Herbal-Inspired Holiday Baking Recipes

Reviewed by Dr. Judith Thompson, ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine

The holidays are a time for comfort, togetherness, and the nostalgic aromas that fill the kitchen as delicious treats bake in the oven. This year, find some inspiration for your holiday baking with recipes that highlight nature’s fragrant and flavorful herbs. From festive to hearty muffins, you can use herbs and botanicals to add depth, aroma, and wellness benefits to every bite.

Below are five herbal-inspired recipes that will fill your home with holiday cheer and your table with wholesome flavor.

1. Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Bright, buttery, and delicately herbal, these cookies pair perfectly with afternoon tea or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (or 1 tsp dried)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

3. Add vanilla, lemon zest, and rosemary. Mix well.

4. Gradually add flour and salt until dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

6. Slice into ¼-inch rounds and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
   
   

Tip: Add a drop of organic Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum) to the butter for an extra citrusy burst!

2. Peppermint Cocoa Brownie Bites

A twist on traditional brownies, these are rich and fudgy with a refreshing hint of peppermint!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup melted coconut oil or butter

• ¾ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup almond flour

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 1 drop organic Peppermint essential oil Mentha × piperita
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin.

2. Whisk together melted oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Add 1 drop of peppermint oil and stir thoroughly to disperse.

4. Stir in cocoa powder, almond flour, and salt.

5. Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 12–15 minutes.

6. Cool before removing from the pan.
   
   

Tip: These make delightful holiday gifts! Package in small tins with a ribbon for a homemade touch.

3. Ginger Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies combine two classic warming herbs, ginger and cinnamon, making them both spicy and sweet.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1¼ cups rolled oats

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground Cinnamon Cinnamomum burmannii

• ½ tsp ground Ginger Zingiber officinale

• ¼ tsp sea salt
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.

6. Cool on a rack before serving.
   
   

Tip: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an aesthetic and warming touch!

4. Hawthorn Berry & Apple Tea Loaf

A hearty, slightly tart loaf that celebrates the heart-supportive properties of hawthorn berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried Hawthorn berries Crataegus monogyna (simmered in 1½ cups water for 15 minutes, then strained)

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 Tbsp honey

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 eggs

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ground Cinnamon Cinnamomum burmannii

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk applesauce, honey, oil, and eggs.

3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.

5. Fold in the softened hawthorn berries.

6. Bake in a greased loaf pan for 45- 50 minutes.
   
   

Tip: This pairs well with a cup of warm hawthorn or hibiscus tea.

5. Spiced Pumpkin Seed Flax Muffins

These muffins are packed with protein and fiber, making for a delicious and nourishing holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour

• ½ cup ground Flax Seed Linum usitatissimum

• ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground Cinnamon Cinnamomum burmannii

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ cup pumpkin puree

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup milk or plant-based milk

• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil

• ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds Cucurbita pepo (plus extra for topping)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix flour, flaxseed, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.

3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and oil.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the pumpkin seeds.

5. Spoon mixture into muffin tins and sprinkle with extra pumpkin seeds.

6. Bake for 18- 20 minutes or until golden brown.
   
   

Tip: Flaxseed adds a subtle nuttiness while supporting healthy digestion.

Celebrate the Season Naturally

Herbs and botanicals have long been used to comfort, energize, and uplift, bringing a unique vitality to your holiday kitchen. Explore these recipes with ingredients from the Apothecary Shoppe and celebrate the season with herbal inspiration!

Learn more ways to incorporate herbs in your daily life with HERB 101 Foundations of Herbal Studies offered by American College of Healthcare Sciences.