How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments: Complete Guide

Cinnamon dough ornaments are fragrant, natural holiday decorations made from a simple mixture of ground cinnamon and applesauce. They require no baking, dry naturally in 3-7 days, and retain their spicy scent for years when properly stored. The basic ratio is 1 part applesauce to 2 parts ground cinnamon, with optional additions like citrus zest or cloves for enhanced fragrance and visual appeal.

Creating cinnamon dough ornaments is a cherished holiday tradition that combines sensory delight with craft simplicity. These natural decorations offer a chemical-free alternative to store-bought ornaments while filling your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon during the festive season. Unlike clay or salt dough crafts, cinnamon ornaments require no baking—just mixing, shaping, and air-drying—making them perfect for crafters of all ages.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Ornaments

The magic of cinnamon dough ornaments lies in their minimal ingredient list. You'll need just three basic components:

Ingredient	Ratio	Purpose
Ground cinnamon	2 cups	Provides structure, color, and signature fragrance
Applesauce (unsweetened)	1 cup	Binder that dries firm without baking
Lemon juice (optional)	1-2 tsp	Preservative that prevents mold during drying

For those seeking a cinnamon dough ornament recipe without glue, this basic formula delivers remarkable results. The natural pectin in applesauce creates a pliable dough that hardens as it dries, eliminating the need for additional binders. Some crafters substitute apple juice for applesauce for a smoother texture, but the thicker consistency of applesauce generally produces better results for detailed shapes.

Step-by-Step Creation Process

Follow these professional techniques to ensure your cinnamon and applesauce ornament recipe yields perfect results every time:

1. Mix ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl until a playdough-like consistency forms. If too sticky, add more cinnamon; if too dry, add applesauce one tablespoon at a time.
2. Rest the dough for 15-20 minutes to allow ingredients to fully integrate—this prevents cracking during drying.
3. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness between parchment paper to prevent sticking without adding extra cinnamon that alters the ratio.
4. Cut shapes using cookie cutters or freehand with a knife. For hanging ornaments, create holes with a straw or skewer before the dough sets.
5. Dry slowly on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray in a cool, dark place. Rotate pieces every 12 hours for even drying.

Drying Timeline and Troubleshooting

Understanding the drying process is crucial for successful cinnamon ornaments storage. The drying time depends on thickness and humidity:

• Thin ornaments (1/8 inch): 3-4 days
• Standard ornaments (1/4 inch): 5-7 days
• Thick ornaments (3/8 inch): 7-10 days

Common issues and solutions:

• Cracking: Caused by drying too quickly. Move to a more humid location or cover loosely with a paper towel.
• Mold development: Add 1-2 tsp lemon juice to your mixture next time and ensure complete drying before storage.
• Fading scent: Store in airtight containers with whole cloves or additional cinnamon sticks to refresh fragrance.

Creative Variations and Personalization

Elevate your how to make cinnamon apple ornaments project with these professional techniques:

• Natural coloring: Mix in turmeric (yellow), beet powder (pink), or spirulina (green) for subtle hues without artificial dyes.
• Texture enhancement: Press whole cloves, star anise, or citrus zest into the surface before drying for dimensional interest.
• Layered designs: Create two thin sheets of different thicknesses, cut shapes from the thinner sheet to layer on top of the base for 3D effects.
• Personalized keepsakes: Press small charms or handwritten messages (using edible ink) into the dough before drying.

Preservation and Long-Term Care

Proper care ensures your ornaments become cherished family heirlooms. For how to preserve cinnamon ornaments, follow these museum-quality techniques:

• Sealing: Once completely dry (test by gently pressing—should feel like hard plastic), apply a light coat of food-safe beeswax or clear acrylic sealer to protect against moisture.
• Storage: Keep in airtight containers with silica gel packets to prevent humidity damage. Add whole cinnamon sticks to refresh scent during storage.
• Display: Hang away from direct sunlight and heat sources which accelerate scent fading. Refresh fragrance by lightly misting with cinnamon essential oil diluted in water (1:10 ratio).

With proper care, your cinnamon dough ornaments can maintain their fragrance and integrity for 5-10 years. Each holiday season, they'll release their comforting scent as they warm near Christmas lights, creating a multisensory holiday experience that store-bought decorations can't replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cinnamon ornaments take to dry completely?

Cinnamon ornaments typically require 5-7 days to dry completely when made at 1/4-inch thickness. Thinner ornaments (1/8 inch) dry in 3-4 days, while thicker pieces (3/8 inch) may need 7-10 days. The drying environment significantly affects timing—cool, dark locations with moderate airflow yield the best results without cracking.

Can I make cinnamon dough ornaments without applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute unsweetened apple juice or even mashed banana for applesauce in a 1:2 ratio with cinnamon. Some crafters use gelatin dissolved in warm water as a binder alternative. However, applesauce remains the preferred option because its natural pectin creates the ideal texture for detailed shapes without requiring baking.

Why do my cinnamon ornaments keep cracking during drying?

Cracking usually occurs when ornaments dry too quickly. To prevent this, ensure your dough rests for 15-20 minutes before shaping, maintain consistent thickness throughout, and dry in a cool location away from direct heat sources. If cracking begins, cover the ornaments loosely with a paper towel to slow the drying process. Adding 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to your mixture can also improve elasticity.

How can I refresh the scent of old cinnamon ornaments?

To refresh faded cinnamon ornaments, place them in an airtight container with whole cinnamon sticks for 24-48 hours. For immediate results, lightly mist with a solution of 1 part cinnamon essential oil to 10 parts water. Avoid using too much liquid, as this can damage the ornaments. Properly stored ornaments typically maintain their natural scent for 3-5 years before needing refreshment.

Are cinnamon dough ornaments safe for children to make?

Yes, cinnamon dough ornaments are generally safe for children to make as they contain edible ingredients with no toxic components. However, supervise young children as the dough can be a choking hazard, and ground cinnamon may irritate eyes or respiratory systems when dry. For children with cinnamon allergies, consider alternatives like pumpkin spice dough (using nutmeg and ginger) which provides similar sensory benefits.