I made these cinnamon ornaments for our first Christmas tree when we were first married, and I have absolutely loved them ever since. There is something just so cozy about making handmade ornaments, in all their rustic and lovely imperfection. Perhaps it's the old-fashioned girl in me that wishes I could sit in a log cabin, string popcorn garland, and hang these cinnamon ornaments on the tree I cut down in the woods. This is my way of capturing a piece of that, and I love it!
It was the perfect activity to do with my kids. They helped with the measuring, stirring, rolling and cutting, and made sure the oven light was on so they could monitor their progress while they were baking. Once they were cool, they helped string the twine, and brush off remaining crumbs. We had to repeat over and over again that these were NOT to eat, and I think they've finally got it. 
I have a lot of stars on my tree, so that's what we decided to do, but the beauty is, you can do whatever you like! You'll see that our stars are not perfect, but in this case, their charm comes from their imperfection!
One of the most wonderful things about making these ornaments is that they fill your home with the pungent and delightful aroma of cinnamon, and that will continue once they're hung on your tree.
I've always used the recipe from McCormick, but I'll give you a printable version here as well. It's super easy to do, and if you're looking for an inexpensive way to trim your tree, this is a great option. The only two ingredients are applesauce and cinnamon, and for less than $5, you should be able to get at least 14 ornaments out of one batch. (That's how many we were able to make--small/medium stars.) I tied my favorite red bakers twine on once mine were dry..and I'm in love. ♥
- ¾ cup applesauce
- 1 c. + 2 T. cinnamon (1 bottle-4.12 ounces) McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground)
- Supplies needed:
- Cookie cutters
- Drinking straw
- Ribbon or Twine
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Mix applesauce and cinnamon in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed. (You may need use your hands to incorporate all of the cinnamon.) *I ended up adding a little more applesauce--mine was still a little crumbly. Using about ¼ of the dough at a time, roll dough to ¼-inch to ⅓-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut dough into desired shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Make a hole at top of ornament with drinking straw. Place ornaments on baking sheet. *I covered my sheet with parchment first.
- Bake 2½ hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack. (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)
- Insert ribbon (I used bakers twine!) through holes and tie to hang on your tree!
{kierste}
comments
Yay! Because I bought the bakers twine from the Twinery! Thank you for another way to use it! I will do this in my classroom as well! I can’t wait!
Yay! I’m so glad you got some twine–you are going to LOVE it!!!
What a wonderful idea. I bet the house smells amazing when you come back inside. Thanks!
The way the house smells is one of my favorite things about it, Shannon!!!
One of these years I will make these ornaments…perhaps this is the year! I need to get me a star shaped cookie cutter
Yes you do, Miss Katie!!! Mine is by Wilton–I got it at JoAnn Fabrics using a 40% off coupon, and it was pretty cheap.
Oh I love making these! Love the idea with the twine
Thanks for the inspiration everyday……your blog is my happy place!
xo
Thank you so much, Michelle!!! The twine is lovely–it’s definitely one of my favorite things!
I keep looking at this idea on Pinterest, but hadn’t decided whether to try them. You make them sound so wonderful and easy. I’ll have to look for baker’s twine – it’s so pretty. Thanks for the inspiration!
Definitely try them! They really are easy, and totally worth it. You’ll have to let me know if you do.
Hey I love these I’ve have some I made about 15 yrs & they still have smell.But I put them in plastic shoe boxes when done & it keeps smell .Going have get them out see if they like that this yr. Thank’s …
Mine lasted for a long time too, Cookie–I love it! It’s nice to know that I can have them for awhile, and it’s so fun to open that box each year and have that yummy smell come pouring out! XO
What a neat idea! Thanks for the printable version, I have already printed this out to do with my 4 year old. I really enjoy your blog, you have such great ideas.
Thank you so much, Laura!!!! XO It really is so fun to do with kids–mine are still talking about it, lol.
These are so cute and I bet they smell delicious, I am old fashioned too and am hoping to do an old fashioned Christmas tree this year…I will be adding these. Thanks for sharing
Kierste! What perfect timing – I am printing the recipe out as I type – I have been looking for rustic type ornaments to make for my farmhouse tree and these will be a perfect addition. Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to make these.
I can’t wait to try these with my kiddos. They will love them!
I made these years ago and they fell apart. Would you recommend adding a little white glue to the mixture? I would love to make these for my pre-k students. We do a gingerbread man unit and these would be the perfect gift.
I think you could do a trial batch and see what happens, or even search for another recipe that uses white glue. If you’re going to do it via trial and error, I would start with a smaller amount, and move up from there.
I’ve never had mine fall apart once they were baked, but I can see with pre-k students how that might be a problem.
Good luck!!!
I’ve seen some recipes that use glue (Martha Stewart for one), but it may just be that the ornaments were too thin. I’ve had that problem when I tried to stretch the last of the dough.
Thank you so much! My mom tried a recipe with bad proportions and it was an awful experience. She was ready to scrap the project. This one was so much easier and even gave me confidence to try making sugar cookies for the first time. The ornaments are lovely!
Oh, I’m so glad!! It is a great recipe, and I’m so happy it turned out for you, and that you tried sugar cookies, too! Merry Christmas!!!! XO
Great recipe, thanks. One note, my teenage daughter had an allergic reaction to the cinnamon. We had no idea she was sensitive.
Hi, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your site! I’m wondering if you have ever decorated these and what you would recommend to do so…. I want to make these for a third grade party and have them decorate them (but quick and minimal mess).
Acrylic paint (on pencil erasers for eyes and cheeks)
Sharpie markers?
Puff paint?
Thank YOU!!!
Hi there! I think Sharpies would be quick and easy, and they make them in a variety of fun holiday colors–red, green, gold, and silver. I think it would be less messy than paint, but you could certainly use the paint bottles with the pointed tip, so it would be easy to draw with. You could also experiment with stamps–Christmas stamps, monograms, etc.!
Good luck, and have fun!!! XO