Is there anything better than the smell of Christmas? That magical blend of pine, peppermint, and spices that hits you the moment you walk through the door? I’m convinced it’s half the magic of the season. But what if you could bottle that feeling? What if your Christmas tree could smell like a warm, spiced cookie straight out of the oven? Forget those store-bought air fresheners. The real secret is hiding in your pantry. Let’s talk about cinnamon applesauce ornaments. They’re not just decorations; they’re little, rustic, scent-infused memories you bake yourself. And I’ve found 19 stunning ways to make them.
1. The Classic Star Cutter Shape
You have to start with the basics, right? The simple star cutter shape is the foundation of your ornament collection. It’s timeless, easy to punch out, and looks incredible nestled in the branches of your tree. The points of the star catch the twinkle lights perfectly.
This is your go-to for mastering the dough consistency. Pro tip: roll it thick enough so it doesn’t warp, but thin enough to dry properly. It’s the perfect blank canvas for the rest of your creations.
2. Whimsical Gingerbread People
Who says gingerbread people have to be made of gingerbread? These little guys are just as charming and far more durable. Use a classic person-shaped cookie cutter and give them personality with a straw or skewer to poke a smiling face and button details before baking.
They look adorable hanging in a row on a garland or peeking out from the tree. Kids absolutely love making (and naming) these fragrant friends.
3. Rustic Christmas Tree Shapes
A tree on a tree? It’s meta, and it’s magnificent. These ornaments bring a beautiful, rustic texture to your evergreen. After cutting out the tree shape, use a knife to lightly etch in lines for “branches” to give them a more realistic, handcrafted feel.
Once they’re dry, you can even add a tiny loop of jute twine as a garland. It’s the little details that make these cinnamon applesauce ornaments so special.
4. Elegant Snowflakes with Intricate Cutters
Ready to level up your game? Invest in a detailed snowflake cookie cutter. The intricate patterns look unbelievably professional once baked. The dough holds the shape surprisingly well, creating a stunning, lace-like effect.
These are the ornaments that will have your guests asking, “You *made* these?” Yes, yes you did. They pair beautifully with silver or white ribbon for a frosty, elegant touch.
5. Cozy Mini Mittens
Is there anything cozier than a mitten? These tiny, knitted-looking ornaments add a touch of winter warmth to your decor. Use a mitten-shaped cutter and consider using the end of a paintbrush to punch a few small holes to mimic the knit texture.
Hang them in pairs! A little red and white baker’s string looped through both makes for an unbearably cute display on a knobbed drawer or a small wall tree.
6. Joyful Bells
Jingle all the way with these simple bell shapes. The rounded form is a nice contrast to all the pointy stars and trees. For an extra touch, press the tip of a toothpick around the bottom edge to create a subtle, textured ridge.
They symbolize celebration and are a classic Christmas motif. Just don’t expect them to actually ring—though the visual jingle is almost as good.
7. Heartwarming Hearts
Christmas is all about love, so why not show it? Heart-shaped ornaments are perfect for adding a sweet, sentimental touch. They also make fantastic, personalized gifts. You can write a name or a year on them with a little paint after they’ve dried.
Imagine giving one to your child’s teacher or a grandparent. It’s a piece of your holiday they can keep forever. Well, for many, many years at least.
8. Majestic Reindeer
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and… well, you get the idea. Reindeer cutters are a must for any North Pole-themed tree. The antlers can be a bit delicate, so handle them with care when transferring them to the baking sheet.
A tiny red pom-pom or a dab of red paint on the nose instantly transforms them into Rudolph. Talk about a guiding light!
9. Playful Snowmen
Frosty doesn’t have to melt! These cinnamon and applesauce snowmen are here for the long haul. Use a simple three-circle snowman cutter or create them from separate ball shapes. A toothpick is perfect for carving a smiling face and buttons.
After baking, a scrap of fabric makes a perfect little scarf. They’re just happy to be here, and they’ll make you happy every time you see them.
