What’s the one seasonal dish the holidays aren’t complete without it?

Flavors and smells can instantly take us back to the moment a holiday memory was made. Drinking hot cocoa can recreate the magical scenes of strolling about brightly lit holiday light displays. Cutting shapes into sugar cookies and smelling them cook in the oven may remind you of the chaotic evenings you spent helping each of your children decorate their stocking and candy cane-shaped cookies. Hot wassail, simmering over the stove, may take you right back to special moments decorating the Christmas tree.

If you’re still searching for the perfect addition to your holiday lineup of dishes or maybe you’re aching for a little something new, consider trying a recipe that includes essential oils. Many essential oils provide vibrant, fresh, and pure flavors to several already popular dishes.

Try one of these recipes at your holiday parties this season:

Sweet Potato Casserole with Cinnamon Bark

Ingredients

• 4 cooked sweet potatoes, peeled
• 3/4 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 orange, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 drops Cinnamon Bark oil

Pecan topping

• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 drops Cinnamon Bark oil

Instructions

1. Place cooked sweet potatoes, coconut milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, nutmeg, orange juice, and Cinnamon Bark oil into a large bowl.
2. With a hand mixer, blend until everything is combined. If desired, you can add more maple syrup or Cinnamon Bark oil.
3. Spread into an oven-safe dish and set aside.
4. Combine all topping ingredients until pecans are well coated. Sprinkle on top of sweet potatoes.
5. Bake in oven at 350° F for 50–60 minutes, or until pecans have slightly browned. Serve warm.

Tip: For more sweetness, drizzle maple syrup on top.

Tried and True Sugar Cookies with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting

• 3 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar (add up to 1/2 cup more as needed)
• Food coloring (optional)
• 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions

To make the cookies:

1. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, egg, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together. Slowly add this dry mixture to the standing mixer and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Divide the dough in half, forming each half into a disk. Using plastic wrap, cover each disk tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 375° F when you are ready to bake the cookies. Use parchment paper or silicone mats to line baking sheets.
5. Lightly flour your countertop or workspace. Roll the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing a few inches apart. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are slightly golden on the bottom. Let cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting:

1. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla together.
2. One cup at a time, add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness.
3. If desired, add food coloring to color the frosting.
4. Add Peppermint or other essential oils to the frosting mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Spread frosting in an even layer on cookies. Enjoy!

Wassail with Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Wild Orange, and Clove Essential Oils

Ingredients

• 1 quart cranberry juice
• 1/2 quart apple juice
• 1/2 quart orange juice
• 2 drops Cinnamon Bark oil
• 2 drops Lemon oil
• 2 drops Wild Orange oil
• 1 drop Clove oil
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup honey, plus more to taste
• 8 cinnamon sticks, for garnish
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients (minus the cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries) in a stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to simmer for at least an hour, letting flavors mingle.
3. Taste and add more essential oils and honey if desired.
4. Serve hot. Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Tips: Clove oil can be reduced to 1 toothpick for a halved recipe, with more added to taste.

Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Bark, Lavender, Wild Orange, or Peppermint Essential Oils

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 5 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 quart orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia or 1 1/2 teaspoon powdered stevia (amount of sweetener can be adjusted to taste)
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar or agave (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups almond milk
• Recommended Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark, Lavender essential oil, Wild Orange, or Peppermint oil

Instructions

1. Heat water, cocoa powder, and sweetener on stove until ingredients are smooth.
2. Add vanilla and milk and bring to a simmer. Pour into your favorite mug.
3. Introduce flavor by swirling a toothpick dipped in your favorite essential oil.

Tip: For extra creamy cocoa, replace the water with equal parts milk or almond milk.

Wanting more ideas? Check out these recipes:

• Gingerbread Cookies with Clove, Ginger, and Cinnamon Bark
• Gingersnaps with Ginger
• Cinnamon Apple Cake with Cinnamon Bark

Whether you’re experimenting with citrusy notes in your desserts or adding savory depth to your dishes, essential oils bring a unique and aromatic flair to cooking. Food often brings us together for joyous occasions. Hopefully, your dishes this year are seasoned perfectly with the addition of essential oils!