under the sun of November’s pale light
many magical things
Like cookies that look like cookies yet aren’t really cookies but salt dough. These were fun to make but a little challenging as far as removing from the mold and obtaining a flawless print. It took a few practice runs.
Since they tend to turn out on the heavy side, these molds may be a bit too large for making ornaments, but they’re perfect for food photography or other decorative ideas. I like to set them out on a pretty plate all throughout the holidays.
No-Bake Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
Equipment
- wooden cookie mold (or stamped rolling pin) available through Wildberries, Ozone and Amazon
Ingredients
- 60 g all-purpose flour 1/2 cup
- 150 g salt 1/2 cup
- 66 g ground cinnamon 1/2 cup, more if you'd like to intensify fragrance
- 118 mL water 1/2 cup
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine flour, salt, ground cinnamon.
- Slowly pour in boiling water and mix well.
- Use hands to incorporate all ingredients and knead into dough. Dough should be pliable but not sticky. If dough is sticky, add another tablespoon or two of hot water. See notes.
- Sprinkle inside wooden cookie mold with flour and tap around to cover all nooks.
- Press dough into mold scraping off any excess with a knife.
- Tap mold once or twice face up on counter, then flip onto parchment paper. Dough should come off easily this way but if not, remove and try again with more flour in mold. See notes.
- Let dough cutouts dry out for 2-3 days, flipping once a day.
- If you'd like to hang these as ornaments, use a drinking straw to create a hole at top of each cookie.
Notes
Before pressing dough into wooden cookie mold, make sure to lightly dust it with flour. This prevents dough from sticking to mold, ensuring a clean and defined impression.
Sometimes dough may also need a little more flour so that it’s not as sticky. After a couple of times you’ll see what works.
After holiday season, store gingerbread ornaments in cool, dry place to ensure they remain in good condition for future use.
For a simpler process, you may opt for a stamped rolling pin and cookie cutter combination.