summer camp, crafting giant pretzels. This year, I decided to revisit that nostalgia with a sweet twist—donut ornaments! After all, what's not to love about frosting, sprinkles, and a ready-made hole for hanging?

These ornaments take a full day to complete (mostly due to multiple baking rounds), but each step is wonderfully simple. I can easily imagine this as a fun winter break activity with older kids. I opted for a mini donut pan instead of a full-sized one to keep the ornaments lightweight, and their petite size is perfect for adding to a wreath or topping presents instead of a bow. And, of course, they look charming on a tree!

Supplies:

• A mini donut pan (silicone is ideal for easy removal)
• A baking sheet dedicated to crafts (no longer food-safe)
• Polymer clay in a mix of sprinkle colors
• Acrylic paint in frosting and dough shades (optional)
• Bakeable adhesive
• A paintbrush
• Flour, salt, and water
• String for hanging

Stir 1 cup flour and 1/3 cup salt together in a bowl. Add 1/3 cup water, stir, and gradually add up to another 1/4 cup of water until a dough forms. Turn onto a work surface and knead until smooth and soft.

Pinch off a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Use a finger to create a hole in the center and gently shape it into a donut—it doesn't need to be perfect. As long as the side that goes into the pan is relatively smooth, the donut will come out nicely. Press into the pan. Bake the donuts at 250ºF for 3 hours. Allow to cool, then remove them from the pan.

To make the sprinkles, roll out long, thin strands of polymer clay. I found it easiest to knead the clay until warm and pliable before rolling, and to roll in just one direction. Bake according to the package instructions (mine took only about 5 minutes). The clay will feel slightly soft when done; it should be bendy but hard once it cools.

Use a sharp knife to cut the clay into sprinkles. Beware—they tend to fly everywhere!

Now it's time to decorate the donuts! I experimented with mixing a “dough” color paint but ultimately preferred the plain look. If your donuts turn out pale, you might want to give them a dough-colored base coat. Then paint on the frosting, which took about three coats before it looked neat and opaque. Allow to dry completely before moving on.

Paint on some of the bakeable adhesive and press the sprinkles into it. It looks a bit gluey but turns almost clear after baking. Bake according to the adhesive directions. If any visible adhesive remains, you can use a fine paintbrush to touch up the frosting. Add the string and they’re ready to hang!

Don't they look good enough to eat? We didn't get a tree this year, so I arranged my dozen donuts on a garland on the mantel, and I love the pop of whimsy and color they add to the room. I'm planning to bake a second batch to tie to Christmas gifts—because who doesn't like getting two presents in one? Only next time I'll make sure I have some actual donuts to snack on while I work, since it's a little torturous making these and not getting to eat the real thing! xo Kayleigh

Credits: Author and Photography by Kayleigh Kosmas. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.

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