Simple Two-Ingredient Cinnamon Ornaments

Crafting simple, fragrant two-ingredient cinnamon applesauce ornaments is a delightful activity you can enjoy with your children this holiday season. This fun Christmas craft and DIY ornament idea offers a wonderful way to create personalized gifts or unique decorations for your own festive tree. Imagine the joy of hanging a handmade keepsake that fills your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon! These charming ornaments can also double as Christmas gift tags, adding a special touch to your presents.

Unlocking the Simplicity: Easy Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments for All Ages

Among the myriad of Christmas ornaments for kids to make, this cinnamon applesauce variation truly shines as one of the easiest and most budget-friendly options available. The secret? Just two simple ingredients: applesauce and ground cinnamon. With these readily available items, you can embark on a creative journey that culminates in beautiful, fragrant decorations. Once your ornaments are complete, a touch of pretty ribbon is all you need to hang them gracefully from your Christmas tree, adding a rustic and personal charm.

Each year, our family cherishes the tradition of engaging in a special holiday activity together. Not only does this particular craft create precious memories that last a lifetime, but it also produces a tangible decoration for our tree and thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Beyond cinnamon, you can also explore making peppermint ornaments using candy canes, offering another delightful crafting adventure if you’re looking to expand your holiday creativity. Imagine a tree adorned with a mix of fragrant cinnamon and sparkling peppermint creations!

How to Make Cinnamon Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide for Festive Fun

Easy Christmas ornament crafts are always a winning choice, whether you’re at home with family or organizing activities in a school setting. These fragrant creations are fantastic for sending home with students during the holidays, beautifully wrapped with a bow. If you’re a teacher searching for an engaging art project for your holiday center, these DIY cinnamon ornaments are definitely worth a try. They’re simple, safe, and create a wonderful, inviting atmosphere with their natural aroma. The process is straightforward, allowing children of various ages to participate and feel a sense of accomplishment.

The Simple Magic: Just Two Ingredients!

The beauty of this craft lies in its minimal ingredient list, making it accessible and cost-effective. You truly only need two primary components:

1. Ground cinnamon: This serves as the aromatic base and primary structural component. Use a good quality cinnamon for the best scent!
2. Applesauce: The applesauce acts as the binder, bringing the cinnamon together to form a pliable dough.

For an even more homemade touch, you can prepare your own applesauce using our Instant Pot applesauce recipe here. Making a larger batch means you can enjoy some as a healthy and delicious snack while saving the rest for your crafting project. Freshly made applesauce can sometimes enhance the natural aroma of your ornaments.

Essential Tools for Crafting Your Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Beyond the core ingredients, a few basic kitchen and craft tools will ensure your ornament-making process is smooth and enjoyable. You’ll definitely need a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper, to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Cookie cutters are essential for shaping your ornaments; choose a variety of festive designs like stars, trees, gingerbread men, or even simple circles.

If you’re crafting with older children, consider letting them take charge of rolling out the dough on small cutting boards and using plastic knives for more intricate, freehand shapes. It’s often delightful to see the unique creations they come up with when given the freedom to experiment. Here’s a quick list of helpful tools:

1. Rolling pin: Absolutely helpful for achieving an even dough thickness.
2. Straw or skewer: Crucial for poking a clean hole at the top of each ornament, through which you’ll thread your ribbon for hanging.
3. Mixing bowl: For combining your applesauce and cinnamon into a fragrant dough.
4. Parchment paper or wax paper: Ideal for rolling out the dough without it sticking to surfaces or the rolling pin.
5. Ribbon or twine: To complete your ornaments and prepare them for hanging.

Once your beautiful ornaments are completely dry and hardened, the fun of decorating begins! You can use puffy paints to add intricate details, names, or messages. One year, we even experimented with Sharpies to draw whimsical eyes and smiles, giving our ornaments unique personalities. The possibilities for personalization are endless, making each ornament truly one-of-a-kind.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments: The Aromatic Holiday Tradition

It’s clear why these fragrant creations are affectionately called cinnamon applesauce ornaments. The moment you begin mixing, your entire house will be enveloped in an absolutely amazing aroma – a scent that instantly evokes the spirit of the holidays. It’s a bit like making homemade or cake mix gingerbread men cookies, filling your kitchen with warmth and cheer. However, it’s crucial to remember: while they smell good enough to eat, these are strictly for decorating your Christmas tree, not for your tummy! The strong cinnamon scent is a wonderful, natural air freshener for your home throughout the season.

