Cinnamon Sugar Dough, Purple Dinosaurs, and the Kind of Christmas We Remember
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Somewhere between growing up and becoming the one who makes the traditions, Christmas starts to feel different. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.
About how certain memories stay with us—not because they were extravagant or perfectly planned—but because they were felt. For me, one of those memories lives squarely in the 90’s, in a softly lit living room, with a VHS tape playing Barney: Night Before Christmas on repeat.
If you know, you know.
There was something gentle about it. Something unhurried. A reminder that Christmas wasn’t about having everything figured out, but about believing, sharing, and holding close what mattered most. Back then, I didn’t realize how deeply those quiet nights were settling into my bones. I just knew they felt safe.
That feeling is what inspired this cinnamon dough recipe.
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Dough
(for Keepsakes, Not Eating)
This is a decorative dough—meant for ornaments, gift tags, and memory-making.
Tie with twine. Write names or dates on the back. Let them be imperfect.
Why Cinnamon Dough?
Salt dough ornaments have always been a classic—but I wanted something that carried memory a little deeper. Something that didn’t just look like Christmas, but smelled like it.
Because scent has a way of taking us back instantly.
The warmth of cinnamon. The sweetness of brown sugar. A kitchen that smells like you’ve been there awhile. This dough isn’t about perfection. It’s about slowing down. About letting hands get messy. About making something together that might not last forever—but will mean something long after.
that’s what I feel is worth chasing. Not more. Not bigger. Just more intentional.
Making More Than Ornaments
When I make these now, I think about the traditions we inherit without realizing it. About how one day, my own child might smell cinnamon and feel something familiar—even if they can’t quite place why.
Just like I do when I hear that Barney theme song.
Those nights mattered. Being held. Being safe. Being reminded, in the simplest way, that love was steady and good. That someone had thought ahead enough to create a moment worth returning to.
This dough is my way of passing that on.
Swade's Way
We believe the most meaningful moments are often the quiet ones. The ones that don’t need documenting. The ones that live in scent and sound and feeling.
Cinnamon dough on the counter.
A familiar Christmas movie in the background. Hands busy. Hearts full.
This season, I hope you make something simple. Something slow. Something that reminds you of where you’ve been—and who you’re making memories for now.
Because one day, these will be the moments someone remembers.
1
Tip
For added glitter, gently brush the ornaments with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of flour before drying.
2
Variation
Add a drop of vanilla extract for a sweeter aroma.
Notes
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2
Slowly add in applesauce while mixing continuously, forming a stiff dough. You might need to knead it with your hands to ensure the dough comes together.
3
Once the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency, roll it out on a surface dusted with cinnamon to prevent sticking. Roll to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes of your desire, such as stars, hearts, or trees. Use a straw or a small tool to poke a hole at the top for hanging.
5
Place the cut-out ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving slight gaps between them.
6
Bake in preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 2 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying. Alternatively, air-dry them for 48 hours in a warm, dry spot, to better preserve the aroma.
7
Once completely dry and cooled, thread a thin ribbon or string through the hole to hang the ornaments.
Instructions
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 cup of applesauce
Dough Ingredients
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Dough Ornaments
Messy mom just mixin'
Lacey Caroline
Create fragrant and festive cinnamon brown sugar dough ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree or use as special handmade gifts. These delightful ornaments not only look beautiful but fill your home with a warm, spicy aroma.
Servings :
Depends on the size of the ornaments
Calories:
Varies per ornament size
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hours (drying time)
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