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Applesauce and Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments

I remember one Christmas Eve, years ago, snow falling softly outside, the scent of pine needles and woodsmoke filling our cozy living room. My grandmother, a woman known for her creativity and frugal charm, gathered all the children around the kitchen table. Instead of pulling out store-bought decorations, she brought out bowls of cinnamon and applesauce, and with a twinkle in her eye, declared we were making edible ornaments! The memory of that fragrant, slightly sticky crafting session, the imperfect stars and hearts we proudly hung on the tree, is a cherished one. While perhaps not the most delectable treat, these ornaments filled our home with a warm, festive aroma and a sense of homemade magic that no store-bought bauble could ever replicate.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yields: 6-7 ornaments
Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

10 tablespoons ground cinnamon
6-7 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Equipment Needed

Medium-sized bowl
Microwave
Countertop or pastry board
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes recommended)
Drinking straw or skewer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
Paint and brushes (optional, for decorating)
String or ribbon for hanging

Instructions

Begin by measuring out 10 tablespoons of cinnamon and placing it in a medium-sized bowl. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aroma and texture.
Heat the applesauce in a microwave-safe container for about 30 seconds. Warming the applesauce helps it to bind more effectively with the cinnamon.
Carefully transfer the warmed applesauce to the bowl containing the cinnamon.
Mix the applesauce and cinnamon together thoroughly until a dough begins to form. The mixture may seem dry at first, but continue mixing; the applesauce will eventually hydrate the cinnamon. If the dough is too dry, add a tiny amount of additional applesauce, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. If too wet, add a tiny amount of cinnamon.
Transfer the dough to a clean countertop or pastry board.
Lightly dust the countertop with cinnamon to prevent the dough from sticking.
Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Thicker ornaments will take longer to dry and may be more prone to cracking.
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
Use cookie cutters to cut out desired ornament shapes. Christmas cookie cutters like stars, trees, and angels work perfectly.
Carefully transfer the cut-out ornaments to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper will prevent the ornaments from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Before baking, use a drinking straw or skewer to create a hole near the top of each ornament. This hole will be used to thread string or ribbon for hanging. Ensure the hole is large enough to accommodate your chosen string or ribbon.
Bake the ornaments for 30 minutes on the first side.
After 30 minutes, carefully flip the ornaments over using a spatula.
Bake for another 30 minutes.
Flip the ornaments one last time and bake for a final 30 minutes. This three-sided baking ensures even drying and prevents warping. Keep a close eye on them during the final 30 minutes to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
Once the ornaments are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Allow them to cool undisturbed, as they will be fragile while still warm.
Once the ornaments are completely cooled, they are ready to be decorated with paint or left in their natural cinnamon color.
Thread string or ribbon through the hole at the top of each ornament.
Hang your fragrant, homemade ornaments on your Christmas tree and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a deeper, richer color, use a high-quality, dark ground cinnamon.
If the dough is too sticky, knead in a small amount of additional cinnamon until it reaches a workable consistency.
If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a knife or pizza cutter to create your own shapes.
To add extra flair, consider using edible glitter or other decorations. Be sure to apply these after the ornaments have cooled completely.
If you notice the ornaments are starting to brown too much during baking, reduce the oven temperature slightly or cover them loosely with foil.
For a stronger aroma, add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the applesauce before mixing. Be sure to use a food-grade essential oil and only add a small amount.
Be patient with the drying process. The ornaments need to be completely dry to prevent mold growth. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to bake them for longer or allow them to air dry for several days after baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These applesauce and cinnamon ornaments are primarily decorative, although technically edible. Due to the high cinnamon content, they are not particularly palatable. The main appeal lies in their aroma and aesthetic.

Serving: Hang the ornaments on your Christmas tree, use them as gift tags, or incorporate them into wreaths or garlands. They also make charming additions to potpourri bowls.
Storage: Store the ornaments in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, they can last for several years. Avoid storing them in humid environments, as moisture can lead to mold growth.
Do not refrigerate or freeze these ornaments, as this can cause them to become sticky or develop mold.

Nutritional Information

Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate, as the exact composition can vary based on the brand of cinnamon and applesauce used. Given the inedible nature of the final product, this is for information purposes only.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Estimate)	% Daily Value (Estimate)
Calories	45 kcal	2%
Total Fat	0.5g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.1g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	13g	5%
Dietary Fiber	7g	28%
Sugars	1g	2%
Protein	1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

Spiced Applesauce: Use spiced applesauce for a more complex flavor profile.
Spice Blend: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice to the cinnamon for a warmer, more festive scent.
Natural Dyes: Experiment with natural food coloring to dye the dough before baking. Beet juice can create a pink hue, while spinach juice can create a green hue.
Cookie Stamps: Use cookie stamps to add intricate designs to the ornaments before baking.
Cinnamon Extract: For a more potent cinnamon flavor, add a few drops of cinnamon extract to the applesauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I eat these ornaments?
A: While technically edible, these ornaments are primarily decorative and contain a very high proportion of cinnamon, which is not palatable.

Q: How long do these ornaments last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, these ornaments can last for several years.

Q: Can I use different types of applesauce?
A: Unsweetened applesauce is recommended to avoid excessive sweetness. You can use chunky or smooth applesauce; however, smooth applesauce will create a more even dough texture.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Add a small amount of additional cinnamon, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a workable consistency.

Q: Can I decorate these ornaments with glitter?
A: Yes, you can decorate these ornaments with glitter after they have cooled completely. Consider using edible glitter for a food-safe option.

Final Thoughts

So, gather your family, embrace the warmth of the kitchen, and try these Applesauce and Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments. They might not be the most delicious treat, but the memories you create and the festive aroma that fills your home will be priceless. Don’t be afraid to get creative with shapes, decorations, and variations. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the spirit of the holidays shine! And feel free to experiment with other spice combinations. Perhaps a hint of ginger or clove will become your family’s new signature scent. Happy crafting, and happy holidays!

Applesauce and Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments Recipe