There's nothing better than the wafts of buttery pie crust, rich melted chocolate, aromatic mulling spices, sweet cinnamon-sugar, and spicy gingerbread that come from a kitchen brimming with holiday baking projects. Whether you’re making treats for the family, baking party favorites, or creating scrumptious gifts, here are some of my favorite holiday worthy treats from the Savory Spice test kitchen.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Anise Biscotti
Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, these sophisticated cookies are surprisingly simple to make. For an even more decadent treat you can (and should!) dip them in melted chocolate.

Gluten-Free Honey Graham Cookies
Your cookies might be the most popular at the exchange if you’re the only one who brings gluten-free! These are fun because you can swap the cocoa powders and baking spices to make different flavor combinations.

Potluck Party Treats

Georgia Peach Spice Cake
If you spent time canning or freezing peaches over the summer, now’s the time to break them out. This yields a large cake, so it’s perfect for a party.

Healthy Baking

Coconutty Almond Bars
Another decadent bakeless dessert that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, even though you don’t have to. And this treat will provide all the energy you need to run those holiday errands!

Black Garlic Chocolate Donuts
The sweet and syrupy flavor of black garlic works surprisingly well with cocoa powder in these gluten-free treats.

DIY Food Gifts

Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes
These are a bit of a project, but a worthwhile one. You’ll end up with gorgeous, flavored sugar cubes for your favorite coffee or tea lover.

For more holiday baking recipes, check out the Recipes section of our website.