DIY Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments for a Cozy, Old-World Christmas
Dec 06, 2025
There’s something special about preparing for Christmas in a way that’s both simple and steeped in tradition. Advent has always been my favorite time of year — a time to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Savior. And when Christmas finally arrives, there’s nothing that warms my heart more than celebrating the birth of Christ, our Newborn King. After reading Around the Year with the Von Trapps, I was inspired to bring that old-world charm into our own farmhouse Christmas.
While I haven’t yet achieved the dream of a Christmas tree decorated entirely with handmade, edible ornaments, we inch closer each year. One year we strung popcorn and cranberry garlands. Another, we dried oranges and tied cinnamon sticks with ribbons. But every single year, without fail, we make a fresh batch of cinnamon applesauce ornaments. Even when we still have some packed away from last year, we make more — because the process itself is part of the celebration. The house fills with the scent of warm spice, hands get sticky while laughter fills the room, and memories are kneaded into every roll of dough. My kids may be teens and young adults now, but the tradition still brings them back to the kitchen each year. I still remember making one of these in the first grade — and yes, it lasted for years!
Bring old-world charm and the smell of memories to your home this Christmas with handmade cinnamon applesauce ornaments — a simple, kid-friendly tradition that turns your tree into a feast for the senses.
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What in the world are cinnamon applesauce ornaments?
These rustic little gems are made from just two pantry staples — ground cinnamon and applesauce. They’re rolled out like cookie dough, cut into shapes, and dried until they become hard, fragrant decorations. No baking skills required, no fancy tools — just simple ingredients and a willingness to get a little messy.
We make them every year, not only for the tree, but also for garlands across the mantle, hang in front of windows on festive ribbon, and to tie onto handmade gifts. Their spicy scent brings comfort and warmth to every corner of the home.
Ditch the plug-ins — Here’s a Better Way to Freshen the House
When the windows are shut tight in winter, it’s easy to reach for a plug-in or synthetic candle to freshen the air. But those artificial fragrances can be overpowering — and not always healthy. Our great-grandparents had the right idea: hang spices, bake bread, and fill the home with real, edible aromas.
Cinnamon is naturally antibacterial and warming. When mixed into these ornaments, it releases its spicy scent for weeks — no chemicals, no waste, just joy. It’s the same logic behind making mulling spice blends or simmering homemade hot cocoa on the stove.
Want to spice things up? Try these ideas
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Press cloves, star anise, or rosemary into the dough before drying.
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Paint with white craft paint or add a bit of glitter for sparkle.
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Use them as gift tags, not just ornaments — especially paired with cocoa bombs.
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Refresh the scent next year with a drop of cinnamon essential oil.
Old-world ornaments that still shine today
Popcorn and cranberry garlands have been a staple in our farmhouse for years. We let the popcorn sit out overnight so it firms up, making it easier to string without crumbling. We alternate popped kernels and cranberries on thread or twine, which adds that classic red-and-white charm to the tree.
Dried citrus slices — like oranges, lemons, or apples — are another favorite. We slice them thin and dry them in the oven or the dehydrator on low heat until they're firm and fragrant. Strung with a bit of twine or hung from ribbon, they sparkle like stained glass when the Christmas lights hit just right. You can find tips on drying fruit in our perfect dried apples guide.
Cinnamon stick bundles are as easy as they are festive. Just tie two or three whole cinnamon sticks together with raffia, baker's twine, or ribbon and hang them directly on the tree or tuck them into garlands. The scent mingles beautifully with the smell of fresh greenery.
Gingerbread ornaments bring the cozy, spicy aroma of baking into the room even after the cookies are long gone. Just be sure to use a sturdy dough and poke a hole before baking. Once they’re cool, they’re ready to hang (and no one minds if a few get eaten along the way).
Foil-wrapped candy ornaments are a nod to the Von Trapps and old Hungarian traditions. Wrap hard candies or chocolates in shiny foil, twist the ends like little gifts, and hang them on the tree. They're cheerful, simple, and just might disappear before Christmas morning! Inspired by Hungarian Szaloncukor and the Von Trapps, these sparkle under the lights and are a sweet surprise.
Why we Stick with Spice-based, Old-world Traditions
These decorations aren’t just pretty. They:
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Bring the whole family into the process
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Fill the home with natural, cozy scents
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Connect us to handmade traditions and old-world heritage
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Help us slow down and savor what matters most in the season
Applesauce Cinnamon Ornament Questions Often Asked
How long do cinnamon applesauce ornaments last?
If you store them in a dry, airtight container, they can last for several years. Just refresh the scent as needed.
Do you have to bake cinnamon ornaments?
Nope! They can air-dry over a few days, though the oven is quicker.
How do you refresh the cinnamon scent?
Just dab on a drop of cinnamon essential oil each year to bring them back to life. Make sure to keep off skin and out of eyes, especially of little ones and animals.
Are cinnamon ornaments edible?
Technically yes, but they don’t taste good — they’re for your nose, not your taste buds! And only if you do not use glue or any non-edible item in them. We would recommend not eating them at all.
Can I use these as gift toppers?
Absolutely! Add a name with paint or a pen and tie one onto a wrapped present for a personalized touch. They are also great tied onto canning jars of baking mixes and potpourri jars.
Wrapping it up in the Kitchen
There’s something truly special about a tree decorated with love, spices, and handmade joy. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, these simple cinnamon applesauce ornaments help us savor the season with all five senses.
So grab your little helpers, roll out some dough, and make this the year your Christmas tree smells as sweet as it looks. Don’t forget to sip something warm and festive — any of our Christmas or Winter Tea Blends would pair perfectly with a day of crafting.
Before you go, make sure to download our Handmade Christmas Gift Ebook for more ideas like this one. From spiced decorations to tea-themed treats, it’s full of simple, heartwarming gifts you can make right in your farmhouse kitchen.
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