10 Scented Candles That’ll Make Your Home Smell Like You Spent Hours Baking

published Oct 22, 2021
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

The bonus part of cooking a delicious meal or baking something sweet in the oven is the inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. We’re talking about the scent of herbs in a pot of sauce simmering away on the stove or a piping-hot apple pie, pulled straight from the oven. That’s why we’ve rounded up some amazing food-inspired kitchen candle gifts that are perfect for any home cook this holiday season.

These kitchen candles will fill their space with scents they’re familiar with, like an apple tart from Grandma’s kitchen or a stack of buttery pancakes with maple syrup on a Sunday morning. Or, how about the fresh fragrance of tomatoes growing on the vine? Ahead, you’ll find plenty of picks that will be fitting for a wide range of candle preferences, whether your recipient loves sweet, spicy, or woodsy scents. We also included a few editor-favorite brands in the mix, like Otherland, Homesick, and Sicily Hill. Plus, candles are easy stocking stuffers or small gifts to buy for your favorite food-loving friend. Don’t forget to snag one or two of these culinary candles for your own kitchen!

1 / 10
Otherland
$36.00

After a scent that’s sweet, spicy, and smoky? Otherland's Spice It Up candle really does it all by including notes of hickory wood, pink peppercorn, and brown sugar. It’s part of their Homestead Collection which focuses on all things — you guessed it — home! It’s ideal for lighting and curling up with a warm drink on a brisk night.

2 / 10
Amazon
$21.99
was $38.00

What’s more soothing than memories of being in your grandmother’s kitchen? This candle from editor-favorite brand Homesick captures the feeling with notes of apple, butter, clove, and vanilla. Give it to someone who will appreciate recalling warm apple pies baked by Grandma — it'll be such a special gift!

3 / 10
Sicily Hill
$39.00

There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than by toasting with something bubbly. Capture that elated feeling with this champagne candle from Sicily Hill that’s both parts sophisticated and inviting. It has a soy base and features floral notes in addition to champagne. They have other scents like Berry Spritzer and Cappuccino, the latter of which a Kitchn editor said smelled exactly of espresso and caramel.

4 / 10
Otherland
$40.00

With hints of cardamom and praline, this candle has a sweet, nutty undertone perfect to light during the cold winter months. The Otherland line it comes from is inspired by autumnal countryside weekends in New England, so you know it’s going to be cozy! And honestly, what sounds more comforting than warm milk?

5 / 10
Stonewall Kitchen
$13.95

This herb-infused scent from Stonewall Kitchen is great for a candle that will neutralize your kitchen after cooking dinner while still giving off a lovely smell. Using basil, thyme, and lavender essential oils, this all-soy candle is subtle enough for any-time use. Gift it to the home cook who appreciates simple flavors.

6 / 10
Etsy
$14.00

Any breakfast lover needs this syrupy-sweet candle! Several reviewers said that it smells just like pancakes and maple syrup, which sounds pretty dreamy if you ask us. It also has aromas of spices and vanilla that will blend perfectly together. Plus, each candle is sustainably made with reusable glass jars, natural cotton wicks, and vegan soy wax.

7 / 10
Nordstrom
$16.80
was $28.00

While there are tons of Nordstrom candles to choose from, one top brand to look out for is Brooklyn Candle Studio. Your friend with a passion for backyard gardening will appreciate this pick that's inspired by tomatoes growing on the vine. It’ll remind them of their summer harvest because the candle features fresh tomato leaf with notes of thyme and basil.

8 / 10
Anthropologie
$22.00

For a light, airy dessert, it’s a no-brainer to turn to a classic angel food cake. Well, this angel food candle is no different: It lets off a blended aroma of vanilla, butter, and caramel for a scent that’s just the right amount of sweet. Plus, the jar it comes in is so chic that it can easily be displayed even after the candle has burned out.

9 / 10
Sur La Table
$20.00

Not only does this White Peppercorn candle feature bold aromas of spiced orange, cardamom, and pink peppercorn, but it also has earthy hints of cypress and evergreen. It’s a great gift for someone who’s a little bit daring when it comes to flavor and therefore adventurous with their candles!

10 / 10
Nordstrom
$68.00
was $80.00

This fruit-forward candle is sure to become an instant favorite to light at night after dinner. Inspired by pomegranates, raspberries, and plums, it has a rich scent with hints of casablanca lily and guaiacwood. It's a splurge-worthy gift for someone who deserves a luxurious candle to light when they want to wind down.