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These simple Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments are fun to make, smell AMAZING, and last for years. A great DIY holiday craft for the whole family. Hang them on your tree or make them as thoughtful, handmade gifts for family, friends, teachers, and more.
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Salt Dough Ornaments are always fun to make, but CINNAMON SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS are even better!! They’re my favorite DIY Christmas craft.
In addition to smelling AMAZING, Cinnamon Ornaments have a beautiful, natural, rustic look that doesn’t even need to be decorated or altered in any way.
There are ways to enhance their natural beauty though, without losing their charm or that comforting, cozy smell of cinnamon.
We’ll talk more about that after going over the basics.
For more holiday DIY ideas, check out:
- How to Make DIY Reindeer Gift Bags
- How to Make DIY Reindeer Candy Canes
- DIY Paw Print Ornaments
- Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe (including how to make Reindeer and Snowman Pretzels)
- Free Christmas Bingo Printable
How to Make Cinnamon Ornaments Without Applesauce or Glue
This Cinnamon Salt Dough Recipe is SO easy. It doesn’t include applesauce or glue, so there’s less of a mess. Especially if kids are helping.
And they can help with each step. It’s that simple. It’s a great hands-on activity for many different ages (adults included!)
These Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments are made with only four ingredients - Cinnamon, Salt, Flour, and Water.
Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl until a ball of dough forms.
Plop that dough on a sheet of parchment paper (sprinkle flour on it first so it doesn’t stick) and roll it out to about 1/4” thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. I always recommend this Wilton Cookie Cutters Set because it’s full of so many different designs, holidays, and events. I use them so much.
I also have this Wilton Snowflake Cookie Cutter Set. The snowflake shape is one of my favorites to use for homemade ornaments.
When I bake cookies, I don’t like to use “cookie stampers” or “molds” because I rarely have luck with them. No matter how much flour I use, dough tends to get stuck in it.
BUT, with DIY Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments, I make an exception. “Cookie Stampers” like in this 3D Cookie Cutters Set or this Cookie Cutters Stamps Set make such simple, beautiful ornaments.
They’re especially great if you do not plan to further decorate the ornament (with markers, paint, or glitter). It leads to such a classic, rustic design that I really love.
After you cut your desired shapes, place them on a prepared baking sheet.
Making Holes to Hang the Ornaments
Don’t forget to make holes in the ornaments so you can hang them!! I have definitely forgotten before. It is not easy to make holes in the ornaments after they harden.
The best way to make holes for twine, thread, or ribbon is to use a straw. I recently received a gold straw as a gift and it worked perfectly.
Before placing the cinnamon ornaments in the oven or leaving them out to dry, stamp or carve out any desired designs so they will be imprinted into the ornament when the dough hardens. I will describe how to do this further down.
To Bake or Not to Bake Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
In the past, I have made this Cinnamon Salt Dough recipe and didn’t bake the ornaments. I let them air dry on the counter for daaayyysss. They were more fragile than I like. We shattered quite a few by accident.
This year, I tried not baking my first attempt at these Cinnamon Salt Dough ornaments. Unfortunately, I think I rolled the dough too thick. After four days, the ornaments were still damp AND they started to grow mold. I was so disappointed.
When I made them again, I decided to bake the ornaments. I also rolled the dough a bit thinner - to about 1/4”.
The top of the ornaments did become lighter. I personally like the look. It feels rustic or farmhouse. The bottom of the ornaments, the side on the baking sheet, remained dark though (see below).
If you would like a darker cinnamon ornament, you could use that side. Or try flipping the ornaments a few times while they bake.
I didn’t do this because I used stamps to imprint on the batter and I was afraid it would flatten the design or cause it to become misshaped in some way.
If you do flip the ornaments while they bake or even try a lower temperature for a longer period of time, I would love to see how your ornaments come out.
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My Favorite Way to Decorate - STAMPS
Right before I put the cinnamon ornaments in the oven, I “stamp” several of them with different designs. This imprints the image on the still damp dough.
This year, I bought some Christmas stamps from Michaels. They worked great as you can see below!
If you love Michaels as much as I do, click here to receive 20% off All Regular Price Purchases.
In the past, I used rubber stamps from when I was a kid. They looked a lot like these wooden animal stamps. I LOVED them.
My partner likes to fish, so five years ago, I made ornaments with the aquatic stamps. And we STILL have them!!! One is pictured below. It has lightened over the years, but it's still tree worthy and still faintly smells like cinnamon.
After the ornaments are dry and cool, I like to use sharpie markers to color in the stamp designs. The ultra fine point fits into the thin crevices and can add beautiful detail.
You definitely don't have to color in the stamp's lines though. Just the imprinted design is beautiful by itself. I think it adds to the rustic beauty to leave the stamp's design untouched, like the ornaments below.
More Ways to Decorate your Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments
Before the ornaments are put in the oven, you can use a sharp object to write or create lines in the dough. I used a Turkey Lacer, like these on Amazon to create the tree below.
