These easy homemade cinnamon applesauce ornaments bring the scent of the holidays straight into your home— warm, spicy, and comforting in the best way.
The dough mixes up quickly and dries into smooth, cinnamon-brown ornaments that look handmade and classic. Each one adds a simple, natural touch to your Christmas tree and carries the kind of charm that never goes out of season.
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Every December, the scent of warm cinnamon and applesauce fills the kitchen as we mix up another batch of our yearly ornaments. I’ve been making these easy DIY cinnamon applesauce ornaments for years, and they’ve become a steady part of our holiday rhythm — simple, fragrant, and made to last. As they dry, there’s usually Easy Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe on the counter and a Sourdough Fruit Cake Recipe| Discard or Starter cooling nearby, the house filled with quiet warmth and spice.
We love hanging the finished ornaments on the tree or tucking them into garlands strung across the mantel. Sometimes we’ll light DIY Beeswax Candles or use our Quick DIY Fire Starters You Can Make At Home to spark the evening fire while the scent of cinnamon lingers in the air.
In between batches, I like to bottle Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe for gifting and finish a tray of Soft Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies — the small, handmade things that make the season feel whole.
Why You’ll Love This DIY
Supplies
Crafting Tips
Dough consistency: The dough should feel soft and easy to shape — not sticky, not crumbly. If it starts to crack, knead in a small spoonful of applesauce until smooth. A balanced dough helps each ornament dry evenly and keeps the texture consistent.
Rolling thickness: Aim for ⅛–¼ inch thick. Thinner ornaments can curl as they dry, while thicker ones take much longer to harden. Keeping the dough even helps every piece dry at the same pace.
Cutting shapes: Lightly dust your cookie cutters with cinnamon before pressing into the dough. Lift straight up instead of twisting to keep edges clean. Smooth edges dry evenly and give each ornament a neat, finished look.
Drying method: Bake low and slow at 200°F for 2–4 hours, flipping once for even drying. Patience here makes all the difference — rushing the process can lead to cracks.
Decorating and sealing: Once fully cool, decorate with ribbons, twine, or a touch of paint. For longer-lasting ornaments, brush on a thin coat of clear sealer after drying.
Storage care: Layer ornaments between sheets of tissue paper in a lidded box. This protects them from moisture and keeps their warm cinnamon scent ready for next season.
How To Make Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce, and white glue. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together — soft, fragrant, and easy to shape.
Step 2: Turn the dough onto a sheet of wax paper and knead until smooth. Roll the dough to about ⅛–¼ inch thick on wax paper. Use cookie cutters to press out your favorite shapes, then lift gently onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Use a straw or skewer to make a small hole near the top of each ornament for hanging. Smooth any rough edges with your fingertips for a clean, finished look.
Step 4: Bake low and slow at 200°F for 2–4 hours, until firm and dry to the touch. You can also air dry for a few days if you prefer.
Step 5: Once the ornaments are completely cool, check each one for smooth edges and even color. Decorate with a bit of paint if you like. Each ornament will carry that warm cinnamon scent that quietly fills the room.
Step 6: When they’re ready, thread ribbon or twine through the holes and hang them on your tree, garland, or even tied to wrapped gifts. Their warm cinnamon scent and simple design bring an easy, personal touch to your holiday decorating.
Finishing and Care
How To Gift or Share Your Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
FAQ’s
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Thank you for welcoming me into your creative space as we bring simple, handmade crafts to life. I hope these projects bring creativity and cozy charm into your home.
With gratitude & love,
Emily
Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Supplies
- Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking sheet
- Wax Paper
Elements
- 1 ¾ cups ground cinnamon (175 g)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (255 g)
- ⅓ cup white glue (80 g)
Instructions
- Mix: Combine applesauce, ground cinnamon, and glue in a mixing bowl until a dough forms.
- Knead: Work the dough on a flat surface until smooth, then let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll: Flatten the dough between sheets of wax paper to ⅛–¼ inch thick.
- Cut: Use cookie cutters to create shapes and make a small hole at the top of each ornament.
- Dry: Place ornaments on a baking sheet or cooling rack and dry in a 200°F oven for 2–4 hours, or air dry for 1–2 days.
- Decorate: Once dry, paint and add ribbons as desired.
Notes
Did you try this project?
If you gave this DIY a try and loved how it turned out, I’d be so grateful if you came back to leave a 5″⭐️” rating. Use the buttons below to share, comment, or connect—it truly brings me so much joy to see the beautiful things you’re creating.
Emily Rider
Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.
