Baked with Love: Sweet Treats to Warm the Season

Welcome to our cozy corner of the season, where the joy of gathering and the comfort of homemade treats take center stage! As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something truly special about baking - it brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, embracing your own seasonal traditions, or simply savoring quiet moments with loved ones, the scent of something warm in the oven makes it all feel a little more magical.

To welcome the season, we have put together a collection of festive baked delights with a twist. They’re perfect for gifting, bringing to gatherings, or enjoying as you soak in those cozy, heartwarming moments that make this time of year so memorable.

So, preheat the oven and join us as we whisk, stir, and sprinkle a little joy into every bite. Let’s bake, share, and savor the flavors of the season together!

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

First on our list is a classic favorite - Chocolate Chip Cookies. These are not just any cookies; they're a perfect blend of gooey, chocolatey goodness with a hint of holiday cheer, guaranteed to bring smiles to faces young and old. Recipe from All Recipes

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade chocolate chocolate chip cookie recipe: 

• 1 ½ cups white sugar

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅔ cup cocoa powder or cacao powder*

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

*Note - Viva Naturals Cacao Powder can be used to substitute for traditional cocoa powder at a ratio of 1:1

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

2. Beat sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Combine flour, cacao powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. 

4. Stir into butter mixture until well blended. 

5. Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts. 

6. Drop spoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

7. Bake in the preheated oven just until set, 8 to 10 minutes. 

8. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Coconut Flour Chocolate Hazelnut Muffins

Coconut Flour Chocolate Hazelnut Muffins are a delightful treat that blends the nutty richness of hazelnuts, a crowd-favorite chocolate and tropical coconut. This recipe creates a batch of fluffy muffins that are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Recipe from Small Footprint Family.

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious muffin:

• 6 pasture-raised eggs, room temperature

• 2 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil, or butter, melted

• 10 Tbsp. raw honey, or coconut sugar

• ½ cup hazelnut butter

• ½ tsp. sea salt

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ cup coconut flour, sifted

• ½ tsp. baking powder

• 2-3 Tbsp. cacao powder, to taste (optional)

• Hazelnut pieces or shredded coconut for decoration (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400℉.

2. Blend together eggs, oil, sweetener, nut butter, salt, vanilla and cacao powder, if using.

3. Combine coconut flour with baking powder and whisk into batter until there are no lumps. Use a stick blender for speed.

4. Pour into greased muffin cups.

5. Decorate the muffin tops with nuts or shredded coconut, if desired.

6. Bake at 400℉ for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick or fork comes out clean.

Coconut Flour Cake

Next, we delve into the world of gluten-free baking with our Coconut Flour Cake, a moist and flavorful delight that promises to be a hit, even with those who are new to coconut flour. Recipe from DetoxInista.

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this fluffy vanilla coconut cake recipe:

• ½ cup Coconut Flour 

• 4 large eggs

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons water, as needed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray two 6-inch cake pans with oil. Press a square of parchment paper into the bottom of each pan, to make removing the cakes easier later. Alternatively, you can use one 8-inch cake pan for this recipe, instead.

2. In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, eggs, olive oil, baking powder, vanilla, maple syrup, salt, and water. Use a whisk to mix well, breaking up any clumps.

3. Pour the batter into the two prepared pans. Bake the two 6-inch pans for 25 minutes at 350ºF, or until the top looks lightly golden and the center feels firm to a light touch. An 8-inch cake needs to be baked for 30-35 minutes. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.

4. You'll get a 2-layer cake if you use the two 6-inch pans, or a single layer with the 8-inch pan. Once the cake is cool, you can frost it with your favorite topping. 

Some of our favorite topping ideas include:

1. Cream cheese frosting

2. Buttercream

3. Whipped cream drizzled with fresh berries or pineapple

This cake should be stored tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, but keep in mind that it will start to dry out the longer you store it. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor and texture.

Goji Berry and Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last but not least, we introduce the Goji Berry Cookies, a unique treat packed with the goodness of these vibrant red berries, adding a touch of both color and health to your Christmas feast. Recipe from Whole Food Bellies.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• ⅓ cup Coconut flour

• ¼ cup Virgin Coconut Oil, melted

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 whole eggs

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

• ¼ cup Goji Berries

• 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat.

2. Whisk together the coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and eggs. It may seem runny to start with but the batter will thicken as the coconut flour absorbs the moisture from the other ingredients.

3. Fold in the chocolate chips and goji berries.

4. Using a tablespoon at a time, take some batter and roll it into a ball. Put the ball onto the baking sheet and press lightly with a fork. Sprinkle on some of the shredded coconut.

5. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden at the edges.

6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

As we wrap up this festive baking adventure, we hope these recipes bring a touch of seasonal magic to your kitchen. From the rich indulgence of classic chocolate chip cookies to the delicate sweetness of coconut flour cake and the unique charm of goji berry and chocolate chip cookies, each treat is crafted to spark warmth, joy, and a little extra cheer in your holiday celebrations.

Remember, the true spirit of holiday baking isn’t just in the delicious creations themselves, it’s in the laughter, stories, and traditions shared along the way. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven once more, and let the sweet aroma of baking fill your home with comfort and joy.

Happy baking, and warm wishes for a cozy, gratitude-filled holiday season!