DIY Fragrant Cinnamon Ornaments: Easy 2-Ingredient Craft for a Scent-sational Christmas
There’s nothing quite like the magic of the Christmas season, and for many families, the beloved tradition of decorating the tree is at its heart. While glittering baubles and cherished sentimental heirlooms undoubtedly hold a special place, adding a personal touch with homemade decorations can truly elevate the holiday spirit. These incredibly easy 2-ingredient (plus an optional third!) homemade cinnamon ornaments are not just visually charming; they also infuse your entire home with the most wonderfully warm, inviting, and long-lasting aroma, instantly transforming your space into a festive wonderland. Imagine walking into a room filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon, reminiscent of cozy winter nights, freshly baked goods, and pure holiday cheer!
Our family absolutely cherishes the annual ritual of decorating our real Christmas tree. It’s a time for laughter, holiday music, and carefully unwrapping all of our beloved, sometimes kitschy, but always sentimental decorations. Among these treasured items are the homemade cinnamon ornaments I first crafted over a decade ago. It’s truly amazing how well these simple creations have held up, gracing our tree year after year, bringing back warm memories and that unmistakable holiday fragrance. They’ve become a cherished staple in our festive decor, a testament to the enduring charm and simple joy of a truly easy and rewarding DIY project that creates lasting holiday keepsakes.
The profound beauty of these aromatic ornaments lies in their incredible simplicity and the fact that they use natural, readily available ingredients. You only need two core items: abundant ground cinnamon and a dash of applesauce. While these are both edible components commonly found in your kitchen, it’s crucial to remember that these ornaments are not meant for consumption! They harden significantly during the drying process, much like clay, and are intended purely for decorative purposes. For an extra layer of delightful, deep holiday aroma that truly captures the essence of the season, I highly recommend adding a touch of ground cloves – it truly amplifies the festive scent profile to perfection!
Beyond their delightful fragrance and charming, rustic appearance, these cinnamon ornaments offer several wonderful benefits that make them a must-do holiday craft. They provide a fantastic, engaging activity for kids of all ages, allowing them to get creative, practice fine motor skills, and feel a tangible part of the holiday preparation. The crafting process is straightforward, safe, and results in adorable decorations everyone will admire. Furthermore, once dried and hardened, these beautiful ornaments make incredibly thoughtful, personalized gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, and family, sharing a piece of your handmade holiday spirit with those you care about. They are also perfect for tying onto presents as unique, fragrant gift tags, adding an extra special touch that will be remembered long after the gift is opened.
Table of Contents
- Why Make Cinnamon Ornaments?
- Essential Ingredients and Tools
- How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
- Creative Uses for Your Cinnamon Ornaments
- Important Safety Note
- Get the Full Tutorial and Recipe Card
Why Make These Fragrant Cinnamon Ornaments?
Beyond their charming appearance, these DIY cinnamon ornaments offer a multitude of benefits that make them a beloved holiday tradition for families year after year. Here’s why you should add this craft to your festive to-do list:
- Irresistible Festive Aroma: This is arguably their most enchanting quality! Unlike artificial room sprays or scented candles, these ornaments release a natural, enduring scent of cinnamon and other warm spices, creating an authentic and cozy holiday atmosphere that can beautifully permeate your home for weeks, even months.
- Easy & Kid-Friendly Craft: The crafting process is remarkably simple, requiring no complex techniques or hazardous materials. It’s perfect for little hands to participate, fostering creativity, developing fine motor skills, and providing a memorable family bonding experience during the bustling holiday season. It’s a low-stress activity with high rewards.
- Thoughtful & Personalized Gifts: Handmade gifts always carry a special, heartfelt sentiment that store-bought items simply cannot match. These ornaments make perfect stocking stuffers, thoughtful teacher gifts, charming neighbor gifts, or a unique addition to any holiday gift basket. They demonstrate care and effort without requiring a significant financial outlay.
- Durable & Long-Lasting Keepsakes: Once properly dried and hardened, these ornaments become surprisingly sturdy and resilient. Stored carefully in an airtight container, they can last for many Christmases to come, becoming cherished heirlooms that evoke fond memories and a beautiful scent each time they are hung on the tree.
- Natural & Eco-Friendly: Made from food-grade ingredients, these ornaments offer a wonderful natural alternative to plastic or synthetic decorations. They are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making them a more environmentally conscious and sustainable choice for your holiday decor.
- Budget-Friendly: Cinnamon and applesauce are inexpensive ingredients, especially when purchased in bulk. This craft offers a high visual and aromatic impact for a very low cost, allowing you to create a large batch of beautiful, fragrant decorations without a significant investment.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Your Cinnamon Ornaments
The sheer beauty and accessibility of this holiday project lie in its simplicity, requiring only minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools that most people already have on hand. Here’s a closer, more detailed look at what you’ll need to create your very own batch of wonderfully fragrant cinnamon ornaments:
The Ingredients:
- Applesauce: For the best results and a clean, consistent dough, we highly recommend using unsweetened applesauce. The absence of added sugars helps prevent any unwanted stickiness during the crafting process and ensures a more stable dough texture. Don’t worry about fancy brands; the cheapest option at your grocery store often works perfectly well. Be aware that applesauce consistency can vary slightly by brand, which might subtly influence the exact amount of cinnamon needed to achieve the perfect dough.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is, quite literally, the star of our aromatic show! You’ll need a generous amount, typically a cup or more, so it’s wise to consider purchasing a larger, bulk container for both convenience and cost-effectiveness. The quality and freshness of your ground cinnamon will directly impact the intensity and longevity of the beautiful aroma, so choose one with a rich, inviting scent. While Cassia cinnamon is common, Ceylon cinnamon offers a slightly sweeter and more delicate fragrance if you prefer.
