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Crafting Cinnamon Dough Ornaments: A New Sweet Family Tradition

By Nicole S, Publisher of Macaroni KID Cecil - NE Harford December 9, 2024

There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when you get to share meaningful traditions with your kids. Recently, our family spent an afternoon making Cinnamon Dough Ornaments—a nostalgic activity I remember doing as a little girl. It was such a simple yet rewarding experience, and the joy on my children’s faces made it even more special. These ornaments not only turned out adorable, but they also smell heavenly and are perfect as keepsakes or gifts.

A Fun and Easy Family Project

From the moment we started mixing the ingredients, the kids were all in. They loved rolling out the dough and cutting out their favorite shapes with cookie cutters. Watching their creativity shine as they carefully worked together making the festive shapes was such a heartwarming moment.

Once we cut out the designs, we used a straw to make small holes at the top of each ornament for threading ribbon or twine later. While the drying process required patience (48-72 hours), the spicy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice filled our home, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer.

Why We Love These Ornaments

These cinnamon ornaments are more than just decorations; they’re memories. My kids each wrote their names and the year on the back of their ornaments once they were dry, turning them into little keepsakes we’ll cherish for years. You can even take it a step further by painting them for a personalized touch!

Not only are they perfect for hanging on the tree, but they also make thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Who wouldn’t love a beautifully crafted ornament that smells like the holidays?

How to Make Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Materials You’ll Need

  • 1 cup ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons allspice
  • 2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons liquid glue
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Straw
  • Ribbon or twine


Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough: Combine the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, applesauce, and glue in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes stiff and forms a dough.
  2. Roll It Out: Place the dough between sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness.
  3. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create your designs. Transfer them carefully to a parchment-lined surface.
  4. Make Holes: Use a straw to poke a small hole at the top of each ornament for stringing later.
  5. Let Them Dry: Allow the ornaments to air dry for 48-72 hours, flipping them occasionally for even drying.
  6. Decorate (Optional): Once dry, you can paint the ornaments or leave them as-is. Thread ribbon or twine through the holes to hang them.

A Tradition Worth Repeating

This simple craft brought so much joy to our family. From the mess of flour-dusted hands to the pride my kids felt in their creations, it was an afternoon well spent. Creating traditions with my family is always so magical. 

Whether you’re looking for a creative gift idea or a way to make holiday memories with your family, these Cinnamon Dough Ornaments are a must-try. Give them a go, and let the sweet scent of cinnamon fill your home—and your hearts.