I've been baking up a storm the last few weeks and found some keeper recipes. Baking is not just a way to homemade desserts but it is also an act of creating, where the result is much greater than the sum of its parts. Plus, the whole house is filled with the scents and spices of fall! Whether you're in a pinch for your Thanksgiving festivities or have leftover apples or pumpkins after the holiday, check these out. I've tested and tried them for you!

1) Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Like a pumpkin version of snickerdoodles, these cookies are a perfect way to use up extra canned pumpkin. They are perfectly soft with the right amount of spice and sugar. Make sure to bake them until the edges are browned, otherwise they will be mushy inside.

2) Pumpkin Loaf

This bread is so flavorful! Although the recipe is gluten-free (and works great that way), any flour can be used. I also tried mini-loaves for a reduced time of about 30-35 minutes.

3) Apple Cinnamon Bread

THIS! A family favorite for sure. Picture these layers: dough, then fresh apples and cinnamon; then more dough, and a crumbly topping of more apples and cinnamon. The inside gets so gooey and delicious.

4) Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Use extra cut-up apples for a healthier-tasting treat. This may be a nice refresher after Thanksgiving.

5) Cinnamon Snap Cookies

Mmm... these are great with tea. I cut the dough into rectangular strips for the perfect dunking shape. They are like ginger snaps but with cinnamon flavor instead. And something about dissolving the baking soda in water gives the edge of these cookies a crisp snappiness.

6) Rice Krispie Pumpkins

Aren't these cute? They are so easy too, just a few squirts of food coloring and additional candy toppings! Make sure to coat your hands with oil when forming the balls; otherwise, you will have Rice Krispies stuck all over your fingers. I guess that is not such a bad thing if you get to eat those bits!