Looking for a fun and easy craft that fills your home with a warm aroma? Cinnamon ornaments are a fantastic way to add holiday cheer and charm to your decor. With just three main ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create delightful decorations that smell great! Join me as we explore how to make these sweet-smelling ornaments, perfect for gifting or personal use. Ready to get crafting? Letβs dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for a fun, stress-free crafting session.
- Festive Aroma: The combination of cinnamon and cloves fills your home with a delightful, warm scent that enhances the holiday spirit.
- Customizable Shapes: Use any cookie cutter shapes you like, allowing you to create unique ornaments that fit your personal style or holiday theme.
- Great Gift Idea: These ornaments make meaningful, handmade gifts that can be cherished for years, adding a personal touch to holiday giving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon white glue (optional for durability)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves (for added fragrance)
- Baking parchment paper
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (various shapes)
- Straw or toothpick
The main ingredients for cinnamon ornaments are simple yet delightful. Ground cinnamon gives the ornaments that warm, spicy scent we love. Applesauce acts as the binder, making the dough easy to shape. If you want extra strength, add a tablespoon of white glue. This optional step can make your ornaments last longer.
For added fragrance, include ground cloves. They enhance the cinnamonβs aroma, making your ornaments even more inviting. Youβll also need baking parchment paper to keep the ornaments from sticking during baking. Ribbon or twine is essential for hanging your finished pieces.
Gather your tools. A mixing bowl combines the ingredients. A rolling pin helps flatten the dough. Cookie cutters come in handy for creating fun shapes. Finally, a straw or toothpick is perfect for making holes for hanging.
With these ingredients and tools, youβre set to create beautiful cinnamon ornaments. They not only smell good but also look great on your tree!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
To start making your cinnamon ornaments, gather a large mixing bowl. First, combine 1 cup of ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of ground cloves. This mix gives your ornaments a lovely spice scent. Next, add 1 cup of applesauce. If you want extra strength, include 1 tablespoon of white glue. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. If it feels too dry, add a touch more applesauce.
Shaping the Ornaments
Once your dough is ready, knead it on a flat surface for about 2-3 minutes. This makes it smooth and easy to shape. If the dough crumbles, a bit more applesauce helps bind it. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle some cinnamon on your rolling pin to prevent sticking. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment paper. Donβt forget to make a small hole at the top of each ornament with a straw or toothpick. This hole is for hanging later.
Baking and Cooling
Now, preheat your oven to 200Β°F (93Β°C). Bake the ornaments for 1-2 hours. This makes them dry and firm, perfect for hanging. After baking, let the ornaments cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, take some ribbon or twine to string through the holes. Your beautiful cinnamon ornaments are now ready for display or gifting!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Texture
To get the perfect dough, adjust the applesauce. If your dough is too dry, add a bit more. This helps bind the mixture well. If you want stronger ornaments, consider adding glue. It helps keep the shapes intact. The glue is optional, but it does add durability.
Decorating Ideas
Once your ornaments are dry, itβs time to decorate. You can use glitter or paints for a festive touch. A little sparkle makes them look magical. Think about creative uses for the ornaments too! You can hang them on your tree, use them as gift tags, or even as lovely centerpieces.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Prevent sticking while rolling out the dough. Use a rolling pin sprinkled with cinnamon. This stops the dough from sticking to surfaces. Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can make them too hard. Aim for 1 to 2 hours at 200Β°F (93Β°C) for the best results.
Pro Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground cinnamon and applesauce to enhance the fragrance and flavor of your ornaments.
- Keep the Dough Moist: If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or more applesauce to maintain the right consistency.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use various cookie cutter shapes to create unique ornaments that can reflect your holiday spirit.
- Store Properly: After drying, store your ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from affecting them.

Variations
Scent Combinations
You can change the scent of your cinnamon ornaments by using different essential oils or spices. Try adding a few drops of vanilla or orange oil for a sweet twist. You can also mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. These herbs add interesting texture and a unique fragrance.
Shape and Size Options
Get creative with your cookie cutter shapes! Use stars, hearts, or even holiday-themed shapes. You can also make mini ornaments for a garland. Small shapes work great for decorating trees or as gift tags.
Color Variation
Dyeing the dough with natural food colors can make your ornaments pop. You can use beet juice for red or spinach juice for green. After baking, try painting the ornaments with non-toxic paint. This adds a fun and colorful touch.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your cinnamon ornaments fresh during the holiday season, store them in a cool, dry place. If you hang them, avoid direct sunlight. This helps prevent fading and keeps them looking great. You can also place them in a basket or a decorative bowl for easy access.
Long-Term Storage Solutions
For long-term storage, use airtight containers. This keeps moisture out and helps preserve the ornamentsβ shape and scent. You can also wrap each ornament in tissue paper to protect them from bumps. Make sure to label the container with the date you made them. This way, youβll know how long they have been stored.
Display Ideas
Showcase your ornaments as beautiful decor. You can hang them on a festive tree or attach them to gift packages. They make great personal touches for gifts! For a creative display, use a simple string or twine to hang them on a wall. You can also arrange them in glass jars for a charming centerpiece.
FAQs
How long do cinnamon ornaments last?
Cinnamon ornaments can last for years if stored right. Keep them in a dry place. Avoid moisture to prevent damage. Use a box or a bag that breathes. Check for any signs of mold before using them again. If they feel soft or look bad, itβs best to toss them. To keep them fresh, store them in a cool, dark spot.
Can I use different types of glue?
Yes, you can use other glues. White glue is common and safe. You might also try craft glue or school glue. These options work well but may not be as strong. Avoid heavy-duty glue, as it can be toxic. Always check the label for safety, especially if kids are around.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough crumbles, donβt worry. Just add more applesauce slowly. This helps bring it back together. Knead the dough more if needed. If it feels too wet, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon. The right balance makes all the difference. Keep working until you have a smooth dough.
Are these ornaments safe for pets?
Cinnamon ornaments are generally safe for pets. However, they might be tempted to chew them. Keep the ornaments out of reach if you have curious pets. While cinnamon is not toxic, too much can upset their stomach. Always monitor your pets around decorations. Itβs best to play it safe and keep them high up.
Making cinnamon ornaments is easy and fun. We covered the main ingredients, like ground cinnamon and applesauce, to create a dough. Then, we shaped, baked, and cooled our ornaments. With tips for texture and decoration, these crafts are a delight. You can also explore different scents and colors. When storing, remember to keep them airtight. Want to enjoy or gift those creations? You have great ideas now! Embrace your creativity and make every holiday special with your ornament

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon white glue
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- None sheets baking parchment paper
- None sets cookie cutters
- None length ribbon or twine
InstructionsΒ
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and ground cloves thoroughly.
- Add the applesauce to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If you're using glue for extra strength, add it now and mix well.
- Knead the dough on a flat surface for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more applesauce to bind it together.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin sprinkled with cinnamon to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes from the rolled dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a straw or toothpick to make a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging later.
- Preheat your oven to 200Β°F (93Β°C) and bake the ornaments for 1-2 hours until they are completely dry and firm.
- Once baked, allow the ornaments to cool completely. String ribbon or twine through the holes for hanging.


