The secret ingredient should be love, not Teflon.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Christmas cookies shouldn't contain hidden chemicals. And neither should holiday pies, scones, and cakes, for that matter. But as manufacturers continue to sneak harmful chemicals into everything from cookie sheets and cupcake liners to the ingredients list itself, it's tough to know what's actually in baked holiday gifts. But here's some holiday cheer: Whether you're baking for yourself, your family, or a long list of gift-getters, you can make scrumptious seasonal treats that are free of questionable chemicals.

Here's how to detox your holiday baking routine:

Be Wary of Nonstick

Many pans, baking sheets, and cupcake trays on the market are coated with the nonstick chemical Teflon. This type of chemical has been linked to thyroid disease, ADHD, male infertility, and high cholesterol.

While it's not economical to throw out all of your nonstick kitchen supplies, we recommend replacing them with safer alternatives when you start to see nicks and scratches in the finish. Chefs like using uncoated aluminum baking sheets, pans, and trays because aluminum is prized for its even heat distribution. Acid foods can cause metal leaching, so it's best to be extra safe and cover the sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Stoneware, glass, and your grandmother's old cast-iron muffin trays are a safe choice, too, and you may be able to find Lodge brand trays at secondhand stores. (Lodge is an American cast-iron cookware company.)

To prevent sticking, bypass nonstick bakeware and use an old-fashioned trick. Before pouring in the batter or dough, dip your clean fingers in organic butter and evenly rub over the tray's surface—the warmth of your fingers will soften the butter.

For more nontoxic bakeware options, read How to Keep Questionable Chemicals Out of Your Holiday Cooking.

Consider Color

We all love a little color, especially during the winter holidays. But if you're coloring frosting or using sprinkles or other culinary decorations, be sure your food dyes are not synthetic. (Many harmful synthetic food colors are banned in Europe.) Artificial colors are in many baking and decorating products, and the petrochemical-derived colors have been linked to brain cancer, allergic reactions, and ADHD. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is pushing for a U.S. ban on the artificials colors most linked to hyperactive problems, including Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6.

To know your colors are safe, turn to Mother Nature's ingredients to give your baked goods some holiday hue: Nature's Flavors offers certified-organic flavors, extracts, syrups, and food coloring. India Tree's Nature's Colors line, available in many specialty stores, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods, features vegetable-based food dyes and sprinkles.

You can add color to plain frostings and sugar by mixing them with a few drops of natural food coloring in a bowl. Use them immediately, or in the case of the sugar, spread it out, allow it to dry, and then put it in an airtight container.