(StatePoint) The holidays are all about tradition, and there’s no better way to evoke the spirit of the season in your holiday baking than by highlighting every crowd’s favorite flavor — vanilla. From vanilla flavored snaps to biscotti, you can give the classics a fresh, bold twist this year.

Vanilla doesn’t have to be boring!

“For too long, vanilla has been misunderstood as plain, taking on only a supporting role in recipes,” says Shauna Seer, author of the new cookbook “Pure Vanilla: Irresistible Recipes and Essential Techniques.” “With the right recipe, vanilla can really shine through — even in traditional holiday baking.” 

Sever contends that the way to do this is to use whole vanilla beans and full-flavored pure vanilla extract, steering clear of the imitation variety. Even chocolate lovers will be tripping over each other for seconds and thirds.

For some sweet holiday inspiration, try whipping up light and airy Vanilla Sugar Puffs using this simple recipe from Sever.