Cinnamon Ornaments- a Diet Friendly Neighbor Gift

I love getting Christmas cards from friends and family.  I also love giving little gifts to neighbors and loved ones that are near by. It's a fun, but oh so busy, time of year.  

I have a friend that specifically requested they don't receive treats this year b/c they are trying to be healthier as a family.  I fully support this.  I love baking and sharing the plethora of treats I make, but I am a big fan of being healthy.  

There are also way too many allergies out there from nuts to eggs to gluten.  With all of the limitations I figured a universal non-edible neighbor gift, but still something I can make, would be perfect.

I'm not the most crafty of individuals, but I do love to bake.  Therefore, Cinnamon Ornaments is a baking "craft" that's perfect for me, and people like me.  It also fits that "universal non-edible gift."  

With only 4 ingredients, and a little time, you can also make this meaningful gift.

You can use whatever cookie cutter you want for the shape.  However, I thought it would be fun to make them in the shape of the state in which we currently live.  We may not always live in Arizona, and same for those that we give this present to, but this ornament will be a way to remember some of the fun we had while here.  

Cinnamon Ornaments
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 45 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 day or more until dry completely
Servings: 15-20 3 inch ornaments. 

Ingredients: 
2 c. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp all-spice
2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. flour, or until reach desired consistency
cookie cutters

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.  You want to make sure you do this step to avoid ornaments sticking to the pan. 
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer combine the cinnamon, all-spice, and applesauce together. 
4. Add the flour a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  You don't want the mixture sticking to your hands, but you don't want it to be too crumbly.  If you mixture is too wet and sticks add a little flour.  If you mixture is crumbly and dry add a bit more applesauce.  
5. Dust a clean surface with cinnamon, and dust some cinnamon on your rolling pin.  
6. Place your dough on the cinnamon dusted surface and roll it out to approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. 
7. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.  
8. Using a spatula carefully place the ornament on the prepared pan.  The cookies don't spread in the baking/drying process so you can place them closer together. 
9. Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament so you will be able to hang it with a ribbon. 
10. Place your cookie sheets in the preheated 200 degree oven and bake/dry for 2 hours.  
11. Remove pans from the oven.  Using a spatula remove the ornaments from the pan and place them on an air rack to dry for a day or so.  You don't want to leave them on the pan to dry b/c they will begin to stick. The air rack will also help your ornaments to dry a little quicker and look a little cuter.
12. When dry place a ribbon through hole, tie it off, and place it on a tree or give it away. 
13. Enjoy the cinnamon smell in your home and tree!
14. Store ornaments from year to year in a ziploc bag and keep it away from items that can crush or break it. 

Happy Cinnamon Ornaments gift giving! Enjoy the wonderful cinnamon smell on your tree, and it will last in your oven for the entire Holiday Season.  

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!