The Best Smells Always Come From 49 Thanksgiving Baking Recipes

The holidays feel incomplete without the familiar scents that come from 49 Thanksgiving baking recipes stacked this high. With these options in play, the air practically doubles as a welcome mat for everyone walking in. The smell alone works harder than any invitation card.

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top. — German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them. — Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Nothing gets folks talking like a batch fresh from the oven. Salted Honey Cookies carry a nice aroma that travels through the house, making it hard to wait until dessert. Each bite balances a simple sweetness and a hint of salt. These cookies disappear fast from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Salted Honey Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper. — Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Friends gather around when the oven timer goes off. Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies combine chocolate with a fall twist, making dessert time much more interesting. One slice is never enough with how soft each bite turns out. Plates are always empty before the evening ends.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile. — Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Holiday mornings feel special with treats in hand. Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins fill the kitchen with a fruity scent while they bake. Each muffin comes out easily to grab and share. Guests usually ask for seconds at breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

A square piece of pumpkin dessert bar topped with a swirl of white frosting and pecans sits on a cooling rack. — Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bringing a sheet pan dessert is a smart way to feed a crowd. Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars fill the room with a warm baked aroma that makes everyone want a taste. Crisp edges and soft centers keep plates coming back for more. This treat never sticks around for long.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Close-up of three chocolate muffins in brown paper wrappers, topped with chocolate chips, with part of a bowl of chocolate chips visible in the background. — Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple recipes often get the most attention during busy holidays. Chocolate Chip Muffins offer classic flavor and a sweet smell that floats through the house. There’s something comforting about tearing into a warm muffin. The plate empties before anyone asks for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through. — Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baked fruit always brings a familiar scent to the kitchen. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices roll out with cozy layers and just enough crunch to keep things interesting. Slices get taken quickly, so make sure you save a few. Everyone enjoys the aroma as much as the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it. — Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sharing a chilled dessert adds a touch of freshness to the table. Blueberry Cheesecake makes its presence known with a gentle fruit fragrance that spreads during baking. Slices are creamy and easy to serve. Guests look forward to this treat each year.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Banana Cream Pie

There’s something special about a dessert that smells sweet before it’s even sliced. Banana Cream Pie pairs a golden crust and smooth filling that everyone enjoys. The scent fills the room and draws people to the table. Seconds are usually gone before the first round finishes.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together. — Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cookies with nuts bring extra crunch to the holiday lineup. Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans leave a noticeable aroma every time you open the container. Their soft texture and warm flavors fit right in with Thanksgiving traditions. Friends always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner. — Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning classic flavors into cupcakes makes dessert easier to handle. Pumpkin Cupcakes bake up with a comforting scent and a light bite that everyone enjoys. Mini portions make serving simple at larger gatherings. The plate fills up and empties right away.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Blueberry Pie

Packed pies fill kitchens with a bold, fruity aroma that can’t be missed. Blueberry Pie serves up thick slices and a flaky crust every time. The beautiful blue color makes holiday tables pop. This pie does not last long once it hits the buffet.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pie

Fruit Cake

A lasting tradition gets its own spot among the plates each year. Fruit Cake brings a strong, sweet scent out of the oven, spreading through the home. Dense slices offer loads of texture for special meals. Holiday guests return for another bite before dinner even ends.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Cake

Chocolate Cream Pie

Pie lovers always find excuses for another slice during dessert hour. Chocolate Cream Pie combines a rich scent with a smooth, cool finish that guests remember fondly. Each piece divides neatly for sharing with larger groups. It quickly becomes a go-to for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows. — Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining old favorites in one pan makes dessert prep more fun. Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake sends out a mix of roasting and baking scents every time. The soft center and crisp edges suit all ages. People look forward to this recipe every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper. — Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People enjoy dessert more when there’s something new on the table. Decadent Biscoff Brownies combine baking spices and a fudgy bite, appealing to anyone looking for a little extra sweetness. They disappear quickly from every tray. This bar gets requests year-round.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Busy schedules need desserts that are quick but still impressive. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars smell as good baking as they do on the plate. Thick bars are easy to cut and hand out. Holiday groups always ask for the recipe details.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Sweet Potato Pie

