Kristina

The holiday season is a time for creating cherished memories with family and friends. One delightful way to bring everyone together is by crafting homemade cinnamon dough ornaments.

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As a Mom on The Run, I am always looking for a way to find quality time with my girls. Not only do these ornaments fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon, but they also make for a fun and easy craft project that kids will love. Perfect for adorning your Christmas tree or giving as thoughtful gifts, cinnamon dough ornaments are a creative way to celebrate the season.

In this detailed guide, I will explain everything you need to know about making your own cinnamon dough ornaments. From gathering ingredients to decorating your finished creations, this guide will ensure your crafting experience is enjoyable and successful. While these ornaments do smell amazing, they are not to be eaten. This recipe is for decoration only.

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments – Ingredients

Creating cinnamon dough ornaments requires just a few simple ingredients, making this an easy holiday craft for families. The primary ingredients you’ll need are:

• 1 cup of applesauce
• 1 ½ cups of ground cinnamon

These two ingredients are the backbone of your dough, providing both the structure and the signature spicy scent. You might be surprised how these basic pantry staples can transform into beautiful, fragrant ornaments! Brand names don’t matter for this recipe. I picked our applesauce up at the dollar store. These two ingredients are the backbone of your dough, providing both the structure and the signature spicy scent. You might be surprised how these basic pantry staples can transform into beautiful, fragrant ornaments! Brand names don’t matter for this recipe. I picked our applesauce up at the dollar store.

Similar recipes call for 1 ¼ cups of cinnamon. When I first started making these ornaments, my dough was a little sticky. Over time, I settled on 1 ½ cups. You can always add more if you want to start with less cinnamon.

Optional Additions

While the basic recipe is wonderfully aromatic on its own, you can also customize your dough with a few optional ingredients for added flair:

• Glitter: Add sparkle to your dough for a festive touch.
• Essential oils: A few drops of clove or nutmeg essential oil can enhance the fragrance.
• Food coloring: Although the natural cinnamon hue is lovely, a drop or two of food coloring can add variety.

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments – Instructions

Creating these ornaments is a straightforward process, making it an ideal activity for families with children. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your crafting session is smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Mix and Knead

Begin by combining the applesauce and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon or your hands until you achieve a dough-like consistency. It should be firm yet pliable, similar to playdough. If the mixture is too sticky, add more cinnamon; if it’s too dry, a small amount of applesauce will do the trick.

This is an excellent opportunity for kids to get involved and enjoy the tactile experience of kneading the dough. We started by incorporating the ingredients for this batch with a spoon and then kneaded to obtain our final consistency.

Step 2: Roll

Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a clean, flat surface. I like to use a pastry mat. I have been using mine for several years. If you are looking for a new one, look for a silicone, non-slip version, like the Caraway Extra Thick Baking Mat with Measurements. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Rolling the dough can be a fun task for kids, allowing them to use their hands and even learn a bit about measuring.

Ensure the surface is sprinkled with cinnamon to prevent sticking. As you can see in my pictures below, I tried to use a little flour as I was running low on cinnamon. The flour will show up as white on your ornaments. Lesson learned! I definitely recommend sticking with cinnamon if at all possible.

Step 3: Cut

With the dough rolled out, it’s time to cut out your ornaments. Use cookie cutters in various shapes—stars, candy canes, gingerbread men, hearts, trees—to create different designs. Encourage little ones to choose their favorite shapes and arrange them on the dough. I have a set of 101 Wilton Cookie Cutters representing multiple seasons and shapes that I use year-round. I really love these cookie cutters because they are plastic, safe for little fingers, don’t usually stick to dough, and can go right in the dishwasher on the top rack!

Once your ornaments are cut out, use a straw or toothpick to make a small hole near the top of each ornament for threading ribbon or string later on.

Step 4: Dry

The drying process is crucial to ensure your ornaments are sturdy and long-lasting. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can dry them in two ways:

• Air Drying: Leave the ornaments out at room temperature for 24-48 hours, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying.
• Oven Drying: Set your oven to the lowest temperature (around 200°F) and bake the ornaments for 2-3 hours, turning them halfway through.

Air drying is a slower process but is especially gentle, which can be beneficial if crafting with very young children.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

Once the ornaments are completely dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Decoration is optional but can add personal flair to your creations. You can embellish your ornaments with fabric paint, glitter glue, or additional cinnamon.

Letting children decorate their ornaments with their own unique designs adds a personal touch and encourages creativity. My preschooler decided she wanted one to look like a real gingerbread man. She rolled small balls of leftover dough and added buttons, eyes, and a mouth. I was not sure if these would stick, but after drying in the oven, her additions seem to be adhered to the ornament. See if you can pick out her special ornament from the photo below!

After your ornaments dry and decorated (if you choose), add ribbon or string of your choosing. I used 6 inch pieces of a stretchy ribbon for ours.

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments – Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is essential to preserve your cinnamon dough ornaments for many holiday seasons to come. Here are some tips to ensure they remain in excellent condition:

• Cool, Dry Place: While the cinnamon properties will resist mold, it is best to store your ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming damp.
• Airtight Container: Placing the ornaments in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag is a great way to protect them from moisture when not in use.
• Layer with Tissue Paper: If stacking ornaments, separate them with tissue paper to avoid scratches or damage.

With these storage tips, your cinnamon dough ornaments can become a treasured part of your holiday traditions year after year. Though they seem fragile, they are resilient. My preschooler dropped several as she decorated the tree this year, and not a single one broke!

Conclusion

Crafting cinnamon dough ornaments is more than just an opportunity to create beautiful decorations; it’s a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones during the holiday season. This simple, enjoyable craft fosters creativity and teamwork, making it an activity that kids and adults can appreciate. Plus, the spicy-sweet aroma of cinnamon will linger in your home, adding a cozy, festive ambiance.

We hope you enjoy making your own cinnamon dough ornaments and that they bring joy to your holiday celebrations. We’d love to hear how your ornaments turned out! Share your experiences and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below.

In a world where time is often in short supply, taking a moment to engage in crafts like these with your family can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this delightful holiday project. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, love, and cinnamon-scented joy!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

If you enjoyed this article, check out my Family Christmas Traditions Your Children Will Cherish blog.