Cinnamon Applesauce Christmas Ornaments: DIY Natural Holiday Decor

Made with just three simple ingredients, these Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments are an easy and cozy Christmas craft both kids and adults enjoy. Use them on the tree, string them into a garland, or attach them to gifts for a fragrant, handmade touch.

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Equipment You’ll Need

You’ll need basic kitchen tools; additional decorating supplies are optional depending on how you finish your ornaments. If you don’t own cookie cutters, the rim of a jar or glass works well for cutting shapes.

• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters or jar rim
• Baking racks and baking sheets
• Oven, food dehydrator, or a spot to air dry
• Drinking straw (for making holes)
• Optional decorating supplies (glitter, puffy paints, rhinestones, etc.)
• Ribbon or ornament hooks for hanging

The 3 Ingredients for Cinnamon Dough

The full recipe and precise measurements are listed in the instructions below, but the core ingredients are simple and easy to source.

• Ground spices: Ground cinnamon is the base; adding 1 tablespoon ground cloves deepens the scent but is optional.
• White school glue: A basic PVA glue like Elmer’s strengthens the dough and helps it hold its shape.
• Applesauce: Use store-bought or homemade—the ornaments are not edible, so less expensive store-bought applesauce works fine.

Tip: In humid climates add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to help the ornaments dry faster and reduce tackiness.

How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

1. Make the dough. Combine applesauce, ground cinnamon (and optional cloves), and white school glue in a bowl. Stir until the mixture comes together; when a spoon can’t keep up, use your hands. The dough should feel firm but pliable, similar to soft modeling clay. If it’s too wet add cinnamon a tablespoon at a time; if too crumbly add a touch more applesauce.
2. Roll out the dough. Place a portion of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll to about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick for best results.
3. Cut shapes. Use cookie cutters (or a jar rim) to cut ornaments. Transfer shapes carefully to a baking rack or parchment-lined sheet. Use a straw to punch a small hole near the top for hanging.
4. Dry the ornaments. For a faster, more even result, bake at 200°F (95°C) for about 2½ hours on a rack over a baking sheet, flipping halfway through to prevent curling. For a no-bake option, air dry on racks in a dry spot for 2–4 days, turning occasionally.
5. Finish and decorate. Once completely dry and cool, smooth edges with fine-grit sandpaper if desired. Leave natural, paint, add glitter, or use puffy paint for details. Thread with ribbon, twine, or ornament hooks to hang.

Note for making with kids: Mix and roll the dough yourself and let children cut shapes. The glue makes the dough non-edible—remind little ones not to taste it.

Ways to Use Them

These ornaments are wonderfully versatile and add warmth to any space.

• Gift toppers: Tie one onto wrapped presents, baked goods, or jars of hot cocoa for a personal touch.
• Holiday gift sets: Pair ornaments with a jar of homemade mulling spices or a small baked treat for a thoughtful present.
• Home fragrance: Place several in a bowl or basket as a natural air freshener.
• Garlands: String ornaments with dried orange slices, bay leaves, or cranberries for a charming garland.
• Gift tags: Write recipient names on the back with a permanent marker and reuse them year after year.
• Stocking stuffers: Light, fragrant, and unbreakable—perfect for stuffing stockings.
• Keepsakes: Mark the year on the back and save an ornament from each season to build a sentimental collection.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Yield:
18 – 24 ornaments

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Dry Time:
2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time:
2 hours 50 minutes

Difficulty:
Easy

Estimated Cost:
Varies

Made with just three basic ingredients, these cinnamon ornaments are an easy holiday craft that fills your home with warm spice and lasts for years.

Materials

• 1 cup (240 g) applesauce
• 1 to 1¼ cups (about 130 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons white school glue (like Elmer’s)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (helps dry time in humid climates)

Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking racks and baking sheets
• Oven, food dehydrator, or a spot to air dry
• Drinking straw (for making holes)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (optional, for finishing)
• Decorating supplies (optional)
• Ribbon or ornament hooks (for hanging)

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a medium bowl combine applesauce, cinnamon, optional cloves, glue, and cornstarch if needed for humidity.
2. Stir until it begins to hold together, then switch to your hands and knead until the dough is firm yet pliable. Adjust cinnamon or applesauce as needed.

Roll & Cut

1. Place a portion of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap.
2. Roll to about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
3. Peel the top layer and cut shapes with cookie cutters; transfer shapes to a rack or parchment-lined sheet.
4. Poke a small hole near the top of each ornament with a straw for hanging.
5. Gather scraps and repeat until all dough is used.

Quick-Dry Method (Oven)

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).
2. Set ornaments on a rack over a baking sheet for airflow and bake about 2½ hours, flipping halfway through to prevent curling.

Slow-Dry Method (Air Dry)

1. Place ornaments on racks or parchment in a dry, well-ventilated spot and let them dry for 2–4 days, turning once or twice.

To Finish

1. When completely dry and cool, smooth edges with fine-grit sandpaper if desired.
2. Decorate as you like—paint, glitter, or leave plain. Pair with dried orange slices or bay leaves for a natural look.
3. Write the year on the back with a permanent marker and thread ribbon or hooks through the holes to hang.

Notes

Storage: Store ornaments wrapped in tissue inside an airtight container. Kept in a cool, dry place they retain scent and shape for years.

Making with children: Supervise any mixing or rolling and remind kids the dough is not food because of the glue.