Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments: A Holiday Tradition

The scent of cinnamon still transports me back to Mrs. Davison’s preschool class. Every year, as the first snowflakes began to fall, we’d gather around tables covered in foil, our little hands sticky with a curious mixture of applesauce, cinnamon, and glue. The air, thick with the sweet, spicy aroma, buzzed with excitement as we rolled, cut, and poked holes in our creations, dreaming of the Christmas trees they would soon adorn. These simple ornaments, though fragile and imperfect, were imbued with the magic of the season, a reminder of the joy and wonder we felt as children.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 hours
• Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
• Yields: 10 ornaments
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ¾ cup cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup warm applesauce
• 2 tablespoons white glue

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Sheets of foil
• Cookie cutters
• Straw
• Baking sheet or wire rack

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, warm applesauce, and white glue.
2. Knead the mixture until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more cinnamon, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry, carefully incorporate a touch more applesauce.
3. Place the dough between two sheets of foil. This will prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
4. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness. Maintaining a consistent thickness will ensure even drying.
5. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Stars, hearts, and Christmas trees are classic choices, but feel free to get creative!
6. With a straw, gently create a hole near the top of each ornament. This hole will be used to hang the ornament on your tree or to attach a ribbon.
7. Carefully transfer the cut-out ornaments to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
8. Let the ornaments dry completely. This process typically takes around 24 hours. To ensure thorough drying, flip the ornaments over halfway through the drying time. This will allow both sides to dry evenly and prevent warping. A warm, dry environment will expedite the drying process.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Applesauce Temperature: Using warm applesauce helps to bind the ingredients together more effectively. Don’t use hot applesauce, as this can cause the glue to become clumpy.
• Drying Time: The drying time is crucial for creating durable ornaments. Resist the urge to rush the process! Patience is key to preventing cracking or warping.
• Adding Scent: To enhance the aroma, consider adding a few drops of essential oils, such as cinnamon, clove, or orange, to the dough.
• Glitter Accent: For a touch of sparkle, lightly brush the dried ornaments with glitter glue or a dusting of edible glitter.
• Preventing Cracking: To minimize cracking during drying, avoid placing the ornaments in direct sunlight or near a heat source. Gentle, indirect airflow is ideal.
• Sealing: After the ornaments are completely dry, you can seal them with a clear acrylic spray to protect them from moisture and dust. This will also help to preserve their color and scent.
• Dough Consistency: Achieving the right dough consistency is key to successful ornaments. Too wet, and they’ll take forever to dry and risk warping. Too dry, and they’ll crumble easily. If your dough is too wet, add more cinnamon a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of applesauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Once completely dry, these Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments are ready to adorn your Christmas tree, wreaths, or garlands. They also make charming gift tags or package decorations.

To store your ornaments, wrap them individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching or breakage. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity. When properly stored, these ornaments can last for many years, bringing a touch of homemade charm to your holiday celebrations.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	32.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	3 g	N/A
Total Fat	0.4 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	5.8 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	9.3 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	4.7 g	18%
Sugars	0.2 g	1%
Protein	0.4 g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice blends to customize the scent of your ornaments. Try adding a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or allspice.
• Applesauce Flavors: Use different flavors of applesauce, such as cinnamon applesauce or spiced applesauce, to enhance the aroma and flavor.
• Natural Dyes: Incorporate natural dyes, such as beet juice (for pink) or spinach juice (for green), to add color to the dough. Be mindful that adding liquid will change the consistency, so adjust the amount of cinnamon accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: While cinnamon is naturally gluten-free, ensure that your applesauce and glue are also gluten-free if you are catering to someone with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How can I speed up the drying process?
A: Placing the ornaments in a well-ventilated area with low humidity will help them dry faster. You can also use a dehumidifier to further expedite the process.

Q: Can I bake these ornaments in the oven to dry them?
A: While you can try baking them on very low heat (around 150°F or 65°C), it’s generally not recommended. The heat can cause the glue to melt or the ornaments to crack. Air drying is the safest and most effective method.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Gradually add more cinnamon, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a stiff, manageable consistency.

Q: Can I use craft glue instead of white glue?
A: It’s best to use plain white glue (like Elmer’s) as craft glue may contain additives that could affect the drying process or final appearance of the ornaments.

Q: Are these ornaments edible?
A: Although they are made with food-based ingredients, these ornaments are not intended for consumption. The glue makes them inedible.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments are more than just decorations; they are a tangible expression of holiday spirit, a way to infuse your home with warmth, fragrance, and cherished memories. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create these simple yet delightful ornaments. The process is as enjoyable as the result, and the scent of cinnamon will fill your home with the magic of the season. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the aroma of cinnamon be a reminder of the joy and wonder that this time of year brings. And don’t forget to let me know how your ornaments turn out – I’d love to hear about your experiences and any creative variations you come up with!