Some of the best memories during the holidays form from the smells that fill the house from the oven. Take a look at these nine mouth-watering recipes for baked goods to get in the spirit of the holidays.

Holidays, Happier: Start a New Family Tradition. What better way to revive a cultural family tradition than in the kitchen. Check out this story to nurture your family’s holiday food traditions across cultures.

Maple-Sweetened Apple Cake. Apple Cake, made with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, is the perfect thing to bake next time you are called on to offer love, support, and service others—or when your spirit needs some love itself.

Chai Spiced Pear Bread. There’s been a recent obsession with chai and for good reason—it’s delicious. And paired with pears? … mmm …

Rustic Raspberry Cake. With a complex browned butter and almond flavor, this cake is dense yet charming. It wears a crusty top and hides a moist crumb. And the raspberries scattered throughout are easily the most savored bites.

Salted Dark Chocolate Nutella Cookies. There are few things more delicious than nutella. Add that to a salted dark chocolate cookie and you’re in cocoa heaven.

Vegan Cocoa Crinkle Cookies. Snow-capped on the outside, velvety on the inside, with large cracks showing the promise of the dark chocolate interior.

Rich Gluten-Free Molten Chocolate Cake. Gluten-free baking often requires using several different types of flours and starches in one recipe, this recipe, I use a whisk to combine the sorghum and tapioca flours, the potato starch, and the xanthan gum, along with the powdered sugar, to make sure my dry ingredients are homogenous.

Coconut Oatmeal Whole Wheat Cookies. These cookies were created with the intention to turn the goodness of a biscuit into a denser cookie. The result is  oatmeal cookie that will please any palate.

Cherry Almond Meal Muffins. Unlike most pre-made muffins you see at stores, these are packed with protein from the almond flour and eggs and only a touch of sweetness from the honey and cherries is needed. They happen to be gluten and dairy-free, but more importantly, they taste amazing too.

By:  Bess O’Connor