Combine the magic of Christmas decorations with the whimsy of gingerbread men by creating this delightful salt dough gingerbread man garland. The result is an enchanting festive decoration that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.Imagine a beautiful holiday ornament featuring gingerbread men, strung together on a sweetly scented garland. This charming creation can be displayed anywhere, spreading joy and cheer throughout your home. Whether you’re a fan of baking or simply love the charm of gingerbread, this unique garland is sure to become a treasured holiday tradition.If crafting is one of your favorite holiday activities, you might also enjoy whipping up a crochet star garland, creating a dried orange garland, or making a felt Christmas tree garland. Whatever your creative style, there’s no shortage of festive fun to be had.
How to Make a Gingerbread Christmas Garland
Imagine the warmth and joy of the holiday season in every bite and glance. The allure of gingerbread houses and men lies not only in their irresistible aroma and taste, but also in their ability to evoke a sense of festivity and coziness. This gingerbread recipe is an exemplary embodiment of this festive charm, as the garlands it yields are not only delightful decorations for your holiday home but also infuse the air with a subtle, seasonal scent that’s sure to tantalize.To bring this whimsical decor to life, begin by combining the ingredients with a fork until you’re left with a crumbly dough. If it seems too dry to hold together, add a touch of water and blend until it forms a cohesive ball. Next, roll out the dough and use a gingerbread man cutter (or any other shape that suits your festive fancy) to create adorable figures. Once baked and cooled, these charming creations will be transformed with a delicate white sheen – merely the result of the salt, which can be easily concealed by a light brushing of oil.The pièce de résistance is threading twine or string through the gingerbread men to form a beautiful garland that can adorn any corner of your home. Allow this delightful decor to transport you to a world of holiday magic and make your seasonal celebrations even more unforgettable.
Can You Eat These?
While gingerbread is undeniably scrumptious in its various forms – from molasses cookies to pizzelle treats – this particular recipe takes a creative approach. Rather than focusing on a tasty treat, we’re crafting a sweet and fragrant garland perfect for decorating your home’s tree, wreath, or mantel. To achieve the ideal consistency, we’ll combine flour, salt, and water, then add warmth with cinnamon and richness with cocoa powder. The result is a charming decoration that’s well worth the effort – even if it’s not meant to be devoured!
Homemade is Best!
While purchasing a gingerbread garland shaped like gingerbread men from Etsy or similar platforms is an option, it’s not necessary when making one yourself can be so simple. With just basic ingredients and a few additional supplies like twine and a cookie cutter, you can create your own festive gingerbread man garland for Christmas.
DIY Salt Dough Garland
Salt Dough Gingerbread Man Garland Christmas Decoration
Make this Christmas even more magical by crafting a stunning salt dough gingerbread man garland. This delightful DIY project is surprisingly quick to prepare, taking just five minutes of your time. However, the real magic happens when you let it cook for two and a half hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. With a total preparation time of just over two hours and fifty minutes, you can easily fit this activity into your busy holiday schedule. And the best part? This garland yields 25 adorable gingerbread men, perfect for decorating your home or giving as gifts.
Equipment
Instructions
To begin, combine the dry ingredients – flour, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder – with water in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mix until a crumbly dough forms. It’s essential to note that the dough might seem dry at first, but it should still hold together when pressed into a ball. If it appears too crumbly, add small increments of water (about 1 teaspoon at a time) and continue mixing until the desired consistency is achieved. Once you’ve reached the right texture, shape the dough into a ball and then flatten it slightly on a flat surface to create a disk roughly between ⅛” and ¼” thick. Next, use your miniature gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out 25 shapes. Place these cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, taking care to leave sufficient space for them to expand during baking. Before placing the cookies in the oven, use a straw to carefully cut out small holes in each hand of the gingerbread men – this will help prevent any unwanted spreading during the baking process. Preheat your oven to 275°F and bake for approximately 2 hours. If the gingerbread men still appear slightly soft or undercooked after cooling, repeat the baking process for an additional 30 minutes or until they are completely solid. Upon removal from the oven, you’ll notice that the cookies have developed a pale white hue – this is due to the salt settling. To rectify this, gently brush each gingerbread man with a small amount of neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil). Use a paper towel to carefully blot off any excess oil, removing the shine and achieving a more even appearance. Finally, use a darning needle to thread string through each gingerbread man, allowing you to create your desired design or attachment.
Notes
This recipe yields 25 mini gingerbread men, sufficient for crafting a stunning 6ft garland that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday decorations. As it dries, salt dough transforms from a soft, pliable material to a hard, durable finish with no lingering soft spots once cooled.
What’s more, this delightful recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort – perfect for a fun family activity or a quick DIY project. Plus, the end result is entirely customizable, allowing you to get creative with your ornament placement and overall aesthetic. So, why not start crafting today? The possibilities are endless! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on this recipe by rating and commenting below!