You may remember this Baker’s Dough recipe from when you were a kid because before there was ever Playdough, there was Baker’s Dough. It’s the perfect thing to share over the holidays, especially if you are going to have kids running around. Honestly though, I know that adults love this one, too.

Baker’s Dough Recipe Ingredients

3 and ½ cups white flour

1 cup salt

1 and ¼ to 1 ½ cups of water.

Mix the ingredients in a bowl until smooth, slowly adding the amount of water necessary for a clay-like consistency.

Now, you can certainly use this like modeling clay by adding food coloring. Or, you can roll it out with a rolling pin and cut shapes with cookie cutters or a knife. The cool thing about Baker’s Dough is that when you bake it, the salt to flour ratio makes it petrify so you have hard, long-lasting creations that can be painted.

Baking and Decorating Tips

Bake at 300 degrees until set and golden – anywhere from ½ hour to 1 hour of baking time. Keep your eye on the oven. The first batch will be your baseline.

If you roll these out like cookie dough, be sure to use a nail to put a little hole in the top of each shape before baking. You can run twine or a ribbon through the hole when the dough is cool and hang them on a Christmas tree.

If you want them to look like cookies, paint each shape with a little mixed egg and they will become golden colored in the oven.

I like to paint my baker’s dough with a shellac type of craft paint. I’ve also glued on candies and rick rack for my ginger people. And if you can stand the mess, kids love glitter.

This activity will keep children – as well as the child in you – happily occupied for hours. It’s a great craft for the holidays; snowflakes and ginger people to hang on a tree or in your window. Or individualized place card settings for your holiday table. Who wouldn’t like a leaf or a tree with their name painted on it waiting for them at their table setting? Or make napkin rings. Wherever your imagination takes you.

Admittedly, this is a funny recipe to share. Baker’s Dough is definitely not edible, but in that regard, hey, no calories! I think it’s a lot of fun.

Do you remember working with Baker’s Dough as a kid? What was your favorite thing to make? Do you have any baking or decorating tips of your own? Share with me in the comments.