- Ground Cloves (Optional, but Highly Recommended): For an added layer of traditional, deeply spiced holiday aroma, a tablespoon of ground cloves makes a truly wonderful addition. It deepens the fragrance profile significantly, creating a richer, more complex, and utterly captivating scent. Other optional spices you could experiment with to personalize your ornaments include a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for further aromatic variety and depth.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large Mixing Bowl: An essential for comfortably combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Sturdy Spatula or Spoon: Ideal for thoroughly mixing the applesauce and cinnamon into a cohesive dough. For added convenience, a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment can also be used, especially if you’re making a larger batch.
- Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling out the dough evenly to the desired thickness, ensuring uniform drying and strength.
- Assorted Cookie Cutters: The fun part! These are essential for cutting out festive shapes. Think classic stars, charming trees, iconic gingerbread men, delicate snowflakes, or even simple, elegant circles. Having a variety adds visual interest to your tree.
- Parchment Paper: Absolutely necessary to line your baking sheet. This prevents the ornaments from sticking during both baking and air drying, making transfer easy and mess-free.
- Baking Sheet(s): You’ll need one or more baking sheets to hold your cut ornaments while they dry, whether you’re using the oven or air-drying method.
- Skewer, Straw, or Toothpick: A vital tool for carefully poking a small hole near the top of each ornament before it dries. This is where you’ll thread your ribbon or string for hanging. A toothpick works well for smaller, more delicate holes.
- Decorative Ribbon, Twine, or String: For giving your finished ornaments their hanging loops. Choose festive colors, natural twine, or shimmering ribbons to complement your holiday decor and personal style.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these aromatic ornaments is a wonderfully simple and enjoyable process that even beginners can master. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of beautiful, fragrant, and long-lasting holiday decorations:
- Prepare Your Cinnamon Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your unsweetened applesauce, the ground cinnamon, and the optional ground cloves. Start by adding about 1 cup of cinnamon to the applesauce. Mix thoroughly, either with a sturdy spoon, spatula, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, until a cohesive, slightly sticky, yet pliable dough forms that holds its shape. The exact amount of cinnamon needed will vary slightly depending on the initial consistency of your applesauce. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, gradually add more cinnamon, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If, conversely, it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more applesauce (start with half a teaspoon) until it comes together. The goal is a dough that is firm enough to roll without cracking, but not so sticky that it clings stubbornly to everything.
- Roll and Cut Your Festive Shapes: Lightly dust your clean work surface (a countertop or large cutting board works best) with extra ground cinnamon – much like you would dust with flour when rolling out cookie dough! Place your cinnamon dough on this dusted surface and sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top to prevent sticking to your rolling pin. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thick. This consistent thickness is crucial for preventing breakage and ensuring your ornaments dry properly and uniformly. Now, unleash your creativity with your favorite cookie cutters! Press them firmly into the dough to cut out your desired festive shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread men. Gently transfer each cut ornament to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other to allow for proper air circulation during drying. Before proceeding, don’t forget this crucial step: use a skewer, a drinking straw, or even a toothpick to poke a small hole near the top of each ornament. This is where you’ll thread your ribbon or string for hanging later.
- Dry Your Ornaments Thoroughly: You have two effective methods for drying your cinnamon ornaments, depending on your preference and time constraints:
- Baking Method (Quicker): For a faster drying time, preheat your oven to a very low temperature, typically around 200°F (95°C). Carefully place your prepared baking sheets with the ornaments into the preheated oven. Bake them for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or until they are completely hard and dry to the touch. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your ornaments and your oven’s calibration. For best results and even drying, gently flip the ornaments over halfway through the baking process.
- Air Drying Method (No-Bake): If you prefer a no-bake approach and have more time, simply leave the ornaments out on your counter top or a wire cooling rack to air dry. This method requires more patience, as it typically takes several days (anywhere from 2 to 5 days, or even longer in humid environments) for the ornaments to dry completely. To ensure both sides dry evenly and to prevent any warping, make sure to flip them daily.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s imperative that the ornaments are rock hard and completely dry before you proceed to the next step, as any residual moisture can lead to mold or breakage over time.
- Add Hanging Loops and Decorate: Once your ornaments are thoroughly dried, hardened, and completely cooled, it’s time to add their decorative hanging loops. Cut lengths of your chosen festive ribbon, natural twine, or elegant string. A length of about 6-8 inches usually works well, allowing for a nice loop. Thread one end of the ribbon through the hole you made earlier, then tie the ends together securely in a knot or a charming bow. You can also get creative at this stage by adding a touch of glitter, painting details with acrylic paint, or even adding a clear sealant for extra durability, though these are entirely optional.
