Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments: Simple Holiday Craft Guide

Cinnamon applesauce ornaments are natural holiday decorations made from a simple mixture of applesauce and ground cinnamon that can be shaped, dried, and hung as fragrant tree decorations. This traditional craft requires only two basic ingredients, creates a warm spicy scent, and makes an excellent non-toxic activity for children during the holiday season.

Creating cinnamon applesauce ornaments is a beloved holiday tradition that combines simplicity with nostalgic charm. These natural decorations have been popular for generations because they require minimal ingredients, engage multiple senses, and produce beautiful, long-lasting results. Unlike store-bought ornaments, these handmade creations offer a personal touch to your holiday decor while filling your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon.

The History and Appeal of Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

While the exact origins are unclear, cinnamon applesauce ornaments emerged as part of the broader tradition of using natural materials for holiday decorations. Before mass-produced ornaments became commonplace, families relied on edible and natural elements to adorn their trees. The combination of cinnamon and applesauce creates a pliable dough that holds shape well when dried, while the natural preservative qualities of cinnamon help these ornaments last for years.

What makes cinnamon applesauce ornaments particularly special is their multisensory appeal. They engage sight with their rustic appearance, touch with their smooth yet textured surface, and smell with their distinctive warm cinnamon fragrance. This sensory experience creates stronger memories than conventional decorations, which explains why many families pass this craft down through generations.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity. You only need two primary ingredients, though optional additions can enhance your creations:

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Unsweetened applesauce	1 cup	Provides moisture and binding
Ground cinnamon	2-3 cups	Creates structure and fragrance
Lemon juice (optional)	1-2 tsp	Preserves color and adds freshness
Glitter (optional)	As desired	Decorative element

For tools, you'll need cookie cutters in various shapes, rolling pin, parchment paper, toothpicks or skewers for hanging holes, and airtight containers for storage once dried. When selecting ingredients for your cinnamon applesauce craft ornaments, choose unsweetened applesauce without added spices for the most authentic results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect cinnamon applesauce ornaments every time:

1. Prepare your workspace: Cover your surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have all ingredients and tools ready before beginning.
2. Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup unsweetened applesauce with 2 cups ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until a dough-like consistency forms. Add additional cinnamon (up to 1 more cup) until the mixture holds together when pressed.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer to your prepared surface and knead like bread dough until smooth and pliable, about 3-5 minutes. If too sticky, add more cinnamon; if too dry, add a few drops of applesauce.
4. Roll and cut shapes: Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create shapes. For cinnamon applesauce ornaments for kids, choose simple shapes that are easy to handle.
5. Create hanging holes: Before the ornaments dry, use a toothpick or straw to make a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
6. Dry completely: Place ornaments on a clean, dry surface (not directly on paper which might stick). Allow to air dry for 24-72 hours, flipping occasionally, until completely hardened. For faster results, some crafters use a low-temperature oven (175°F) for 2-3 hours, checking frequently.
7. Add finishing touches: Once completely dry, you can add details with non-toxic markers, edible glitter, or small ribbons through the hanging holes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Even experienced crafters encounter challenges with this simple recipe. Here's how to address common problems when making homemade cinnamon applesauce ornaments:

• Ornaments cracking during drying: This usually indicates the mixture was too dry. Next time, use slightly less cinnamon or add a few more drops of applesauce. If already cracked, you can fill small cracks with a cinnamon-applesauce paste.
• Mixture too sticky: Add more cinnamon gradually until the proper consistency is reached. Remember that the mixture will firm up slightly as it sits.
• Ornaments sticking to surface: Always use parchment paper or silicone mats, never regular paper. If sticking occurs, gently loosen with a spatula rather than pulling.
• Fading scent over time: While the cinnamon scent naturally diminishes, you can refresh ornaments by placing them in a sealed container with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil for 24 hours.

Creative Variations for Your Cinnamon Applesauce Craft Ornaments

Once you've mastered the basic recipe for cinnamon applesauce ornaments, try these creative adaptations:

• Color variations: Add natural food coloring or beet juice for pink hues, turmeric for yellow, or spinach juice for green accents.
• Texture enhancements: Mix in finely ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for additional fragrance and visual interest in your cinnamon spice ornaments.
• Personalized gifts: Create small ornaments with children's handprints or initials using alphabet cookie cutters for cinnamon applesauce ornaments as gifts.
• Layered designs: Roll different colored mixtures and layer them before cutting for a marbled effect in your homemade cinnamon applesauce ornaments.

Preserving and Storing Your Finished Ornaments

Proper storage ensures your cinnamon applesauce ornaments last for multiple holiday seasons:

• Store completely dried ornaments in airtight containers with layers separated by tissue paper
• Include silica gel packets to absorb moisture and prevent mold
• Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve color
• Refresh scent before each use by placing in a sealed container with cinnamon sticks for 24-48 hours

Well-preserved cinnamon spice ornaments can maintain their shape and fragrance for 3-5 years. The scent may fade somewhat over time, but this is part of their charm—each year they carry memories of previous holiday seasons.

Why This Craft Remains Timeless

Cinnamon applesauce ornaments endure as a holiday tradition because they offer something increasingly rare in our digital age: a tangible, multisensory experience that connects generations. Unlike electronic decorations, these natural ornaments engage children's senses while teaching patience (as they wait for the ornaments to dry) and providing immediate gratification when they see their creations hanging on the tree.

For families seeking meaningful holiday activities, this craft delivers on multiple levels. It requires no special skills, accommodates various ability levels, and produces results that can be cherished for years. The process of making cinnamon applesauce ornaments together creates shared memories that often become as valuable as the ornaments themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cinnamon applesauce ornaments take to dry completely?

Cinnamon applesauce ornaments typically require 24-72 hours to air dry completely, depending on thickness and humidity. Thinner ornaments (1/8 inch) may dry in 24 hours, while thicker ones (1/4 inch) often need 48-72 hours. The ornaments should feel completely hard with no soft spots and should not bend when ready. For faster drying, some crafters use a very low oven temperature (175°F) for 2-3 hours, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Can I make cinnamon applesauce ornaments without applesauce?

Yes, you can create similar ornaments using alternatives to applesauce. Common substitutions include mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or even gelatin mixed with water. Each alternative creates slightly different results—banana produces a darker ornament with a sweeter scent, while pumpkin creates a more orange-hued decoration. The basic ratio remains similar: 1 part fruit puree to 2-3 parts cinnamon. These variations work well for cinnamon spice ornaments when applesauce isn't available.

How can I make my cinnamon applesauce ornaments last longer?

To extend the lifespan of your cinnamon applesauce craft ornaments, ensure they dry completely before storage (at least 72 hours). Store them in airtight containers with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Adding 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the mixture helps preserve color. Avoid displaying them in direct sunlight or humid environments. Properly stored, these natural ornaments can maintain their integrity for 3-5 holiday seasons, though the scent may gradually fade over time.

Are cinnamon applesauce ornaments safe for young children to make?

Yes, cinnamon applesauce ornaments are generally safe for children to make as they use non-toxic, edible ingredients. However, supervision is recommended as young children might try to eat the mixture before it's fully dried. The cinnamon can irritate mouths if consumed in large quantities, and small tools like toothpicks for making hanging holes require careful handling. For toddlers, consider using straws instead of toothpicks and pre-mixing the ingredients to minimize ingestion risk while creating cinnamon applesauce ornaments for kids.