When the holidays come around, I love finding simple yet meaningful crafts to make with my family. There’s something special about the handmade touch, and one of my absolute favorite holiday projects is Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments. Not only are they incredibly easy to make (just two ingredients!), but they also fill your home with a warm, spicy aroma that instantly transports you into the festive season.
Why Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments?
If you’ve never made cinnamon applesauce ornaments before, you’re in for a treat. These ornaments are not only a fun craft for kids and adults alike, but they also serve as long-lasting holiday decorations. Every year when I pull out my holiday boxes, these cinnamon-scented ornaments are always my favorite discovery. The best part? They still smell amazing, even years later!
Another great thing about these ornaments is that they’re super customizable. Whether you want to hang them on your Christmas tree, use them as gift tags, or even create a fragrant garland, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with only two ingredients—ground cinnamon and applesauce—you can whip them up with minimal fuss and effort.
I’m excited to share with you everything I’ve learned from making these for years, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy the process as much as I do.
| What You’ll Need
- Ground Cinnamon – I usually buy cinnamon in bulk for this craft because it takes a fair amount to get the right consistency. Make sure it’s finely ground so that the dough holds together well.
- Applesauce – Any unsweetened applesauce will do. You don’t need anything fancy, but I do recommend getting a smooth variety for easier mixing.
Optional Additions:
- Craft Glue – Some people like to add a bit of glue to their mixture for extra durability, especially if you plan to keep these ornaments for years to come.
- Glitter or Paint – For extra sparkle, you can add glitter to your dough or paint your ornaments after they’ve dried.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Let’s dive into how to make these sweet-smelling decorations. Trust me, you don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen (or with crafts) to get great results. This process is quick, fun, and perfect for a cozy holiday afternoon with family or friends.
Step 1: Mix the Dough
The basic ratio for this recipe is 1 cup of cinnamon to ¾ cup of applesauce. Depending on how many ornaments you want to make, you can easily scale the recipe up or down. I usually start by mixing these ingredients together in a large bowl. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more applesauce. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in more cinnamon.
Pro Tip:
Use a silicone spatula or your hands to mix the dough—it makes blending the ingredients a breeze. I’ve found that good knead with your hands helps to incorporate everything smoothly.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has come together, roll it out on a flat surface. I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper underneath and sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on top to prevent sticking. Roll the dough out until it’s about ¼-inch thick. You don’t want it too thin, or your ornaments might crack, but not too thick either, or they’ll take forever to dry.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Ornaments
Here’s where the fun begins! Grab your favorite cookie cutters and start pressing out shapes. I always gravitate toward classic holiday designs like stars, hearts, and Christmas trees. You can also use letter-shaped cutters to personalize the ornaments with initials or names.
Pro Tip:
Remember to poke a hole at the top of each ornament before you set them aside to dry. I usually use a straw to create a neat, small hole for threading ribbon or string later.
Step 4: Let the Ornaments Dry
Drying the ornaments is where you’ll need a little patience. You have two options:
- Air-Dry Method: This is the method I prefer. Lay your ornaments out on a baking sheet and leave them to air dry for 2-3 days. Be sure to flip them halfway through so that they dry evenly on both sides.
- Oven-Dry Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can bake the ornaments at a low temperature, around 200°F (90°C), for about 2-3 hours. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through.
| Why I Prefer Air-Drying
While the oven-drying method is faster, I personally love air-drying. Not only does it feel more natural, but it also gives the ornaments a slightly rustic, homemade feel. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon fills the house for days as they dry, and it just feels more festive that way!
Step 5: Decorate (Optional)
Once your ornaments are completely dry, you can leave them as they are or decorate them for some extra flair. Over the years, I’ve tried a few different decorating techniques:
- Glitter: Before your ornaments dry completely, you can sprinkle a little glitter over the top for a sparkly finish.
- Acrylic Paint: After they’ve dried, I sometimes like to paint designs on my ornaments, especially if I’m using them as personalized gift tags.
- Ribbons and Twine: Once they’re dry, string a pretty ribbon or rustic twine through the hole, and they’re ready to hang!
| My Personal Cinnamon Applesauce Ornament Tips
After making these ornaments year after year, I’ve picked up a few tips that I think can make the process even smoother for you:
- Add Craft Glue for Durability: While the two-ingredient recipe is great on its own, adding a tablespoon of craft glue to your mixture can make the ornaments sturdier, especially if you want them to last for years. I started doing this a few years ago, and now my ornaments feel more solid and resistant to cracks.
- Vary Your Cookie Cutter Sizes: I used to only make big, classic shapes, but then I tried using some smaller cutters for a more varied look. The smaller ones are perfect for hanging on mini trees, adding to wreaths, or even decorating presents!
- Store Them Carefully: These ornaments are fairly durable, but I always make sure to store them in an airtight container after the holidays. I layer them between sheets of tissue paper to avoid any accidental scratches or chips. And believe me, when I open the box the next year, the smell of cinnamon is just as strong and delightful as ever!
Common Questions About Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Q: How long do these ornaments last?
A: These ornaments can last for many years as long as they’re stored properly. Just keep them in a dry, airtight container between the holidays to maintain their scent and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Q: Can I eat these ornaments?
A: While the ingredients are technically edible (applesauce and cinnamon), I wouldn’t recommend eating them! The high concentration of cinnamon and the potential addition of glue make them more suited for decoration than for snacking.
Q: Do they attract bugs?
A: I’ve never had an issue with bugs, but if you’re worried, you can add a little craft glue to the mixture, which will seal the ingredients and prevent any problems.
Q: Can I add essential oils?
A: Yes! If you want to amplify the scent, feel free to add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil (or any other holiday scent like clove or nutmeg) to your dough.
Final Thoughts
Making Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments is a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit. I’ve made them with my kids, friends, and even on my own, and each time the experience is just as enjoyable. The simplicity of the two-ingredient recipe means it’s easy to whip up a batch without needing special ingredients or equipment, and the finished ornaments bring joy to anyone who receives them.
If you haven’t tried this before, I highly recommend giving it a go this holiday season. And if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! What shapes did you make? Did you decorate them or keep them simple? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy crafting! 🎄