Every year as soon as the holidays start creeping closer, I find myself wanting our home to smell like Christmas just as much as it looks like it.
Over the years, we’ve tried candles, simmer pots, and store-bought ornaments, but nothing compares to the warm, comforting aroma of handmade cinnamon ornaments.
The moment you start working with cinnamon dough, the scent fills the entire house. It’s rich, spicy, slightly sweet, and instantly nostalgic.
My family always knows when I’m making these because the kitchen smells like baked apples and winter spices for hours.
These cinnamon dough ornaments are simple to make, incredibly affordable, and last for years when stored properly.
With a few small tips, you’ll get the dough just right and end up with rustic, beautiful decorations that make your tree smell amazing season after season.
Why We Love Making Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
We’ve tried plenty of holiday crafts over the years, but this one always comes back into rotation. It’s easy enough to make on a quiet afternoon, but special enough to feel like a tradition.
What makes cinnamon ornaments stand out is the scent. Unlike salt dough ornaments, these don’t just look festive. They smell festive.
The aroma lingers long after they’ve dried, and even years later, you’ll still catch hints of cinnamon when you open your ornament box.
We also love how rustic they look. Pressing real greenery or leaves into the dough gives each ornament a natural, handmade feel that works beautifully with traditional, farmhouse, or minimalist Christmas decor.
What This Post Covers
- Cinnamon dough ornament recipe
- Materials you’ll need
- Step-by-step instructions
- Decorating ideas
- How to dry and store them properly
- Frequently asked questions
- Extra holiday craft inspiration
Cinnamon Dough Ornament Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy holiday craft that doesn’t require a long supply list, this is it. This cinnamon dough recipe uses three main ingredients, all of which are inexpensive and easy to find.
Although they resemble gingerbread, these ornaments are not edible. The glue is what gives them durability and helps them last for years, so they’re meant strictly for decorating.
Because they’re not for eating, there’s no need to use expensive spices. Ground cinnamon works perfectly, and you can even mix in other warm spices if you want to experiment with scent.
Materials You’ll Need
This batch makes approximately 12 ornaments, depending on size and thickness.
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsweetened applesauce
- White school glue
- Rolling pin
- Mason jar or cookie cutters
- Drinking straw
- Evergreen leaves, herbs, or greenery
- Baking sheet or dehydrator trays
Optional but helpful:
- Dehydrator
- Parchment paper
- Baker’s twine or natural string
How We Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments Step by Step
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cinnamon and applesauce until evenly mixed. Add the glue and stir until the dough begins to clump together.
At first, it may feel dry or crumbly. This is normal. Once it’s mixed enough to handle, set the spoon aside and knead the dough with your hands. The warmth from your hands helps everything come together.
The key here is patience. Knead longer than you think you need to. The more you knead, the smoother and stronger the dough becomes.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with cinnamon, just as you would flour. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick.
If the edges crack or split, gather the dough back into a ball, knead again, and re-roll. Fresh, warm dough is much easier to work with, so don’t let it sit too long before shaping.
Step 3: Add Botanical Imprints
This is my favorite part. We often use evergreen clippings from our yard, but dried herbs or small leaves work beautifully too.
Press the greenery into the dough and gently roll over it to create a clear imprint. This gives the ornaments their rustic, natural look.
Step 4: Cut and Prep for Hanging
Use a mason jar or cookie cutters to cut out shapes around the imprints. A mason jar creates clean, simple circles that look beautiful on the tree.
Before drying, use a straw to make a hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
Step 5: Dry the Ornaments
There are three ways to dry cinnamon ornaments:
- Dehydrator: Dry at low heat for 7–10 hours
- Oven: Dry at 200°F, checking every hour
- Air-dry: Takes several days but works well
We usually use a dehydrator because it’s consistent and keeps the scent strong. Whichever method you choose, make sure the ornaments are completely dry before handling.
Once dry, they should feel hard and sturdy.
Decorating Ideas for Cinnamon Ornaments
We keep ours mostly natural because the cinnamon color and botanical imprints are beautiful on their own. A simple piece of twine is often all they need.
If you want to decorate further:
- Tie with colored baker’s twine
- Use wooden beads on the string
- Lightly brush edges with mica powder for subtle shimmer
Painting is possible, but it will reduce the scent. If painting is your goal, salt dough ornaments are a better option.
How to Store Cinnamon Ornaments So They Last for Years
When Christmas is over, proper storage makes all the difference.
We wrap each ornament in tissue paper and store them in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Keeping air out helps preserve the scent.
Stored this way, cinnamon ornaments can last many years. We still have some from nearly a decade ago that smell amazing every time we open the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cinnamon dough ornaments last?
With proper storage, they can last for years. The scent holds surprisingly well, especially when stored in an airtight container.
Can I refresh the scent?
Yes. Add one or two drops of cinnamon or clove essential oil and let the ornament dry completely before storing or hanging.
Why is my dough crumbly?
Cinnamon is very absorbent. Keep kneading and add a small amount of applesauce or glue if needed. Warm hands help a lot.
Can kids help with this project?
Yes, with supervision. It’s a great family activity, especially when kids help press the leaves or cut shapes.
Why We Keep Coming Back to This Craft
These cinnamon ornaments aren’t just decorations. They’re part of our holiday rhythm. The smell, the hands-on process, and the simplicity make them something we genuinely look forward to each year.
If you’re looking for a holiday craft that feels cozy, timeless, and meaningful, this one is always worth making.
