Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments (Easy Christmas Craft for Kids)
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If you want a simple, cozy Christmas craft that makes your whole house smell amazing, applesauce cinnamon ornaments are a classic. This timeless recipe uses just a couple of ingredients and is perfect for kids of all ages. The dough mixes up in minutes, the ornaments hold their shape beautifully, and they last for years if stored carefully.
This is one of those hands-on holiday activities that blends crafting, sensory play, and creativity all at once. Read on for the simple instructions!Â
What Are Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments?
These ornaments are made from a dough of cinnamon and applesauce (sometimes with a little white glue for durability). When dried, they look like rustic gingerbread ornaments and smell wonderful. Kids can cut them into shapes, decorate them, and hang them on the tree, use them as gift tags, or tie them onto neighbor gifts.
Ingredients
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1 cup applesauce
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1 cup ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon white glue (optional, but helps prevent cracking)
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Extra cinnamon for dusting if needed
A single batch made about 16-18 ornaments depending on the size of the cookie cutters you use.Â
How to Make Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Combine the applesauce, cinnamon, and glue in a large bowl. Stir until it forms a soft dough.
If the dough feels sticky, add a little more cinnamon. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add a spoonful of applesauce.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or silicone mats, and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. Thicker ornaments hold up better and are less likely to crack while drying.
Step 3: Cut Out Shapes
Use Christmas cookie cutters to make shapes. Trees, stars, and gingerbread men work especially well.
Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
Step 4: Dry the Ornaments
You will want to move these with extreme caution. They break easily before they are dry. Carefully pull away the extra dough from the shapes. If you can dry them right on the paper or silicone mat you rolled them on that will be best.Â
Air Dry:
Place ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air dry at room temperature for 24–48 hours. Flip them halfway through for even drying.
Oven Dry:
Bake at 200°F for 1.5–2 hours, flipping once.
Let cool completely before decorating or hanging.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once dry, you can keep them rustic or add small details:
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Puffy paint
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Glitter glue
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Acrylic paint accents
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Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Paint pens
Tips for Success
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Roll evenly to prevent cracks.
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Make sure the hole is large enough—ornaments shrink slightly as they dry.
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If using glue, stick to a small amount; it strengthens the dough without changing the texture.
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These are not edible, even though they look like cookies.
- They break very easily while they are still wet. Move with extreme caution!Â
Variations to Try
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Add ground cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for a deeper holiday scent.
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Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a blended aroma.
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Stamp designs into the dough before drying using cookie stamps or forks.
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Use alphabet cookie cutters to make name ornaments.
How to Store Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments
Keep ornaments in a sealed container after the holidays. Store them with a small silica packet if you live in a humid area. They can last for many years if stored well.
Ideas for Using the Ornaments
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Christmas tree decorations
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Neighbor gift toppers
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Kid-made teacher gifts
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Garland for mantels or windows
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Keepsake ornaments with names and dates written on the back
Applesauce cinnamon ornaments are an easy and nostalgic Christmas craft that kids love. The dough is simple to mix, the ornaments smell wonderful as they dry, and the finished pieces become meaningful keepsakes for years to come. This is a perfect low-stress December craft for classrooms, homeschool groups, or family holiday time.
See More Fun December Ideas:
Kid-Made I-Spy Christmas Ornament Craft
Christmas Tree Countdown (Free Printable!)