Basic Steps for Crafting Your Cinnamon Ornament Recipe:

1. Begin by mixing together some room temperature applesauce with ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Start with the suggested quantities in the recipe card below, but be prepared to adjust.
2. If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, gradually add more cinnamon until it forms a pliable, clay-like dough that’s easy to roll. If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny bit more applesauce.
3. Roll out the dough evenly between two sheets of wax paper or parchment paper until it is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick across. Consistency is key for even drying.

Now comes the truly fun part! Using your chosen cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes. Place these shapes carefully onto your parchment-lined cookie sheet. Encourage creativity and let your imagination run wild – this is where the unique character of each ornament begins to emerge!

4. Gently poke a hole at the top of each ornament using a straw or a skewer. Ensure the hole is large enough for a ribbon to pass through easily once dry.
5. Preheat your oven to a low 200 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 93 degrees Celsius) and bake the ornaments for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This low, slow bake helps them dry out without browning too much.
6. After baking, allow the ornaments to air dry on the sheet for an initial 24 hours. Then, carefully flip them over and let them dry for another 24 hours or until they are completely hard and rigid. Patience here is crucial for long-lasting ornaments.

Once completely dry and firm, you can choose to decorate them as you wish, adding paints, glitter, or markers, or simply leave them plain to showcase their natural, rustic beauty and inviting scent.

Creative Ways to Use Your DIY Cinnamon Ornaments

There are numerous fun and festive things you can do with these wonderful DIY ornaments, extending their joy beyond just hanging them on your tree:

• Decorate Your Own Tree: The most obvious, yet most rewarding use! Adorn your Christmas tree with these charming, fragrant homemade ornaments. Their rustic appeal adds warmth and personality to any holiday decor.
• Thoughtful Gifts: Wrap a few finished ornaments in clear plastic wrap, tie the top with a festive ribbon, and gift them to friends, family, or neighbors. They make heartfelt, personalized presents that carry the spirit of the season.
• Unique Gift Tags: Utilize them as special Christmas gift tags! Write the recipient’s name on the back with a permanent marker, or attach a small paper tag. This personal touch makes any present feel extra special.
• Holiday Garland: String several ornaments onto a thicker ribbon, burlap piece, or rustic twine to create a beautiful burlap garland. This looks absolutely stunning draped across your mantelpiece, strung along a staircase railing, or adorning a doorway.
• Table Centerpieces: Arrange a collection of different-shaped cinnamon ornaments in a decorative bowl or on a festive platter as a fragrant, natural centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Party Favors: Send guests home from your holiday gathering with a small, scented ornament as a memorable and lovely party favor.
• Classroom Keepsakes: As mentioned, these are perfect for school art projects. Children can proudly take home their creations, often becoming cherished keepsakes for their parents.

Cinnamon Ornament Recipe

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Ornaments and Troubleshooting

While making these fragrant ornaments is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can help ensure your crafting session is successful and stress-free:

• Dough Consistency is Key: The ideal dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to roll out without cracking. If your dough is too wet (sticky), gradually add more cinnamon, a tablespoon at a time, and knead it in. If it’s too dry (crumbly), add a teaspoon of applesauce at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
• Even Thickness for Even Drying: Aim for a consistent thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch across all your ornaments. Thicker ornaments will take much longer to dry, and uneven thicknesses can lead to cracking or warping. Rolling between two sheets of wax paper helps achieve this uniformity.
• Patience with Drying: The air-drying phase is crucial. Resist the urge to rush it. Ornaments that aren’t fully dry can become moldy or break easily. Turning them periodically ensures all sides are exposed to air.
• Preventing Cracks: Cracks usually occur if the dough is too dry, if the ornaments dry too quickly, or if they are moved too much while still soft. Ensure the dough is well-hydrated, and allow them to dry undisturbed in a consistent, non-humid environment.
• Making the Hole: A wide drinking straw works best for creating a clean, perfectly sized hole for your ribbon. Give the straw a gentle twist as you push it through the dough to get a clean cut. Remove any excess dough from inside the straw.
• Storing for Next Year: To keep your cinnamon ornaments beautiful year after year, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in a cool, dry place. The scent might fade slightly over time, but the charm will remain. You can refresh the scent by placing them in a bag with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil for a few days before displaying.

Embracing the Holiday Spirit with Homemade Treasures

Creating these two-ingredient cinnamon applesauce ornaments is more than just a craft; it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones, and infuse your home with the true spirit of the holidays. The act of making something with your own hands, especially with children, fosters creativity, patience, and a sense of pride. Each ornament becomes a tiny, fragrant reminder of cherished moments and the simple joys of the season.

Whether you’re decorating your own tree, crafting thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoying a sensory-rich activity, these easy DIY cinnamon ornaments are sure to become a beloved annual tradition. So gather your applesauce and cinnamon, unleash your creativity, and get ready to fill your home with the undeniable magic of Christmas.