Easy Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe: Natural Holiday Decor

Cinnamon ornaments are natural, aromatic holiday decorations made from a simple mixture of ground cinnamon and applesauce. The basic recipe requires just two ingredients: 1 cup of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mixed until dough-like, then shaped and dried for 24-72 hours. These non-toxic, eco-friendly ornaments create a festive scent when hung on Christmas trees or used as gift toppers.

Cinnamon ornaments have become a beloved holiday tradition for families seeking natural, aromatic decorations. These simple-to-make crafts offer a sensory experience that combines visual appeal with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon. Unlike store-bought decorations, homemade cinnamon ornaments provide an opportunity for creative expression while filling your home with a delightful holiday fragrance.

Why Make Cinnamon Ornaments?

Creating cinnamon ornaments offers several advantages over commercial decorations:

• Natural ingredients - Made with food-safe components that are non-toxic
• Affordable - Costs just a few dollars compared to store-bought ornaments
• Sensory experience - Provides both visual and aromatic enjoyment
• Family-friendly activity - Perfect for crafting with children during the holidays
• Eco-friendly - Biodegradable and sustainable alternative to plastic decorations

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Before starting your cinnamon ornaments recipe, gather these basic supplies:

Category	Items Needed	Notes
Ingredients	1 cup ground cinnamon 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce	Ratio is critical for proper consistency
Optional Additions	Cloves Lemon zest Vanilla extract	Add for extra scent or visual interest
Tools	Mixing bowl Spatula Cookie cutters Straw or skewer Parchment paper	For shaping and creating hanging holes

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cinnamon ornaments every time:

1. Mix ingredients - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Stir thoroughly until a dough forms. If too crumbly, add applesauce 1 teaspoon at a time. If too sticky, add more cinnamon.
2. Knead the dough - Transfer to a clean surface dusted with cinnamon and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and pliable, similar to playdough consistency.
3. Roll and cut - Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create shapes. For traditional ornaments, use holiday-themed cutters like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
4. Create hanging holes - Before ornaments dry, use a straw or skewer to make a small hole at the top for hanging.
5. Dry completely - Place ornaments on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Allow to air dry for 24-72 hours, flipping occasionally, until completely hardened.

Drying and Preservation Tips

Proper drying is crucial for long-lasting cinnamon ornaments. Many beginners make the mistake of rushing this process, resulting in cracked or misshapen decorations. For best results:

• Allow at least 24 hours for thin ornaments (1/8 inch) to dry completely
• Thicker ornaments (1/4 inch) may require 48-72 hours to dry through
• Flip ornaments every 12 hours to ensure even drying
• Avoid direct sunlight which can cause uneven drying and cracking
• For faster drying, place in a food dehydrator at 100°F for 4-6 hours

Creative Variations for Your Cinnamon Ornaments

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

• Color variations - Add natural food coloring or beet juice for subtle hues
• Texture enhancements - Press whole cloves or citrus zest into the surface
• Layered designs - Create multi-colored ornaments by rolling different colored doughs together
• Personalized ornaments - Use letter cookie cutters to spell names or messages
• Gift toppers - Make smaller versions to attach to holiday presents

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced crafters encounter challenges with cinnamon ornaments. Here's how to solve frequent problems:

• Too crumbly - Add more applesauce, 1 teaspoon at a time, until dough holds together
• Too sticky - Work in additional cinnamon until proper consistency is reached
• Cracking during drying - Dry more slowly at room temperature rather than using heat
• Shapes losing definition - Ensure dough is cold before cutting; chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes
• Fading scent over time - Store in an airtight container with whole cloves to refresh aroma

Storage and Longevity

Properly stored cinnamon ornaments can last for multiple holiday seasons. After they've completely dried:

• Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers
• Include a few whole cloves to maintain the cinnamon scent
• Keep in a cool, dark place away from moisture
• For added protection, lightly coat with clear acrylic spray
• Expect 2-3 years of display life with proper care

Perfecting Your Easy Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe for Kids

When making cinnamon ornaments with children, consider these family-friendly adaptations to the traditional cinnamon and applesauce ornaments recipe:

• Double the applesauce ratio for more pliable dough that's easier for small hands
• Use larger cookie cutters for simpler shapes that kids can handle
• Provide plastic knives for safe cutting and shaping
• Create a 'cinnamon station' with different cookie cutters and tools
• Let children decorate with edible glitter or natural food coloring

This natural holiday decorations with cinnamon project works well for classrooms or family gatherings. The non-toxic ingredients provide peace of mind, while the sensory experience engages multiple learning styles. Many educators incorporate this activity into holiday lesson plans as it combines art, science, and cultural traditions.

How long do cinnamon ornaments take to dry completely?

Cinnamon ornaments typically require 24-72 hours to dry completely, depending on thickness. Thin ornaments (1/8 inch) usually dry in 24 hours, while thicker ones (1/4 inch) may need up to 72 hours. Flip them every 12 hours for even drying. In humid environments, drying may take longer. You'll know they're done when they feel hard and no longer cool to the touch.

Can I make cinnamon ornaments without applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute applesauce with alternatives like mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or even water. However, applesauce works best because its natural pectin helps bind the cinnamon while adding minimal moisture. If using alternatives, you may need to adjust the cinnamon-to-liquid ratio. For water substitutions, start with 1/4 cup water to 1 cup cinnamon and add more as needed.

Why are my cinnamon ornaments cracking during drying?

Cracking usually occurs when ornaments dry too quickly or unevenly. To prevent cracking, ensure consistent room temperature drying (avoid direct heat sources), flip ornaments every 12 hours, and maintain proper thickness (1/4 inch is ideal). If your dough was too dry initially, it may also cause cracking - aim for a playdough-like consistency before shaping.

How can I make my cinnamon ornaments smell stronger?

To enhance the scent, add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon essential oil to your mixture, or press whole cloves into the surface before drying. You can also refresh the scent of stored ornaments by placing them in a sealed container with a few whole cloves for 24-48 hours. Avoid using artificial fragrances as they may discolor your ornaments.

Can cinnamon ornaments be painted after drying?

Yes, fully dried cinnamon ornaments can be painted with watercolors or food-safe paints. Acrylic paints may create a plastic-like finish that detracts from the natural appeal. For best results, use light watercolor washes that won't saturate the ornament. Allow painted ornaments to dry completely before hanging. Note that painting may slightly reduce the cinnamon scent intensity.