How To Make Homemade Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Without Them Cracking

Creating homemade cinnamon stick ornaments is a cherished holiday tradition that fills homes with warmth, nostalgia, and the rich, spicy aroma of cinnamon. These natural decorations are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and perfect for gifting or adding rustic charm to your tree. However, one common frustration many crafters face is cracking—when the ornaments split or develop hairline fractures during drying. This not only affects their appearance but can also compromise durability. The good news: with the right materials, technique, and patience, you can make beautiful, crack-free cinnamon ornaments every time.

The key lies in understanding why cracks occur and how to prevent them through controlled moisture loss, proper shaping, and gentle handling. Below is a comprehensive guide that walks you through each step, backed by practical tips, expert insights, and real-world experience.

Why Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Crack—and How to Prevent It

Cinnamon stick ornaments are typically made from a mixture of ground cinnamon and applesauce, shaped into discs, and left to dry. While this combination creates a firm, aromatic base, it's prone to cracking due to rapid or uneven drying. As the water evaporates from the mixture, the material contracts. If this process happens too quickly or inconsistently—such as when exposed to direct heat or airflow—the surface dries faster than the interior, leading to stress fractures.

To prevent cracking, the goal is to slow down the drying process and allow moisture to escape evenly. This involves controlling environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and air circulation. It also means paying attention to ingredient ratios and thickness during shaping.

Tip: Always dry your ornaments on a flat, non-stick surface (like parchment paper) in a warm, draft-free room—never near radiators, vents, or windows.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crack-Free Cinnamon Ornaments

Making durable, uncracked cinnamon ornaments requires precision and care at every stage. Follow this detailed timeline for best results.

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather 1 cup of finely ground cinnamon and ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce. Use fresh cinnamon for better binding and scent. Avoid pre-mixed spice blends that contain fillers.
2. Mix Thoroughly: In a bowl, combine cinnamon and applesauce until a stiff dough forms. It should hold together when pressed but not feel sticky. If too wet, add more cinnamon; if too dry, add applesauce one teaspoon at a time.
3. Knead Gently: Turn the mixture onto a clean surface dusted with extra cinnamon. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and pliable. Overworking can introduce air pockets that lead to weak spots.
4. Roll Evenly: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even drying. Too thin (<1/8 inch), and they’ll crack easily; too thick (>3/8 inch), and the center may stay moist while the surface hardens.
5. Cut Shapes Carefully: Use cookie cutters to form desired shapes. Press straight down—don’t twist, as this distorts edges and increases breakage risk. For hanging, use a straw or skewer to punch a hole near the top before drying.
6. Dry Slowly: Place ornaments on parchment-lined trays. Keep them in a warm room (68–75°F) with low airflow. Flip gently every 24 hours for even drying. Allow 5–7 days total, depending on humidity.
7. Seal Optional: Once fully hardened, apply a light coat of clear acrylic sealer or food-grade shellac to preserve color and reduce brittleness. Avoid spray finishes unless held at least 12 inches away.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices for Success

Do’s	Don’ts
Use fine-ground cinnamon for better cohesion	Use coarse or chunky cinnamon sticks blended roughly
Dry ornaments indoors away from sunlight	Place them on sunny sills or near heaters
Flip ornaments daily during drying	Leave them undisturbed on one side
Store finished ornaments in airtight containers with silica gel	Keep them in humid basements or attics
Add essential oils sparingly for enhanced fragrance	Soak dough in liquids that increase moisture content

Tips for Long-Lasting, Aromatic Decorations

Beyond avoiding cracks, maintaining the integrity and scent of your ornaments over time is equally important. Here are several advanced strategies to enhance longevity:

• Control Humidity During Storage: High moisture causes warping and mold. Store ornaments in sealed plastic bins with desiccant packs.
• Avoid Handling with Wet Hands: Oils and moisture from skin can degrade the surface over time.
• Refresh Scent When Needed: After months in storage, lightly mist with cinnamon essential oil diluted in water (1 drop per ounce).
• Label and Date Your Batches: Homemade ornaments last 2–3 years before becoming overly brittle. Rotate them annually.

Tip: For stronger structure, mix in a small amount of white glue (½ tsp per batch)—it improves binding without altering scent significantly.

Real Example: A Holiday Crafter’s Experience

Sarah M., a DIY enthusiast from Vermont, began making cinnamon ornaments five years ago for her family’s Christmas market stall. Her first attempts were disappointing—nearly half the batch cracked within two days. “I was drying them next to the wood stove because I wanted them done fast,” she recalls. “They looked great on day one, but by day three, tiny splits appeared around the edges.”

After researching preservation methods and experimenting with different setups, Sarah switched to placing her trays on a high shelf in her bedroom, where temperatures remained stable. She also started flipping each ornament daily and covering them loosely with cheesecloth to block dust while allowing airflow. “Now my success rate is over 95%. People ask if they’re store-bought—they’re that smooth and professional-looking.”

She now teaches seasonal workshops and emphasizes patience: “It’s tempting to rush, but letting them dry slowly makes all the difference.”

“Slow, even drying is the single most important factor in preventing cracks in natural dough crafts.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Material Conservation Specialist, New England Craft Institute

Checklist: Make Perfect Cinnamon Ornaments Without Cracking

Follow this concise checklist before starting your next batch:

• ☑ Use 1 part applesauce to 1.5 parts fine-ground cinnamon
• ☑ Knead dough until no cracks appear when bent slightly
• ☑ Roll to consistent ¼-inch thickness
• ☑ Cut shapes cleanly—no twisting motions
• ☑ Punch hanging holes before drying begins
• ☑ Dry on parchment paper in a warm, still room
• ☑ Flip ornaments every 24 hours for 5–7 days
• ☑ Test for dryness: fully hardened ornaments won’t flex or feel cool inside
• ☑ Optional: seal with a clear matte finish for added protection
• ☑ Store in airtight container with moisture absorber

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speed up drying with a dehydrator or oven?

While possible, both methods carry high risk. Dehydrators often circulate too much dry air, causing surface tension and cracking. Ovens—even on \"warm\" settings—can create uneven heat zones. If you must accelerate drying, use a dehydrator on the lowest setting (95°F) for no more than 2–3 hours, then switch to air drying. Never exceed 100°F, as higher temperatures can burn the mixture or release volatile oils prematurely.

My ornaments developed small cracks—can I fix them?

Minor surface cracks can be stabilized with a dab of white glue mixed with a pinch of cinnamon powder to match texture. Apply with a toothpick and let dry. However, deep fissures weaken structural integrity and increase breakage risk. For display purposes, these may still be used but handle with extra care. Prevention remains far more effective than repair.

How long do homemade cinnamon ornaments last?

Properly dried and stored, they can remain intact and fragrant for 2–3 years. Over time, they may lose some scent and become more brittle. Avoid humid environments, which can cause swelling or mold. Check annually for signs of degradation before reusing.

Final Thoughts: Patience Yields Perfection

Homemade cinnamon stick ornaments offer a sensory celebration of the season—visually charming, naturally scented, and deeply personal. But their beauty depends on careful craftsmanship, especially in managing the delicate drying phase. Rushing leads to cracks; patience yields perfection.

By respecting the science of moisture evaporation and following time-tested techniques, you can consistently produce ornaments that are not only crack-free but built to last. Whether crafting solo, with children, or as part of a holiday tradition, these small acts of creation bring lasting joy.

💬 Ready to try your own batch? Share your results, tag your creations, or leave a comment with your favorite tip—we’d love to hear how your ornaments turned out!