How We Discovered This Activity
No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments became our go-to rainy day project the first winter my kids discovered that the kitchen smelled like a gingerbread house without the oven. I remember one afternoon when the power blinked, yet we still managed to laugh, roll, and press a little dough into stars and trees while the cinnamon scent curled through the air. In short, these ornaments are simple, sensory, and truly kid-friendly, which is why they work so well at home, in the classroom, or for a festive playdate. If you enjoy other easy crafts, you might also like this cinnamon stick star tutorial for a similar twist: https://keepthisrecipe.com/cinnamon-stick-star-ornaments/.
No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments use a few pantry staples, typically cinnamon, applesauce, and a binder like glue or flour, to form pliable dough that dries into fragrant keepsakes. They require no baking, so children can shape and decorate their creations immediately, while adults supervise and help with finer details. Because the process feels like play and the results hang proudly on a tree or garland, this activity creates memories that outlast a single season.
Why This Activity Is a Hit
This craft hits several sweet spots. First, it supports fine motor development: pressing cookie cutters, rolling tiny balls, and threading ribbons all strengthen little hands. Second, it encourages creativity and imagination; children choose shapes, textures, and colors, and they invent stories for each ornament. Third, the sensory element, warm cinnamon scent and soft dough, teaches about smell and texture in a direct, memorable way. Finally, it’s bonding time: kids and adults work side by side, chat, laugh, and problem-solve.
Classrooms, birthday parties, homeschool co-ops, and rainy day plans all benefit. For larger groups, you can set up stations; for one-on-one time, use this chance to chat and connect. If you’re exploring other no-bake treats or activities, consider this no-bake dessert idea for snack time inspiration: https://keepthisrecipe.com/no-bake-biscoff-cheesecake-cups/. Additionally, teachers can tie the ornaments into seasonal science lessons about drying and evaporation, or use them as props during storytelling.
Let’s Make It Together
This project feels impossibly easy, yet it produces charming results. You don’t need fancy tools, and children can lead much of the process. Adults should supervise when cutting small shapes or working with strings and glue, but otherwise step back and enjoy seeing ideas blossom.
What You’ll Need
- Ground cinnamon (about 1 cup; adjust for texture)
- Applesauce (¼ to ½ cup) or water for a drier mix (optional)
- Clear school glue or white glue (¼ cup), use washable, non-toxic glue
- Ground cloves or nutmeg (optional, for extra scent)
- Rolling pin (or a smooth bottle)
- Cookie cutters (child-safe shapes)
- Straw or skewer (for hanging holes)
- Ribbon, twine, or yarn for hanging (washable)
- Acrylic paints or washable markers (optional)
- Sealer spray or Mod Podge (optional; use in a ventilated area)
- Baking parchment or silicone mat for drying
- Bowls and spoons for mixing
- Wet wipes and paper towels (for easy cleanup)
Setup Tip: Cover your table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth, use small bowls or trays for each child, and pre-cut ribbon lengths for younger children to avoid frustration. For toddlers, pre-cut shapes and let them decorate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dough
- In a bowl, combine about 1 cup ground cinnamon with ¼ cup applesauce and ¼ cup clear glue. Stir until the mixture becomes dough-like. If it’s crumbly, add a touch more applesauce; if it’s sticky, add a bit more cinnamon. Aim for pliable but not wet.
- Roll and Cut Shapes
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon on parchment, then roll the dough to roughly ¼-inch thickness. Press cookie cutters firmly to cut shapes. Let kids lead this step; they love choosing cutters and showing off their shapes.
- Make Hanging Holes
- Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each shape. Do this before drying so the hole keeps its shape. Note: for tiny hands, adults may need to assist with this part.
- Dry the Ornaments
- Lay the shapes on a parchment-lined tray and let them air dry for 24–48 hours, flipping once so both sides dry evenly. Thicker pieces may require more time. Alternatively, dry in a warm, low-humidity spot to speed things up.
- Decorate and Finish
- Once dry, paint with acrylics or color with washable markers. Allow paint to dry fully, then (optionally) spray lightly with a clear sealer to protect the ornament. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a loop.
Mini tips: For sturdier ornaments, press designs into the dough with textured tools before drying. Also, test one small ornament first to check drying time in your environment.
What to Do With It
Keep the Fun Going by using the ornaments in creative ways beyond hanging on a tree. For instance, use them as props in imaginative play, a cinnamon star could be a magic snowflake in a puppet show. Package several as homemade gifts tied with kraft paper and a cinnamon stick; recipients will appreciate the handmade touch. Display a seasonal mobile or garland above a child’s bed, or use the ornaments in a classroom lesson on scent, holiday traditions, or art.
Additionally, incorporate them into themed lessons: for a science tie-in, measure drying times and chart results; for literacy, have kids write short stories about each ornament and present them to the class. Finally, let children swap ornaments, teaching sharing and celebrating each other’s creativity.
Keep It for Later
Store cinnamon ornaments in a dry, cool place to preserve scent and shape. Paper boxes with tissue paper work well, and separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking. Do not seal them in airtight containers if they still retain humidity; instead, allow them to dry fully first. If an ornament loses scent over time, revive it gently by storing it briefly with fresh cinnamon sticks or a sachet of ground cinnamon. You can also repaint or re-varnish older ornaments to refresh their appearance.
From Experience
- Prep ahead
- Gather and measure all materials before starting so momentum stays high.
- Protect your space
- Use newspaper, a plastic tablecloth, or a silicone mat to catch excess cinnamon and glue.
- Adjust by age
- Pre-cut shapes for toddlers and let older kids design and cut their own.
- Use washable supplies
- Choose washable paints and glue so cleanup stays stress-free.
- Keep wipes nearby
- Quick cleanups keep small hands and faces tidy and happy.
What Not to Do
- Skipping prep
- Lack of ready supplies can lead to frustration and a messy descent into chaos.
- Forcing perfection
- Avoid insisting on identical ornaments; imperfections are part of the charm.
- Using unsafe tools
- Always supervise scissors, hot glue, or craft knives; choose child-safe alternatives.
- Ignoring cleanup
- Tidy as you go. Assign cleanup tasks to kids so they learn responsibility and you avoid hardened glue disasters.
Add Your Own Twist
- Use seasonal themes: make snowflakes, hearts, or pumpkins depending on the holiday.
- Try recycled or textured materials: press leaves, lace, or fabric into the dough for patterning.
- Pair with books or learning themes: match ornament shapes to a storytime book for literacy connections.
- Simplify for toddlers: pre-cut shapes let little ones paint and decorate without frustration.
- Use in group/classroom settings: create a collaborative garland or a class ornament swap to build community.
Real-Life FAQs About No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments
Is this safe for toddlers?
Yes, with supervision. Choose non-toxic, washable materials and avoid small parts that could become choking hazards for children under three. Toddlers do well when adults handle the cutting and poking of holes. Let them explore textures and help decorate, which fosters sensory learning while keeping safety in mind.
Can I adapt it for a classroom?
Absolutely. Teachers find this craft ideal for stations: prepare kits with pre-measured cinnamon and applesauce, set up a rolling and cutting table, and assign a decoration station. Use visual instructions and role assignments to keep groups focused. Also, schedule time for drying; you might rotate through other activities while ornaments dry.
What if I don’t have all the supplies?
Get creative. Use water instead of applesauce for a drier dough, or replace glue with a little cornstarch paste for a different texture. If you lack cookie cutters, let kids free-form shapes, or use bottle caps and lids for rounds. Eyes and buttons can become marker dots, and ribbon can be replaced with yarn. Improvisation enhances the fun and teaches resourcefulness.
Wrapping It Up
Thank you for joining this cozy crafting ride, No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments offer more than a project; they give you hands-on time, sensory play, and keepsakes that remind you of shared moments. If you want step-by-step inspiration or a slightly different take on cinnamon-based ornaments, check out this classic recipe for No Bake Cinnamon Applesauce Christmas Ornaments Recipe and this helpful guide on How to make No-Bake Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments – The Frugal Girl. Try the project again with a new twist next season, share your results with friends, and remember: the real joy lies in the making, not in perfection.
No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine about 1 cup ground cinnamon with ¼ cup applesauce and ¼ cup clear glue. Stir until the mixture becomes dough-like. If it’s crumbly, add a touch more applesauce; if it’s sticky, add a bit more cinnamon. Aim for pliable but not wet.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon on parchment, then roll the dough to roughly ¼-inch thickness. Press cookie cutters firmly to cut shapes.
- Let kids lead this step; they love choosing cutters and showing off their shapes.
- Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each shape. Do this before drying so the hole keeps its shape.
- Note: for tiny hands, adults may need to assist with this part.
- Lay the shapes on a parchment-lined tray and let them air dry for 24–48 hours, flipping once so both sides dry evenly.
- Thicker pieces may require more time. Alternatively, dry in a warm, low-humidity spot to speed things up.
- Once dry, paint with acrylics or color with washable markers.
- Allow paint to dry fully, then spray lightly with a clear sealer to protect the ornament.
- Thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a loop.
