DIY Festive Incense Sticks or Cones with Pine, Frankincense & Cinnamon

Astrid van Essen
4 days ago
3 min read

The festive season is filled with scents that evoke an instant sense of nostalgia: fresh pine, sweet spices, and smoky resins that remind me of cosy evenings and winter rituals. One of my favourite ways to capture that atmosphere is by making my own incense sticks.

Blending pine, frankincense, and cinnamon creates a fragrance that is both grounding and uplifting, and wonderfully seasonal. In an earlier post, I wrote a comprehensive guide to incense, where I explored its history, types, and seasonal rituals.

A cosy, natural flat lay featuring incense sticks on a light wooden tray surrounded by pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and small pieces of frankincense resin. An incense stick in a small bronze incense holder is gently releasing wisps of smoke. Plant in the background, light airy, minimal space

However, I want to focus here on a DIY Festive Incense Sticks recipe that you can make at home. I’ll share a simple recipe so you can craft your own festive incense sticks at home.

Why Make Your Own Festive Incense?

Homemade incense allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a natural burn without synthetic fillers. I find the process itself almost meditative—measuring herbs, blending powders, and shaping sticks is as calming as lighting them. And when you burn them, you know exactly what’s in the smoke that fills your home.

I was out of bamboo sticks, so I made incense cones instead 😅

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp sandalwood or makko powder (acts as a base and binding agent)
1 tbsp ground pine needles (or pine resin, finely powdered)
1 tbsp powdered frankincense resin
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1–2 tbsp additional makko powder (to adjust burn)
2–3 tbsp water (as needed)
Bamboo sticks (unscented, blank incense sticks if available)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base: In a bowl, combine sandalwood (or makko) with pine, frankincense, and cinnamon powders. Mix thoroughly.
Add binder: Sprinkle in extra makko powder until the mix feels slightly tacky. This ensures your incense will hold its shape and burn evenly.
Add water slowly: Drip in water, one spoonful at a time, stirring until the mixture has a clay-like texture.
Coat the sticks: Take a bamboo stick and roll it into the mixture, pressing firmly so the powder adheres evenly. You can use your fingers to smooth the coating.
Dry completely: Place the sticks on a drying rack or tray lined with parchment. Allow them to dry in a warm, airy place for 5–7 days.
Burn and enjoy: Light the coated end of a stick until it glows, then blow out the flame. Place in a holder and let the fragrance fill your home.

Can You Use Essential Oils Instead of Powders?

It’s tempting to drip a little pine or cinnamon essential oil onto bamboo sticks, but oils don’t burn the same way powders and resins do. Essential oils can flare up or burn unevenly, creating smoke that feels harsh rather than soothing. For optimal results, use powdered herbs and resins. If you love using oils, I recommend pairing this incense ritual with a diffuser; you’ll enjoy a layered fragrance without compromising the quality of your incense sticks.

Variations to Try

Spiced Orange: Swap frankincense for dried orange peel powder.
Sweet Vanilla: Add ½ tsp ground vanilla bean or tonka for a warm, dessert-like scent.
Woodsy Blend: Double the pine and add cedarwood powder for a stronger forest aroma.

Conclusion

Crafting festive incense sticks is a slow, mindful ritual that brings together the essence of winter—pine for freshness, frankincense for spirituality, and cinnamon for warmth. Whether you use them in your own home or gift them in bundles, they’re a beautiful way to mark the season.

If you’d like to learn more about incense sticks, cones, and seasonal blends, explore my Ultimate Guide to Incense for a deeper dive.

DIY Festive Incense Sticks FAQs

1: Can I use essential oils instead of powders for incense sticks?

Not recommended. Oils burn unevenly and may produce unpleasant smoke. Powders and resins are safer and more effective.

2: How long should incense sticks dry before burning?

At least 5–7 days in a warm, dry space. Longer drying times create a cleaner burn.

3: Can I make incense without bamboo sticks?

Yes, you can shape the mixture into cones instead, which sit directly on a heatproof dish.

4: How long does a festive incense stick burn?

Depending on the thickness, it takes around 30–60 minutes.

5: What makes incense festive?

Traditional holiday scents such as pine, frankincense, cinnamon, clove, and orange peel.