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Writer's pictureRyan Jones

DIY Cinnamon Dough Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fragrant Holiday Décor

Cinnamon dough ornaments are a timeless holiday craft that fills your home with the cozy, warm scent of cinnamon. These easy-to-make ornaments are perfect for decorating your tree, embellishing gifts, or adding rustic charm to your holiday décor. Plus, they’re a great activity to do with kids! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make cinnamon dough ornaments, along with creative decorating ideas to make them uniquely yours.


Cinnamon Dough DIY Christmas ornament or gift tag craft

Why Cinnamon Dough Ornaments Are a Holiday Favorite

Cinnamon dough ornaments are not only beautiful and customizable but also incredibly aromatic. Their sweet, spicy scent lasts for years, making them a fragrant addition to your holiday decorations. Best of all, they’re simple to make using just a few pantry staples!


Materials Needed:

To get started, gather these supplies:

  • Ground cinnamon: About 1 cup

  • Applesauce: About ¾ cup (unsweetened works best)

  • Craft glue (optional): Adds durability

  • Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients

  • Rolling pin: To flatten the dough

  • Cookie cutters: Festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes

  • Drinking straw: To create holes for hanging

  • String or ribbon: For hanging the ornaments

  • Baking sheet and parchment paper: For drying the ornaments




How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine 1 cup of ground cinnamon with ¾ cup of applesauce in a mixing bowl. For added durability, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of craft glue. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth, dough-like consistency.


Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add more cinnamon. If it’s too dry, incorporate a little more applesauce.


Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Place the dough on parchment paper to prevent sticking and use a rolling pin to flatten it to about ¼ inch thick. This thickness ensures the ornaments are sturdy without taking too long to dry.


Step 3: Cut Out Shapes

Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into festive shapes like stars, gingerbread men, or Christmas trees. Gently transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.


Pro Tip: Use a spatula to avoid distorting the shapes during transfer.


Step 4: Create Holes for Hanging

Use a drinking straw to punch a small hole near the top of each ornament. This will allow you to thread string or ribbon for hanging once the ornaments are dry.


Step 5: Dry the Ornaments

There are two ways to dry your ornaments:

  1. Air Drying: Leave the ornaments on the baking sheet in a cool, dry area for 24–48 hours. Flip them occasionally to ensure even drying.

  2. Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Bake the ornaments for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.


Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

Once the ornaments are completely dry, it’s time to get creative! Here are some decoration ideas:

  • Paint: Use acrylic paint to add designs or patterns.

  • Glitter: Apply glue and sprinkle glitter for a festive touch.

  • Personalization: Write names, dates, or holiday messages using paint pens or markers.


Step 7: Add String and Hang

Thread a piece of ribbon, twine, or string through the hole you created and tie it into a loop. Your cinnamon dough ornament is now ready to hang on the tree, attach to a gift, or use as a festive accent around your home.



Creative Ideas for Using Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
  1. Christmas Tree Decorations: Add rustic charm and fragrance to your holiday tree.

  2. Gift Tags: Personalize ornaments with names to use as unique gift tags.

  3. Garlands: String multiple ornaments together to create a stunning garland.

  4. Place Settings: Use them as keepsakes at holiday dinners for guests to take home.


Tips for Crafting Perfect Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
  • Keep the dough workable: If it starts to dry out, knead in a little applesauce.

  • Store properly: After the holidays, store ornaments in a cool, dry place to maintain their scent and durability.

  • Not edible: Although made from pantry ingredients, these ornaments are for decoration only.


Why You'll Love Making These Ornaments

Cinnamon dough ornaments are easy, fun, and offer a festive sensory experience with their delightful scent. They also make heartfelt gifts and are a wonderful way to spend quality time crafting with family during the holidays.



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