- Display and Enjoy Your Creations!: Your beautiful, wonderfully fragrant cinnamon ornaments are now ready to be proudly hung on your Christmas tree! Place them strategically to distribute their delightful aroma throughout your living space, creating an enchanting holiday ambiance. When the joyous holiday season comes to an end, gently remove them from the tree and store them carefully in an airtight container or a tissue-wrapped box. With proper storage, you’ll be able to enjoy these cherished, aromatic decorations again for many years to come, reliving those special holiday memories.
Because these ornaments are crafted using non-toxic, kitchen-safe ingredients, this is an absolutely fantastic and worry-free craft for children of all ages. My own kids always look forward to this activity, thoroughly enjoying the tactile experience of mixing and shaping the dough, and the excitement of cutting out their favorite festive shapes. It’s a wonderful, memorable way to create lasting holiday traditions and beautiful, handmade decor together as a family!
Important Safety Note: Please remember that despite being made from common edible ingredients like applesauce and cinnamon, these ornaments are NOT for eating. Their texture after drying is hard, brittle, and unpalatable, and they are purely decorative. It is crucial to ensure that young children understand these are not cookies or treats. Do not mistake them for food items! I know it might seem a little unusual for me to share an inedible craft on a website that often features delicious recipes, but the immense joy, beauty, and delightful fragrance these cinnamon ornaments bring to our home are simply too wonderful not to share with you. I genuinely hope you and your family enjoy this creative, aromatic tutorial as much as we do!
Creative Uses for Your Fragrant Cinnamon Ornaments
While these lovely cinnamon ornaments are absolutely perfect for hanging on your Christmas tree, their charm and delightful fragrance extend far beyond. Let your creativity shine and discover even more wonderful ways to incorporate their festive beauty and inviting scent into your home decor and gift-giving during the holiday season:
- Elegant Gift Toppers & Personalized Tags: Elevate your wrapped presents by tying a beautifully crafted cinnamon ornament onto each package instead of a traditional gift tag. It adds a sophisticated, handmade touch and an extra burst of holiday aroma that will delight the recipient. You can even write names or short messages on the ornaments with a fine-point permanent marker before they are fully dry.
- Festive Garlands & Bunting: String multiple ornaments together using decorative twine, rustic jute, or a shimmering ribbon to create a unique and aromatic garland. Drape it gracefully over a mantelpiece, along a staircase banister, across a window frame, or above a doorway for an inviting and enchanting holiday display that fills the air with scent.
- Aromatic Bowl Fillers & Natural Potpourri: Arrange a charming collection of your dried cinnamon ornaments in a decorative bowl, a clear glass jar, or a rustic basket. Enhance the display by adding natural elements such as pinecones, dried orange slices, star anise, or sprigs of fresh evergreen. They’ll serve as a beautiful, fragrant centerpiece or a lovely, natural potpourri.
- Drawer & Closet Fresheners: Extend the delightful scent beyond your main living areas. Place a few of these fragrant ornaments in your linen drawers, clothes closets, storage bins, or even discreetly in your car to naturally freshen the air with their warm, spicy aroma.
- Charming Party Favors: Individually wrap a cinnamon ornament in tissue paper or a small cellophane bag, perhaps tied with a festive bow. Hand them out as charming and memorable party favors at your holiday gatherings, leaving your guests with a lasting fragrant memento of your celebration.
- Wreath & Swag Enhancements: Attach smaller or uniquely shaped ornaments to a homemade or store-bought holiday wreath, a festive swag, or even a tabletop centerpiece. They add an extra touch of rustic elegance, natural texture, and, of course, that wonderful, quintessential Christmas fragrance.
Get the Full Tutorial and Printable Recipe Card
Ready to immerse your home in the delightful, cozy scent of cinnamon this holiday season? Below, you’ll find the complete printable recipe card with detailed ingredient quantities, precise step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make your crafting experience as smooth, enjoyable, and successful as possible. This easy, rewarding project promises to fill your home with a wonderful aroma and help you create beautiful, lasting holiday memories with loved ones. Gather your simple ingredients, clear your crafting space, and get ready to create some truly magical, fragrant holiday decor!
Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
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Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1-1 ¼ cup 130 grams ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the applesauce, 1 cup cinnamon, and cloves (if using). You want the dough to be able to form a ball without being too sticky. Add additional applesauce or cinnamon if needed. You can also mix the dough by hand.
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Sprinkle a clean surface with cinnamon (like you would with flour while rolling out cookies). Place the dough on the surface and sprinkle with more cinnamon. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to ¼ inch thick, sprinkling with more cinnamon to keep from sticking.
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Cut out into desired shapes and place on the prepared sheet pan so that they aren’t touching. Use a skewer to poke a hole into each ornament (to attach string). Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ – 2 hours or until rock hard.
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Loop a decorative string through the ornament and hang on your tree.