How To Make Your Own Scented Pinecones With A Dash Of Cinnamon

Cinnamon-scented pinecones are often found in craft and home stores, usually in mesh bags for a few dollars. They are perfect for adding a holiday feel that appeals to all senses and a rustic aesthetic to your seasonal decorations. TikTok user @newlifestyleabb recently showed off how to create your own scented pinecones DIY-style for next to nothing. The hack, which involves dusting the pinecones with cinnamon after creating a sticky surface with adhesive, offers a great budget-friendly alternative to pre-scented cones you find at retailers. 

All you need are a collection of pine cones foraged from nature, Mod Podge or another water-based adhesive, and ground cinnamon to create this fun-scented element. The finished cones are perfect for use in decorative bowls, holiday wreaths, and centerpieces during the holiday season. You can also use them to scent and decorate your tree as an eco-friendly ornament. You can make a few or many, depending on the availability of pine cones you can forage. They are also great for scenting smaller areas like drawers, holiday decor storage bins, or the inside of your car. 

To create scented pine cones, begin by collecting some from outdoors and making sure they are free of debris and dirt. Take a small paint or makeup brush and apply Mod Podge or a similar adhesive to each divot of the pine cone. You will want to work quickly before the glue dries completely or do each section of the pine cone in smaller parts. Dust each pine cone with a shaker of ground cinnamon, covering the glue and shaking off any extra. Allow the pinecones to dry completely before using them in your decor.

For a fun variation in scent, try using other spices of the season to scent your pine cones along with the cinnamon, including allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, or ground anise, which will create a slightly more complex fall and winter scent to the cones. You can also dust them with some glitter for an extra festive holiday look. Place the finished cones anywhere around the home for a cozy winter scent.