The holidays are always so much fun around our home. Kayla, now that she is older, finds all kinds of creative ideas to do together– like making cinnamon dough ornaments.
You only need 2 ingredients to make these, and they are as simple as mixing the two ingredients together, rolling out the dough, and using your favorite cookie cutters to make these fun ornaments.
How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
There are two basic ways to make these beautiful holiday ornaments. You can either let them air dry or bake them.
That's the beauty of this recipe. It is super kid-friendly when you air-dry. Air drying takes the longest, but no supervision is needed.
Baking them is my favorite way. They get done faster. But the best part is your house SMELLS AMAZING!
Once the ornaments are dry, use Christmas ribbon through the hole made by the straw. Hang them on your Christmas tree!
My daughter loves making these. She's been making them since she was about 5 years old. It is a Christmas tradition that we will share for as long as I am alive. And one day, I get to do this with my grandkids. I cannot wait!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about cinnamon ornaments is how minimal the ingredients are!
- 1 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1–2 tablespoons white school glue (optional, helps strengthen the dough)
- Extra cinnamon for dusting your surface
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men… anything festive!)
- Straw or skewer (for making the hanging hole)
- Ribbon or twine
How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
Follow these easy steps to create your own beautifully scented, long-lasting ornaments.
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the cinnamon and applesauce. Add the glue if you want sturdier ornaments. Mix until a smooth dough forms — it should feel like cookie dough.
If it’s too sticky, add a little more cinnamon. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of applesauce.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your surface with cinnamon. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness — thinner ornaments dry faster, but thicker ones are less fragile.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Shapes
Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place each ornament on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Add a Hanging Hole
Use a straw or skewer to poke a small hole at the top of each ornament. This is where your ribbon or twine will go later.
Step 5: Dry the Ornaments
You can either:
- Air-dry for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway through
OR - Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours until dry and firm
Your house will smell like Christmas heaven while they bake!
Step 6: Decorate (Optional)
Once completely dry, you can:
- Paint details with acrylic paint
- Add glitter
- Write names or dates
- Leave them natural for a rustic look
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Ornaments
- Store leftover ornaments in a cool, dry place for next year.
- Don’t eat the dough — even though it smells delicious!
- If you want them to last multiple years, seal with clear craft sealer.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon dough ornaments are one of those old-fashioned Christmas crafts that never lose their charm. They’re incredibly easy, smell amazing, and make your holiday décor feel personalized and homemade.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you decorated yours — tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations!
Check out these other fun Christmas Crafts!
- How to Make Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
- How to Create a Santa Pup Treat Jar
- Personalized Santa Pup Ornaments
What is one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
These homemade Christmas ornaments will brighten up your tree! They will make the whole room smell amazing.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 2 bottles, 2.37 oz. each McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
- Cookie cutters
- Drinking straw
- Colorful ribbon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Mix applesauce and cinnamon in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed.
- (You may need use your hands to incorporate all of the cinnamon.)
- Using about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut dough into desired shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Make a hole at top of ornament with drinking straw or skewer.
- Place ornaments on baking sheet.
- Bake 2 1/2 hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack.
- (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)
- Insert ribbon through holes and tie to hang.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 12Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Uc browsur
Tuesday 27th of December 2016
wow. thanks for sharing. I'll try baking them in your recipes