Cinnamon Ornaments

My mom used to make these ornaments with my sister and I when we were little. I made them for the girls two years ago, but they were too young to help. I decided to give it another try this year. We even got Luke to help us out. The girls loved picking out the cookie cutters and helping to cut out the shapes. I loved spending time with my family, making memories and beginning a new family tradition.

Last year the girls had a tiny little Christmas tree in their room. I went shopping the day after Christmas and got a 6.5ft tree for a steal! It was under $10! (originally $35) They loved decorating their very own tree. And, when these ornaments are done cooking they will get to hang them on the tree in their room. They smell so good!

Here is the recipe I used (from McCormick's Website)

Makes 12 to 15 ornaments.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 1/2 hours or 1 to 2 days drying time

3/4 cup applesauce

1 bottle (4.12 ounces) McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground

Supplies needed:

Cookie cutters

Drinking straw

Colorful ribbon

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Mix applesauce and cinnamon in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed. (You may need use your hands to incorporate all of the cinnamon.) Using about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut dough into desired shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Make a hole at top of ornament with drinking straw or skewer. Place ornaments on baking sheet.

2. Bake 2 1/2 hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack. (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)

3. Insert ribbon through holes and tie to hang. Decorate with opaque paint markers, found in arts and crafts stores, if desired.

Test Kitchen Tip: If a different size bottle of cinnamon is used, measure 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cinnamon.

(google cinnamon applesauce ornaments and you will get a million recipes)