Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe for Christmas

The Smell of Christmas

Some smells just feel like home. Cinnamon is one of those smells for me. It wraps around you like a warm hug. I think that’s why I love these ornaments so much.

They make your whole house smell amazing. It’s better than any store-bought candle. Every year, my grandkids run in and say, It smells like Grandma’s house! I still laugh at that. What smell makes you think of the holidays?

A Simple Start

Let’s gather our two simple things. You just need cinnamon and applesauce. That’s it! The applesauce holds it all together. The cinnamon gives that wonderful smell and color.

Mix them in a big bowl. You’ll need to use your hands. It will feel sticky at first. Just keep kneading it. Soon, it becomes a soft, dark dough. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Shaping Memories

Roll the dough nice and thick. Then, press your cookie cutters in. Stars, trees, and gingerbread men are my favorites. Here’s a little tip from my kitchen.

One year, I forgot the most important step. I made a whole batch of reindeer. Then I realized I forgot to poke a hole for the string! We had to get creative. So, don’t be like me. Poke that hole right away with a pencil.

Why This Matters

This is more than a craft. It’s about making something real. In a world of plastic, you make this. You shape it with your own hands. That matters.

It also makes a memory. The smell will stick with you for years. Years from now, you’ll smell cinnamon. You’ll remember this day in the kitchen. That’s a special kind of magic.

Time to Bake and Make

Bake them low and slow. Two hours seems long. But it fills your kitchen with that cozy smell. Let them cool completely. They will get very hard.

Now for the fun part! Thread a string through the hole. You can leave them plain. Their color is beautiful. Or you can add little dots of paint. What shapes will you try first?

A Little Fun Fact

Fun fact: These ornaments can last for years! I have a star from ten Christmases ago. It still smells faintly sweet. Just keep them dry.

They make wonderful gifts. Tie one to a present. Or hang a few on your tree. They are gifts of time and care. That is the best kind to give. Will you be giving any as gifts this year?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground cinnamon	2 cups
Unsweetened applesauce	2 cups	Forms the dough when mixed with cinnamon

My Cozy Kitchen Christmas: Making Cinnamon Ornaments

Hello, my dear. Come sit at the table. The air smells like Christmas, doesn’t it? That’s because we’re making cinnamon ornaments. These little decorations fill your home with the warmest scent. My grandchildren and I make them every year. It’s a wonderful, messy tradition. I still have the first star my grandson ever cut out. It’s a bit lopsided, but I love it.

You only need two things from your pantry. The magic is in your hands. Let’s get started. I’ll share the story as we go. Remember, this is about fun, not perfection. A little extra dough on your fingers is just part of the joy.

Step 1: First, heat your oven nice and low. Set it to 250 degrees. We want them to dry out slowly, not bake fast. This keeps their wonderful smell strong. It’s like giving them a long, warm nap.

Step 2: Now, mix your cinnamon and applesauce in a big bowl. Stir with a spoon first. Then, you must use your hands. Squish and knead it like playdough. It will feel gritty and wonderful. (My hard-learned tip: If it’s too dry, add a spoon more applesauce. Too sticky? A sprinkle more cinnamon.)

Step 3: Roll the dough out on the counter. Aim for about as thick as your finger. Don’t worry about a perfect shape. My first batch was full of thumbprints. I still laugh at that.

Step 4: Press your cookie cutters into the dough. Stars, trees, and bells are my favorite. Gently wiggle the cutter to lift the shape. Place it on a greased baking sheet. What shape will you make first? Share below!

Step 5: Here’s the important part. Poke a hole at the top! Use a pencil or a skewer. Make the hole a little bigger than you think. It shrinks a bit as it dries. You need room for ribbon later.

Step 6: Let them bake for two full hours. Your whole house will smell amazing. This is the best part. Peek once, but let them be. They need to become firm.

Step 7: Take them out and let them cool completely. They will be hard and fragrant. This takes patience. I know it’s hard to wait!

Step 8: Finally, thread a pretty string through each hole. Tie a good, strong knot. Now they are ready to hang on your tree.

Step 9: You can leave them plain. Their color and scent are beautiful. Or, you can decorate them. A little glue and glitter makes them sparkle.

Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: About 12-15 ornaments, depending on size
Category: Holiday Craft

Three Fun Twists for Your Ornaments

Once you know the basics, you can play. Try one of these fun ideas. They make lovely gifts, too. My neighbor still has the gingerbread man I made her years ago.

Sparkly Snowflakes: Mix a tablespoon of white glitter right into the dough. It will shimmer as it dries.

Spiced Gingerbread Friends: Add a teaspoon each of ginger and nutmeg to the cinnamon. It smells like gingerbread cookies!

Natural Confetti: Press tiny dried cranberries or orange zest into the shapes before baking. They look so pretty and festive.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Up the Christmas Spirit

These aren’t for eating, of course. But they serve up Christmas cheer! Hang them on your tree. Tie them to gift packages instead of a bow. They make the present smell wonderful. You can also make a garland by stringing several together.

While you craft, I love a warm drink. A mug of spiced apple cider pairs perfectly. For the grown-ups, a little hot buttered rum smells just as cozy. The scents all mingle together beautifully. It’s the soundtrack of a perfect December afternoon.

Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Cinnamon Ornaments

These ornaments are not for eating. They are for smelling and hanging. Keep them in a cool, dry place. A cardboard box with tissue paper works perfectly.

I store mine with my Christmas linens. They make the whole box smell wonderful. I once tucked one in my sweater drawer. My sweaters smelled like Christmas all winter long!

Making a big batch saves time. You can make gifts for teachers and friends. This matters because handmade gifts are special. They carry your time and care.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Cinnamon Dough Problems

Is your dough too crumbly? Add more applesauce, one spoonful at a time. Knead it well with your hands. It should feel like soft play dough.

Is the dough too sticky? Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on it. Roll it out on a cinnamon-dusted surface. I remember when my first batch stuck to the table!

Did the hole close up in the oven? Repoke it while the ornament is still warm. This matters for getting your ribbon through. It makes your finished work look neat.

Fixing small problems builds your confidence. You learn that mistakes can be solved. This matters for all your future kitchen projects.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cinnamon Ornament Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! It is just cinnamon and applesauce. Everyone can enjoy making them.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?

A: You can wrap it tightly for a day. Keep it in the refrigerator until ready.

Q: What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?

A: Use a knife to cut simple shapes. A glass rim can make perfect circles.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. Just mix in a very large bowl. You will have plenty for gifts.

Q: Any fun decorating tips?

A: A tiny dab of glue adds glitter. Use a white paint pen for details. Fun fact: These ornaments can last for years!

Which tip will you try first?

Wrapping Up From My Kitchen

I hope you love making these. The smell will fill your home with joy. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

I would love to see your creations. Share a picture of your finished ornaments. You can tag my blog on Pinterest. Let’s build a gallery of cinnamon cheer.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.