The smell of cinnamon surrounding the kitchen.

The warmth of the oven heating your home.

The comfort and coziness of biting into a fresh-baked cookie.

A home-cooked meal or treat evokes such great feelings for so many of us. That’s why we think that there’s almost no better time for cooking and baking for loved ones than during the holidays! 

And — as always — we always love providing you with some great baking tips. 

Many baking recipes (especially classic ones your grandparents or even great-grandparents handed down) use ingredients that may not work for those with allergies or other dietary restrictions. 

So, if you’re looking for some healthier or vegan-friendly baking swaps, we have a few great ones for you! 

Swap Eggs for Chia Seeds

Need an egg alternative? We have some options for you to try.

Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2 ½ tablespoons of filtered water, and let it sit until the consistency is gel-like. 

Or, try using flaxseed meal! 

Similarly, just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of filtered water until it gets a gel-like consistency. 

Vegan Buttermilk Substitute

If you’re looking for a way to replace buttermilk in one of your favorite recipes or a new one you’ve been wanting to attempt, try this.

Mix one cup of your favorite plant-based milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, and it’s ready to use. Yes — it’s that simple! 

Replace Sugar With Monk Fruit

Did you know that monk fruit has zero carbs, calories, and sugar?

If you’re looking for an alternative sweetener, you can replace sugar with monk fruit basically with a 1:1 ratio. 

Keep in mind that monk fruit can be sweeter than sugar, so you may want to use a bit less than called for in the recipe to your taste.

Have Fun Baking

No matter what, we hope that you enjoy your time cooking and baking! Whether it’s just for you or a recipe you’re sharing with loved ones, it’s worth appreciating. 

Find more tips and recipes in MaryRuth’s Kitchen.