Warm Cinnamon Holiday Adornments

Embrace the true spirit of the holidays by crafting these wonderfully simple yet incredibly charming homemade cinnamon ornaments. Requiring just two basic ingredients, this delightful project is not only fun for all ages, especially when making with kids, but also infuses your home with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon. These durable ornaments can adorn your Christmas tree year after year, becoming cherished family keepsakes, or be thoughtfully gifted to friends and loved ones. Prepare to transform your living space into a festive haven, filled with the comforting scent of the season.

One of my family’s most treasured holiday traditions involves decorating our real Christmas tree, carefully placing each ornament with care and reminiscing about past Christmases. Among our collection of quirky, sentimental decorations, the homemade ones hold a special place. Over a decade ago, I first embarked on the journey of making these cinnamon and applesauce ornaments, and they have graced our tree every single year since. Their rustic charm and enduring fragrance make them an invaluable part of our festive décor, a testament to simple joys and lasting memories.

The magic behind these aromatic delights lies in their incredible simplicity. They are primarily crafted from just two fundamental ingredients: ground cinnamon and unsweetened applesauce. For an extra boost of holiday aroma, I often incorporate a touch of ground cloves, elevating the festive scent. The process is straightforward and enjoyable: you simply roll out the fragrant “dough,” cut it into various festive shapes using cookie cutters, and then either bake them gently in a warm oven or allow them to air dry at room temperature. Once hardened, a simple string or ribbon is added for hanging, transforming them into beautiful, natural decorations ready to adorn any space.

“I made these as a kid over 40 years ago and they still have their smell and in one piece!!! I love putting them up every year. Store stacked together, wrapped in paper towel and in a small box… making them for a Christmas craft fair this year! Wish me luck!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” —from Tiana

Table of Contents

• The Charm of DIY Christmas Ornaments
• Ingredients & Supplies You’ll Need
• How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
• Drying Your Cinnamon Ornaments: Oven vs. Air Dry
• Creative Ways to Use and Gift Your Cinnamon Ornaments
• Storage Instructions for Long-Lasting Scent
• Get the Tutorial (Printable Recipe)

Note: While the ingredients used in these ornaments are edible, it is crucial to understand that these are not edible ornaments! The mixture hardens significantly, similar to clay, and is not suitable for consumption. This craft tutorial is a unique addition to my website, as it’s the only “recipe” you cannot eat. Despite this unusual deviation from my usual culinary content, I genuinely hope you find joy in this fun and rewarding holiday project. My family and I certainly do!

The Charm of DIY Christmas Ornaments

There’s something truly magical about homemade Christmas ornaments. Unlike mass-produced decorations, each DIY piece carries a story, a memory, and a personal touch. Crafting these beautiful cinnamon ornaments goes beyond just decorating a tree; it’s an experience that fosters creativity, strengthens family bonds, and creates lasting traditions. Imagine the joy of children cutting out their favorite shapes, their small hands covered in fragrant cinnamon, eagerly awaiting the moment they can hang their creations on the tree. These ornaments aren’t just decorative; they’re sensory treasures, filling your home with a natural, comforting aroma that instantly evokes the holiday spirit. They are a simple, eco-friendly way to add warmth and personality to your festive celebrations, making your Christmas truly unique and memorable.

Ingredients & Supplies You’ll Need

Beyond the core ingredients, you’ll also need a few basic kitchen and craft supplies to bring your cinnamon ornaments to life:

• Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly flattening your dough to the perfect thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: Choose various festive shapes like stars, trees, gingerbread men, snowflakes, or hearts to add variety to your ornament collection.
• Baking Sheet Pans: You’ll need these to place your cut-out ornaments for drying, whether in the oven or at room temperature.
• Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the dried ornaments.
• Toothpick or Skewer: Crucial for poking holes in the ornaments before drying, allowing you to thread string or ribbon for hanging.
• Decorative String or Ribbon: Once dried, these will be used to hang your beautiful creations. Satin ribbons, twine, or even raffia can add a lovely finishing touch.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments

Creating these aromatic holiday treasures is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to craft your own batch of beautiful, long-lasting cinnamon ornaments:

1. Prepare Your Work Area and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a low 200°F (93°C). This gentle heat ensures the ornaments dry slowly and thoroughly without burning. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you plan to air dry, simply ensure you have a clean, flat surface ready.
2. Craft the Cinnamon Dough: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce with about 1 cup of ground cinnamon. If you’re using optional ground cloves, add them in at this stage. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, either by hand with a sturdy spoon or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Your goal is to achieve a slightly sticky dough that can be easily formed into a ball and holds its shape without crumbling. The exact amount of cinnamon needed may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of your applesauce, so add a little more cinnamon if the dough is too wet, or a tiny bit more applesauce if it’s too dry and crumbly. Aim for a consistency similar to firm playdough.
3. Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Dust your clean countertop or a large cutting board generously with extra ground cinnamon. This acts like flour, preventing the dough from sticking. Place your cinnamon dough onto the dusted surface, and then sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top of the dough ball. Using your rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly to approximately 1/4-inch (about 6mm) thick. This thickness is ideal for sturdy, durable ornaments that won’t be too fragile. Now, unleash your creativity! Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out various festive shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, a sharp knife can be used to create simple shapes like squares, rectangles, or freehand designs.
4. Create Hanging Holes: Before your ornaments dry, it’s crucial to make a hole for hanging. Use a toothpick, a skewer, or even the blunt end of a small straw to carefully poke a hole near the top of each cut-out ornament. Ensure the hole is large enough to comfortably thread your chosen ribbon or string through once the ornament is dry and hardened. Make sure the hole is not too close to the edge, as this could cause the ornament to break when hung.
5. Bake or Air Dry Your Ornaments: You have two effective methods for drying your cinnamon ornaments:
   • Oven Drying: Carefully transfer your cut-out, hole-punched ornaments to the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated 200°F (93°C) oven for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are completely hard and dry to the touch, resembling ceramic. The low temperature ensures they dry slowly and evenly, preventing cracks.
   • Air Drying: For a no-bake alternative, simply place your ornaments on a clean surface or wire rack, ensuring good air circulation around them. Allow them to dry at room temperature for several days, usually 2-4 days, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying. This method takes longer but works just as effectively.
6. Add Ribbon or String for Hanging: Once your ornaments are thoroughly dried and completely hardened, it’s time for the final touch. Select your desired decorative string, twine, or ribbon. Cut a length of about 6-8 inches, loop it through the hole you made earlier, and tie the ends together in a knot. This creates a hanger for your beautiful creations.
7. Hang and Enjoy! Your homemade cinnamon ornaments are now ready to be displayed. Hang them proudly on your Christmas tree, use them as charming decorative accents around your home, or package them up as thoughtful, fragrant gifts. They also make excellent personalized gift tags for holiday presents.

Drying Your Cinnamon Ornaments: Oven vs. Air Dry

Choosing the right drying method is key to creating durable and beautiful cinnamon ornaments. Both oven drying and air drying have their advantages, depending on your timeline and preference.

Oven Drying Method: For Quicker Results

Baking your ornaments in a low-temperature oven is the fastest way to achieve a rock-hard finish. The consistent, gentle heat helps to thoroughly dry the dough, ensuring the ornaments maintain their shape and last for many years. Set your oven to a low temperature, typically around 200°F (93°C). Place your cut-out ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Bake them for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on them; the exact time may vary based on the thickness of your ornaments and your oven’s calibration. The goal is for them to feel completely solid and hard when removed. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet after baking.

Air Drying Method: For Simplicity and Energy Saving

If you have a bit more time and prefer a completely hands-off approach, air drying is an excellent option. This method requires no electricity or special equipment beyond a clean, flat surface. Arrange your ornaments on a wire rack or a clean countertop, ensuring there’s good airflow around each piece. Allow them to dry undisturbed for several days, typically between 2 to 4 days, or even longer for very thick ornaments. It’s a good practice to gently flip them once or twice a day to ensure even drying on all sides. While this method takes longer, it yields equally sturdy and beautiful ornaments, and some crafters find it preserves the scent even more intensely.

Regardless of the method you choose, the key is patience. Ensuring your ornaments are completely dry will prevent them from becoming brittle, molding, or losing their structural integrity over time. A fully dried ornament should feel hard and solid, with no give or flexibility.

Creative Ways to Use and Gift Your Cinnamon Ornaments

Once your homemade cinnamon ornaments are complete, their uses extend far beyond just hanging on the Christmas tree. Their rustic charm and inviting scent make them incredibly versatile for various holiday applications:

• Classic Tree Decor: The most traditional use! Hang them on your Christmas tree alongside other cherished ornaments for a touch of handmade elegance and a delightful natural fragrance.
• Gift Toppers: Attach a cinnamon ornament to your wrapped holiday gifts as a beautiful, personalized, and fragrant gift tag. It’s an extra gift in itself that recipients can keep and cherish.
• Festive Garland: Thread multiple ornaments onto a long piece of twine or ribbon to create a charming holiday garland. Drape it across your mantel, along a staircase, or around a doorway for a rustic and aromatic decoration.
• Bowl Fillers or Potpourri: Arrange a collection of cinnamon ornaments in a decorative bowl or tray as a festive centerpiece. Combine them with pinecones, dried orange slices, and other natural elements for an appealing holiday display that also acts as natural potpourri.
• Window or Door Decorations: Hang individual ornaments from windows or door handles to spread the lovely cinnamon scent throughout different rooms of your home.
• Teacher or Hostess Gifts: Package a few homemade cinnamon ornaments in a small gift bag with a pretty ribbon. They make thoughtful and inexpensive gifts for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, or as a hostess gift during holiday gatherings.
• Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider giving each guest a cinnamon ornament as a sweet-smelling party favor they can take home.

No matter how you choose to use them, these homemade cinnamon ornaments are sure to add a special, personal, and aromatic touch to your holiday season.

Storage Instructions for Long-Lasting Scent

With proper care and storage, your homemade cinnamon ornaments can last for many years, becoming a beloved part of your annual holiday traditions. While they are quite durable once hardened, it’s important to store them carefully to prevent breakage.

I recommend storing your cinnamon ornaments in a dedicated ornament storage box or a sturdy container. To protect them from chips and cracks, individually wrap each ornament in tissue paper, soft fabric scraps, or even paper towels before placing them in the box. Arrange them in layers, with additional padding between layers if necessary, to prevent them from shifting or bumping into each other. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Excessive humidity can potentially affect their integrity over very long periods.

Over time, you may notice that the aromatic potency of your cinnamon ornaments diminishes slightly. This is completely natural and expected. However, their visual appeal remains undiminished year after year. If you wish to refresh their scent, you can try placing them in a sealed container with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil on a cotton ball (ensure the oil doesn’t directly touch the ornaments). Alternatively, lightly misting them with a cinnamon-scented room spray right before hanging them up for the season can also revive their delightful fragrance, bringing that wonderful holiday aroma back to life.

Get the Tutorial (Printable Recipe)