Turning root veggies into pie gives a classic aroma in autumn. Sweet Potato Pie lets each slice share comfort with guests and family. The color shines under whipped cream or just as it is. Dessert plates get cleared faster every year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Lemon Pound Cake

Sliced lemon cake with glaze on parchment paper, next to lemon slices. — Lemon Pound Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright scents in baking often cut through heavier dishes. Lemon Pound Cake perfumes the room with a fresh tang that sticks around for hours. Slices go quickly as people fill up a dessert sampler. This cake works well for breakfast leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Heart Shaped Cookies

Cookie cutters bring fun shapes and smiles to group events. Heart Shaped Cookies warm the air with a soft baking smell that stays long after the oven is off. Each piece is easy to pack up or serve at parties. Kids snatch them off the tray as soon as they cool.
Get the Recipe: Heart Shaped Cookies

Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Close-up of cupcakes topped with frosting and apple chunks, sprinkled with cinnamon. A knife is spreading the frosting. — Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Individual servings fit well on crowded tables. Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes bake up with a familiar apple scent that everyone recognizes. Their small size lets guests try more than one dessert during dinner. Friends ask for these again at the next holiday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Three cinnamon rolls topped with white icing and sprinkled with cinnamon, served on a plate. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday mornings get a special upgrade when rolls bake fresh. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls fill every room with a cozy, spicy aroma. Each swirl tastes better with the family gathered nearby. Trays tend to run out faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper. — Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baking for Thanksgiving brings out classic flavors everyone wants to try. Peanut Butter Cake fills the kitchen with a rich, nutty smell that stays after the last slice is gone. The soft crumb works well for dessert or snacking. Make an extra batch if visitors are dropping by.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate. — Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Savory doughs pair well with holiday breakfasts. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls carry a unique tang and herbal aroma from the starter. These rolls look impressive stacked beside the coffeepot. The batch empties as soon as brunch begins.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cake

Adding a pop of color to the dessert tray makes celebrations more festive. Red Velvet Cake brings a subtle cocoa smell and velvety crumb to every slice. The vivid hue brightens the buffet. This one is always requested for special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate. — Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smart use of bread creates an aroma that always stands out during the holidays. Homemade Bread Pudding bakes up soft and custardy, spreading warmth from oven to table. Each scoop makes a good breakfast the next day. Guests compliment the flavor and ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Mixing classic desserts makes for a busy kitchen and happy guests. Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake fills the space with hints of baked apples and rich cream. This dessert is simple to slice and serve. Leftovers rarely make it past the first evening.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing. — Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fluffy dough and cinnamon waft through the house while trays cool by the window. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls cut up neatly for easy serving at breakfast or brunch. These rolls taste best fresh, so plan them close to mealtime. The aroma brings everyone to the table early.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Lemon Pie

Tart desserts offer a pleasant twist to sweet traditions. Lemon Pie smells light and fresh from the oven and stands out on packed tables. Each slice gives a burst of flavor popular with guests of all ages. You might need to double the batch to keep up with requests.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background. — Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bars are easy to slice up for big family get-togethers. Key Lime Bars have a fresh, tangy finish that clears the palate after a big meal. Everyone sneaks one before heading out the door. You can never make too many.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate. — Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining two classics brings a welcome change to holiday dinners. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie has a comforting cinnamon and fruit scent that grabs attention fast. There’s always a line for a warm slice. Expect empty plates every time this is served.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh cookies coming out of the oven make everyone stop and take notice. Marry Me Cookies blend chocolate, nuts, and a chewy finish for a batch that disappears quickly. People go back for more until the plate is empty. These become a family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Cookies

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface. — Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mix-and-bake desserts are a lifesaver for busy holiday planners. Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake carries warm, spiced scents and an inviting crumb. Slices hold up well for leftovers. People keep coming back for another piece during the evening.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out, topped with cream and pumpkin seeds. — Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Switching up pumpkin treats puts a spin on classic muffin trays. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins bake up tender and fluffy, with a sweet aroma curling out of the oven. Each bite offers comfort during busy mornings. Friends always hope there are extras to share.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Mississippi Mud Pie

