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Can You Cook with Essential Oils?
“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” ~ Thomas Edison
Picture this: you’re in the kitchen on a chilly afternoon, the cozy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house. You’ve pulled out your family’s favorite holiday recipe, but this year, you’re adding a twist—infusing your treats with a few carefully chosen drops of doTERRA essential oils. It’s a small change, but the difference in flavor and aroma is striking. Let’s explore how essential oils can elevate your holiday baking, add depth to classic recipes, and create memorable treats for everyone.
Essential Oils in the Kitchen: A New Twist on Old Favorites
When baking, many of us reach for traditional spices and extracts to give our holiday treats that classic warmth. However, essential oils offer a powerful, concentrated alternative that can bring a fresh depth to these flavors. Essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, lemon, and wild orange are already kitchen staples in my home, adding a richness that other flavorings can’t quite capture.
But before diving in, let’s go over some baking basics for flavoring with essential oils—because less is definitely more!
Baking Basics with Essential Oils
Most doTERRA essential oils can be safely used for baking—as long as they have Supplement Facts on the bottle. This label guarantees they’re safe for internal use and pure enough to be added to your favorite recipes. Essential oils like Cinnamon Bark, Madagascar Vanilla, and Wild Orange are not only potent but also incredibly versatile. When adding them to recipes that require heat, you may need a slightly larger amount—about 5-8 drops—since the heat can cause some of the oils to evaporate.
Since oils can sometimes pool and lead to uneven flavor, I like to dilute them first in a carrier like melted butter, milk, or oil. For instance, if I’m making spiced cookies, I mix a drop of doTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil in melted butter before folding it into the dough. This helps distribute the flavor evenly, creating a balanced, delicious result.
For desserts that don’t require baking, such as icings, fudges, or marshmallows, you can add essential oils once the product has cooled. This keeps the oils’ full flavor intact. Generally, use 2-5 drops for these types of additions, depending on the oil’s potency. For stronger oils like Clove, try the Toothpick Method: dip a toothpick into the oil and swirl it into the mixture to control the amount.
Getting the Right Amounts
Strong Oils: Use the Toothpick Method—dip a clean toothpick into the oil, then swirl it into your mix. This is perfect for strong flavors like Clove and Cinnamon Bark, where even a small amount packs a punch.
Mild Oils: Use a single drop per recipe to add flavor without overpowering.
Larger Batches or Pre-Baking: Add several drops (5-8) for recipes like cake batters or cookie dough. For exact control, measure by placing drops on a clean spoon before adding to your mix.
Flavoring Tips: Choosing the Right Essential Oils
Each essential oil has a unique flavor profile, making them perfect for different dishes. Here’s a quick guide on which oils to use for specific holiday treats:
Spices: Bold and warming oils like Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, and Madagascar Vanilla bring a cozy flavor to candies, pies, cookies, cakes, and even savory teas, dressings, and marinades.
Florals: Roman Chamomile, Lavender, and Rose are soft, aromatic oils that elevate icings, cakes, cookies, and teas with a luxurious touch.
Mints: Peppermint, Spearmint, and Supermint oils provide a refreshing, cool flavor that pairs beautifully with candies, chocolates, frostings, and even cocktails.
Citruses: Wild Orange, Green Mandarin, Lemon, and Tangerine add a fresh, sweet tang that works wonders in cookies, cakes, pies, smoothies, and even salad dressings and cocktails.
Recipe Tips & Tricks: Making Your Holiday Desserts Memorable
Cookies
Add 4-6 drops of citrus oil, like Wild Orange or Lemon, to the dough for a light, refreshing flavor.
For decorating icing, add 3-4 drops of Lime or Tangerine for an extra burst of flavor.
When using spice oils like Cassia or Cardamom, just 1-2 drops give a warm, cozy taste to gingerbread or spiced sugar cookies.
Fudge
Spice oils like Cinnamon Bark and Cassia add a hint of holiday warmth with 1-2 drops in chocolate fudge.
For a minty twist, add 2-5 drops of Peppermint or Supermint to the fudge mix.
Use 3-6 drops of citrus oils like Tangerine or Wild Orange to bring out the sweetness in white or dark chocolate fudge.
Cakes
Add 3-5 drops of oils like Tangerine or Peppermint to frosting for a light, delicious flavor.
For a hint of citrus, mix 3-4 drops of Lime or Lemon with ¼ cup of sugar and sprinkle over the cake right after baking.
For layered cakes, add 3-4 drops of Cassia or Grapefruit in mousse or curd layers for a complex, inviting flavor.
Pies
Add 6 drops of Lemon oil to apple pie filling for a bright, punchy flavor.
For pumpkin pie, add 2-3 drops each of Cassia, Ginger, and Clove to the filling for a warm, spiced aroma. Combine with ground spices for added depth.
In cranberry pie, add 3-6 drops of Wild Orange when mixing in the vanilla extract to amplify the fruity flavor.
Why Use doTERRA Essential Oils in Your Baking?
The purity and potency of doTERRA’s essential oils mean you’re using a natural, high-quality product in your recipes. While many essential oils available today contain synthetic ingredients or fillers, doTERRA’s “Certified Pure Tested Grade” standard ensures that what you’re putting in your food is pure and safe for consumption.
Beyond flavor, using essential oils in holiday baking creates a unique sensory experience that makes every bite taste more memorable. I often find that sharing a holiday treat infused with these oils also opens up conversations about doTERRA and its commitment to quality and wellness.
Bringing the Holiday Spirit Home
Baking with doTERRA essential oils has transformed my holiday traditions, creating desserts that not only taste amazing but also spark joyful connections around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned customer or new to doTERRA, I hope these tips and recipes inspire you to experiment in your own kitchen. Let’s make this holiday season even more delicious and memorable, one drop at a time.
