Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornaments
Cook Time: 6 hours
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours and 45 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful holiday project that’s perfect for bonding with your little ones. Craft these charming cinnamon “cookie” ornaments, which although inedible, fill your home with a delightful fragrance. Not only do these ornaments adorn your tree beautifully, but they also make for enchanting package decorations, adding an extra touch of warmth and charm to your holiday gifting.
Recipe Category: Household Cleaner
Keywords: Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 293.4
- Fat Content: 2.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 68.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 83.4g
- Fiber Content: 33.1g
- Sugar Content: 1.2g
- Protein Content: 2.5g
Yield: Approximately 4 dozen ornaments (yield may vary depending on ornament size)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups applesauce
- 8-10 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or more if needed)
- 24-48 toothpicks (for making holes)
- Decorative ribbons (for hanging)
Instructions:
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Drain the Applesauce: Begin by preparing a strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels, which you’ll place over a large bowl. Pour the applesauce into the strainer and allow it to drain for approximately 8 hours. This draining process removes excess moisture from the applesauce, resulting in a firmer dough for your ornaments. (Note: If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but be prepared to use extra cinnamon to achieve the desired dough consistency).
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Mix in Cinnamon: Once the applesauce has drained, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Begin by adding half of the cinnamon and stir until well blended. Gradually incorporate more cinnamon until the dough reaches a stiff consistency that’s suitable for rolling. You may not need to use the entire amount of cinnamon specified in the recipe.
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Roll Out the Dough: Place a portion of the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. Carefully peel off the top sheet of plastic wrap to reveal the flattened dough.
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Cut Out Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Carefully transfer each cutout onto a baking pan coated with non-stick spray, using a spatula if needed to prevent misshaping.
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Make Hanging Holes: Using a toothpick, create a hole near the top of each ornament. Ensure the hole is large enough to accommodate the ribbon for hanging. Keep in mind that the hole may shrink during baking, so make it slightly larger than necessary.
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Smooth Edges: Run the toothpick around the edges of each ornament to smooth out any rough edges and refine the shape.
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Bake the Ornaments: Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). Place the baking pan with the ornaments into the oven and bake for 6 to 8 hours, or until the ornaments are firm and completely dry to the touch. During this time, your home will be filled with the delightful aroma of cinnamon, adding to the festive ambiance.
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Decorate (Optional): Once the ornaments have cooled completely, you have the option to decorate them with glue, glitter, paint, or other embellishments. However, the natural charm of these cinnamon ornaments often shines brightest without additional decoration.
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Add Ribbons: Thread decorative ribbons through the holes in each ornament and tie them off securely at the top. These ribbons not only serve as a means for hanging your ornaments but also add a festive touch to their appearance.
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Display and Enjoy: Hang your beautifully crafted cinnamon applesauce ornaments on your Christmas tree, adorn your holiday packages with them, or gift them to friends and family as heartfelt tokens of the season’s spirit. With their delightful fragrance and charming appeal, these ornaments are sure to bring joy to all who behold them.
Crafting these cinnamon applesauce holiday ornaments is not only a creative and enjoyable activity but also a wonderful way to infuse your home with the warmth and fragrance of the holiday season. Whether you’re making them with children as a fun family project or simply indulging in some festive crafting on your own, these ornaments are sure to become cherished symbols of holiday cheer for years to come. So gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and let the magic of the season inspire your creativity as you embark on this delightful culinary crafting adventure!