Deep flavors work well for chilly nights and long dinners. Mississippi Mud Pie pulls everyone in with a strong chocolate scent and sticky layers. Thick pieces go fast at dessert. You might not see a leftover slice once guests get started.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Pumpkin baking brings a sense of warmth when the temperatures drop. Pumpkin Spiced Muffins fill trays quickly and carry a gentle aroma all through the afternoon. Muffins are easy to keep handy for snacking. Guests always eat the last one with no regrets.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served. — Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic candies in pie form make dessert time more interesting. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie builds a rich scent and creamy finish as it cools. Sharing is easy since slices stay firm. People continue to talk about this pie long after the celebration ends.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background. — Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate fans always look for something special after dinner. Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake offers a sweet and salty aroma that’s hard to resist. The dense crumb never fails to impress. Guests ask for another piece when dessert plates arrive.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Lemon Cookies

Light and tangy treats add brightness to the dessert table. Lemon Cookies fill the room with a fresh baking smell and soft crumb. Small enough for snacking, these cookies get passed around before anyone starts on pie. Friends keep reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Dinner Rolls

Fresh bread belongs at every holiday meal for a reason. Dinner Rolls bake up fluffy and send a warm aroma across the table. It’s easy to eat a whole basket with soups or stews. These rolls vanish quicker than most side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Chocolate Pie

Sometimes one classic is all you need on Thanksgiving. Chocolate Pie builds a rich, comforting scent as it bakes. Each slice is easy to top with whipped cream or serve plain. Chocolate lovers have their forks ready before anyone announces dessert time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel on top. — Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baking with pumpkin is extra fun when there’s a sweet swirl on top. Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake fills the air with a buttery and spiced smell. Pieces cut out neatly and hold up for leftovers. This cake does not hang around after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Fried Banana

Quick sweets can work for the holiday menu too. Fried Banana sends out a light, fruity scent when it hits the pan. Each piece tastes best fresh and disappears right away. The dish is perfect for sharing without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Close-up of five bright orange physalis fruits placed on a chocolate pumpkin patch brownie surface, garnished with fresh green mint leaves. — Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mixing fudge and pumpkin works for both classic and new desserts. Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake smells bold and sweet with every slice. Kids love grabbing pieces as soon as they cool. The leftovers always disappear by breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Garlic Knots

Bread with a twist adds fun to the baking lineup. Garlic Knots are easy to pull apart and pair well with hearty holiday dinners. They disappear from the basket as soon as they hit the table. Extra batches are always a good plan.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Buckeye Brownies

Several squares of chocolate cake with a layer of peanut butter filling and a chocolate topping are arranged on brown parchment paper. — Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining chocolate with nut flavor makes a popular treat at any gathering. Buckeye Brownies fill the house with a cozy aroma and create thick squares for snacking. Trays don’t stay full for long after serving. Everyone stays near the treat table until they run out.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Mango Ice Cream

Chilled dessert can switch up the menu after heavy dinners. Mango Ice Cream doesn’t need baking but brings a sweet, fruity scent to holiday spreads. Each scoop goes well with pies or cakes. People often come back for extras after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Mango Ice Cream

Apple Pie

Familiar scents from baking always signal special occasions. Apple Pie brings a classic aroma, flaky crust, and sweet filling to every meal. It’s usually one of the first desserts to disappear. No leftovers means the recipe worked just right.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper. — Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fun spins on classic bars can liven up the dessert selection. Banana Pudding Brownies bake soft with a gentle fruit smell. Each square stacks up for easy serving at gatherings. People ask if there’s a second pan once these are finished.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies

German Chocolate Cake

Layers and a sweet topping always draw a crowd for dessert. German Chocolate Cake sends out a warm, nutty smell and a chocolaty finish during baking. Slices hold up for seconds and late-night snacking. This cake stays popular every holiday.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake