Easy Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
ShareEasy homemade cinnamon ornaments are a must make holiday craft. They’re perfect for hanging throughout the house, on the tree or attaching to a present!
Since my youngest is only in school part-time, I only get a few hours alone to myself most days. That isn’t a lot of time to get things done, especially when many places don’t open until later in the morning…and since we’re easily 20-30 minutes from everything!
Yesterday was a nice treat, I escaped to the movies… by myself! I even had the entire theater to myself! It was magical and kind of comical because I only paid $5.99 for a matinee (plus food, because I was starving), but had the entire place to myself. That’s how movies should be. I don’t like going when it’s crowded. There’s always someone that’s talking, being too loud with their snacks, messing with their phone, standing in your way, kicking your seat, etc. It really makes the experience pretty unpleasant. Definitely not the case this time.
I saw the final Hunger Games movie. I have to say, it wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was still good. Mostly well done, with a few annoyances. Heart pounding, creepy and action packed moments definitely make this the least kid friendly one of the bunch. I’m honestly undecided if I’ll buy it when it comes out. On one hand, I feel like I need the complete series. And on the other hand, it really is my least favorite. Decisions decisions…
Have you seen it yet?
Off and on for years, I’ve been making these super easy homemade cinnamon applesauce ornaments. There one of my favorite holiday crafts, not only because they’re so simple. But, because they fill the house with the most amazing sweet cinnamon scent.
It’s time to ditch those weird bags of scented pinecones. I’ve never been a fan of those. But let’s just agree they have no place in our homes. They only make a giant mess anyway!
Since it’s the first official weekend of December and many of us have just put our trees up or will be soon, I knew today would be the perfect time to share this ridiculously easy holiday craft. It’s a recipe and craft in one. But just be clear… these definitely shouldn’t be eaten. They’re for decoration only.
Get the kids in on the fun and whip up these easy cinnamon applesauce ornaments this weekend! These can be attached to gifts for friends and family or hung from the tree and around the house to enjoy a wonderful cinnamon scent all season long.
A must make holiday craft, perfect for the entire family!
Easy Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Ingredients
- 1 C smooth applesauce
- 1 1/4 C ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together cinnamon and applesauce until a smooth ball forms. Dough should not be sticky. It should be moist and easy to handle. If necessary, adjust cinnamon or applesauce until easy to handle.
- Divide dough into two equal parts, shape into discs. Optionally, chill for an hour or longer. Chilled dough will become slightly firmer and easier to handle.
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Sprinkle work surface well with cinnamon. Place one disc of dough down on cinnamon coated surface, sprinkle top with cinnamon and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut using desired cookie cutters. Use a regular sized straw to carefully remove a hole, this will be where the string goes later. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
- Scraps of dough may be re-rolled for additional ornaments.
- Bake ornaments for 2 hours or until completely firm.
- Cool completely. Thread string or ribbon through ornament holes.
- Ornaments can be hung on trees, around the house for a pop of cinnamon or added to gift packaging.
Notes
Items used in this recipe:
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EEEEEEK! These are so cute, I just love them! :) I can see them dangling above a fire place on the mantle or all around the tree like you said! Love love love this idea!
Thanks Taylor!
Rachel, we made these all the time growing up. I had forgotten all about them, but now you reminded me to make them with my own kids.
They’re such a fun family-friendly craft! Your kids will love them :)
What a lovely idea! They would definitely be fun to add to gift packaging! I have a feeling if I hung them on the tree, my dogs would try to eat them!
Haha! I can see that happening too. Just hang them up high ;)
I’ve been wanting to see that last Hunger Games movie – seeing it in a theater all by yourself must have been such a treat! And for only $5.99 – what a steal of a treat!
BTW – these ornaments are gorgeous and would smell wonderful – way better than those pinecones indeed!
Thanks so much Shashi!
I LOVE these!!!! You seriously only need applesauce and cinnamon to make these?!!!
They’re SO simple! Definitely a must make :)
we saw the final hunger games last week, and I agree with you, it was good, but not my favorite in the series, and I can almost smell the cinnamon from here – what cute ornaments and gift tags!
Thanks Heather!
I love these ornaments Rachel! I made some like this almost 4 years ago and when I pulled them out to put them on the tree this year I couldn’t believe they still smelled like cinnamon! I think I need to make another batch this year and add to the collection!
It’s so great how long the smell lasts!
Unbelievable! Only few ingredients! Delicious cookies!
Thanks Medeja!
I saw these on pinterest and wanted to stop by and tell you how gorgeous they are! Love the photos.
Thanks so much Jennifer! :)
Good for you to get out and see a movie solo. Sounds fun. I’ve made similar cinnamon ornaments since I was a kid. They smell heavenly and I love the rustic, homespun look on the tree. I love the idea of a gift tie-on! Yours are beautiful.
I agree, they smell so great!
These are SO cute. I’ve been wanting to try them and you make it sound like something I could do! :) I saw the last Hunger Games movie. I agree, it was intense, but it stuck to the book so I’ll probably need to buy it. lol
They’re super easy to make… even easier than cookie dough! :)
This is such a creative idea! I kind of wish I had an excuse to hang ornaments now;-)
Haha! Thanks Lauren :)
I made some of these probably 12 years ago, and they still smell amazing all of these years later. When I open my Christmas bins, you can totally smell them and it’s wonderful! (And I saw the Hunger Games last night, and the theater was pretty empty for a Friday night. I’m with you – I’m not a fan of the crowded theater!!)
It’s so great that they smell amazing for so long. Definitely makes the minimal effort worth it. And yes… empty theaters are far better than packed. I refuse to go when it’s busy.
Can’t wait to make these. Thank you for the recipe. Can you tell me how long these last?
They’ll last quite a long time. I’ve heard from many that they keep them year after year with still plenty of fragrance left. They’re obviously the strongest smelling the first year though.
Where did you get the star cookie cutter?
You can find star cookie cutters are any craft store or online retailer.
Making these with the kiddos tonight! Thanks so much for sharing!
I hope they had a blast! :)
I have made these twice this year. They smell awesome! The first time I made these I couldn’t smell them at all. My husband commented how good they smelled. Well I then decided to get tested for COVID-19. Glad I did. I ended up testing positive. So thanks for the recipe. Made these again after that and they do smell awesome! So thanks for the recipe.
I’m so glad you both enjoyed them and I hope you’re doing much better now!
I too enjoy making these. I however do not bake mine. I just let them rest on parchment paper until they dry. My next batch…. tomorrow…I will bake them. If for no other purpose, the aroma. I also thought that I was being… clever by placing whole cloves into oranges or tangerines, whatever I have on hand at the time. I then cover the fruit, without design . They are so lovely. I thought that I was being clever until one day I saw them online. They are called, pommanders. Oh well. No joy lessened here.
Rachel have you or anyone else tried using unsweet cocoa powder in place of cinnamon or equal parts cinnamon and unsweet cocoa powder?
I haven’t but that sounds like an interesting idea to try! It might work but I can’t be 100% sure.
Can you use sugar free applesauce?
That shouldn’t be an issue since you aren’t eating these. :)
Does it matter if the applesauce is sweetened or unsweetened?
Either or, especially since you’re not eating these. :)
What a great recipe! I can’t wait to try it with the kids! Do you have any suggestions on how to write on them, for instance, writing someone’s name if you are using them on a gift?
Your best bet would be puffy pant from the craft store. Decorate them after they’ve fully cooled.