10. Traditional Candy Canes
You can’t have Christmas without candy canes. While you can shape them by hand, a candy cane-shaped cutter makes it foolproof. The curved shape is iconic and adds a playful element to your tree.
For a festive twist, mix a little white acrylic paint with glue and paint stripes on them after they dry. It’s a pop of color that really makes them stand out.
11. Whimsical Owls
Whooo’s ready for a non-traditional ornament? Owls have a certain wise, wintery charm that fits right in with a woodland-themed Christmas. Use an owl-shaped cutter and get creative with texturing for the feathers.
A fork dragged lightly across the dough creates a fantastic feathery effect. Googly eyes after baking are optional, but highly recommended for maximum silliness.
12. Simple & Modern Circles
Sometimes, less is more. A simple circle, made with the rim of a glass or a round cutter, is incredibly elegant. It’s the perfect shape for showcasing other techniques.
You can press lace into the surface for a beautiful pattern, or use them as a base for the more detailed ornaments on this list. They prove that simplicity can be stunning.
13. A Festive Wreath
A wreath on your tree? Absolutely. These little wreath shapes are incredibly charming. Use a donut-shaped cutter or create the circle and center hole by hand.
After baking, tie a miniature bow from red ribbon and glue it to the bottom. You can even glue on a few tiny red beads to look like holly berries. It’s a complete scene in a single ornament.
14. Personalized Initials
Make it personal! Use letter-shaped cookie cutters to spell out names or festive words like “JOY” or “NOEL.” These make for incredible gift tags or standalone ornaments that family members can claim as their own on the tree.
It’s a tradition that grows with your family. Imagine adding a new initial ornament each year. Okay, maybe that’s getting ahead of ourselves, but you get the idea.
15. Adorable Angels
Add a touch of grace to your tree with angel-shaped ornaments. These can be a bit more detailed, but the result is breathtaking. The dough holds the shape of the gown and wings beautifully.
After drying, a tiny drop of gold paint for a halo adds a divine touch. These are often the showstoppers, perched high on the tree as a little guardian.
16. The Grinch’s Heart
For the Dr. Seuss fans, this one is a must. It’s just a heart, but the magic is in the presentation. Make a standard heart ornament, but when it’s dry, paint a little white “2” in the center and a red “3” next to it.
Hang it in a prominent spot as a reminder that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. It’s a fun, quirky addition that always gets a smile.
17. Textured with Lace or Doilies
This isn’t about the shape; it’s about the texture. Take any simple shape (a circle is perfect) and before you cut it, lay a piece of lace or a paper doily on top of the rolled-out dough. Roll over it once with your rolling pin.
When you peel it back, you’ll have a beautifully intricate, embossed pattern. It looks incredibly elegant and complex, but the technique is as easy as pie. Easier, actually.
18. Hand-Print Ornaments
This one is for the memory books. Instead of using a cutter, have a child press their hand firmly into the rolled-out dough. Use a straw to poke a hole at the top for the ribbon.
You’ll capture the size of their little hand in a permanent, fragrant keepsake. Write their name and the year on the back. Warning: this may cause cuteness overload.
19. A Custom “Family Recipe” Plaque
Go big for your final ornament. Roll your dough and use a knife to cut out a small, rustic rectangle or oval to look like a plaque. Use a toothpick or a stamp set to carefully write “Cinnamon Ornaments” and the year.
This becomes the official “label” for your new holiday tradition. It’s a nod to the craft itself and a beautiful way to commemorate the year you started making these 19 cinnamon applesauce ornaments.
So, there you have it. Nineteen ways to transform a simple mixture of cinnamon, applesauce, and glue into a holiday heirloom. This isn’t just about decorating a tree; it’s about filling your home with a scent that means comfort and joy. It’s about the messy, fun, and incredibly rewarding process of creating something with your own hands. This year, skip the plastic and the generic. Bake a batch of memories instead. Your tree (and your nose) will thank you.