I do not recommend painting these cinnamon ornaments. It’ll cover the cozy, delicious smell of cinnamon!!! Save the paint for regular salt dough ornaments! 😂
Glitter is an option though. Some sparkle is always fun. The key is not to completely cover the ornament with it (or the glue), so the beautiful cinnamon scent can still come through.
With regular salt dough ornaments, I do cover them completely with glitter. I also like to use a mix of sharpies and glitter for a detailed look. Like with this ornament -
How to hang Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments?
I like to use Christmas Twine like these rolls. It seems to last the longest and doesn’t distract from the ornament.
Just slide the twine in the hole you made with a straw before baking (or air drying). Cut it to your desired length. Then tie a knot near the ends.The loop you create is how you'll hang the ornament.
Do Cinnamon Ornaments go bad?
In 2016, I made my first batch of these cinnamon salt dough ornaments and I STILL hang them on my tree every year.
It’s been five years, but they still look great. Absolutely no mold. All in one piece.
They’re a tad lighter in color than they used to be. The scent of cinnamon has also faded over the years, but it’s still there.
For more holiday favorites, check out:- Christmas Fudge Recipe
- How to Make DIY Reindeer Gift Bags
- Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies – Made with Hot Chocolate Mix
- Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies
- Free Printable Christmas Bingo Game
Print Recipe
4.77 from 13 votes
DIY Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments without Applesauce or Glue
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Homemade Ornaments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 dozen
Author: Mischka
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cinnamon ground
- 1 cup Salt
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cinnamon, salt, and flour.
Add water and mix.
Continue with your hands to completely combine and form a dough.
Sprinkle flour on a sheet of parchment paper then plop the dough on top.
Roll out the dough until it's 1/4-inch thick.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
Place the cut pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat rolling and cutting until the dough is gone. You can re-roll and use the scraps as well!
If using stamps for imprinted designs, stamp your desired shapes now.
Poke holes at the top of each ornament with a straw, toothpick, or pencil. This is so you can hang the ornaments later.
Bake for about 1 hour. Let cool.
Decorate as desired. See the post for ideas and methods.
Slide twine or ribbon through the hole at the top of the ornament. Cut it at your desired length. Tie a knot at the ends of the twine or ribbon to make a loop (to hang the ornament from).
Gift your ornaments to loved ones and/or hang them on your tree!
Video
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I would love to see your Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments!! Please tag me at @lovemischka on instagram, facebook, or pinterest. Thank you!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! ❤️🎄☃️
As a seasoned DIY enthusiast with a deep passion for holiday crafts, particularly in the realm of handmade ornaments, I can confidently share my expertise on the subject. Over the years, I have honed my skills and experimented with various materials and techniques to create unique and enduring decorations. My knowledge extends not only to the creative process but also to the practical aspects, ensuring that the ornaments not only look appealing but also stand the test of time.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about DIY Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments:
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Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments:
- These ornaments are crafted from a simple yet effective combination of cinnamon, salt, flour, and water. The absence of applesauce or glue reduces mess, making it a family-friendly activity.
- The choice of cinnamon not only adds a delightful fragrance but also imparts a natural, rustic appearance to the ornaments.
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Ingredients and Process:
- The recipe requires only four ingredients: ground cinnamon, salt, flour, and water. The mixing process involves combining these elements in a bowl until a dough ball forms.
- The dough is then rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Recommended tools include the Wilton Cookie Cutters Set and the Wilton Snowflake Cookie Cutter Set.
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Stamping and Decorating:
- The article emphasizes the use of "Cookie Stampers" or stamps to create simple and beautiful ornaments. Stamps from various sets, including Christmas-themed ones from Michaels, are highlighted.
- Before baking, the author recommends making holes in the ornaments for hanging, typically achieved using a straw.
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Baking and Drying:
- The decision to bake or air-dry the ornaments is discussed. Baking is recommended for a sturdier result, with the option to flip the ornaments for even coloring.
- The author shares personal experiences, such as the effect of thickness on drying time and the appearance of the ornaments.
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Decoration Techniques:
- Various techniques for enhancing the ornaments' visual appeal are discussed, including using sharpie markers to color in stamped designs.
- The article discourages painting the ornaments to preserve the cinnamon scent but suggests using glitter strategically for added sparkle.
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Hanging and Longevity:
- Hanging the ornaments is made easy by making holes before baking and using Christmas twine for durability and aesthetics.
- The author attests to the longevity of these ornaments, having hung a batch for five years without signs of deterioration. The gradual lightening of color and fading of the cinnamon scent over time is acknowledged.
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Recipe and Instructions:
- The detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions, including preheating the oven, mixing the ingredients, rolling out the dough, cutting shapes, baking, cooling, and decorating.
- The inclusion of a video tutorial enhances the accessibility of the instructions.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide showcases not only the author's enthusiasm for DIY holiday crafts but also a wealth of knowledge in creating beautiful, aromatic, and long-lasting Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments.
