20 Cozy Fall Cookies to Sweeten the Season

As the leaves turn gold and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect time to bake up some cozy fall cookies that capture the essence of autumn. From classic cinnamon and spice flavors to modern twists on seasonal favorites, these 20 Pinterest-inspired recipes will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies will surely impress.

1. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (for coating)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix the egg, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for coating. Shape the dough into balls, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Let cool before serving.

2. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add orange zest, cranberries, vanilla extract, and orange juice, and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
4. Form the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

3. Maple Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before enjoying.

4. Apple Cider Sugar Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Extra sugar for rolling

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix the egg, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let cool before serving.

5. Chai Spice Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Let cool before serving.

6. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (for filling)
• 2 tbsp cinnamon (for filling)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1 tbsp milk (for icing)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Brush melted butter on the dough and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
6. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool.
7. Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to make the icing, and drizzle over the cookies before serving.

7. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

8. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• Extra sugar for rolling

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into balls and coat each in sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers are soft. Let cool before serving.

9. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
5. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Let cool before serving.

10. Caramel Apple Thumbprint Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 10 caramel candies, melted

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a well.
6. Fill each well with a spoonful of apple butter. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
7. Drizzle the melted caramel over the cooled cookies before serving.

11. Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let cool before serving.

12. Spiced Maple Sugar Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten the tops with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cool before serving.

13. Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cool before serving.

14. Hazelnut Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (for filling)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms, then fold in the ground hazelnuts.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Let cool completely.
7. Once cooled, spread chocolate hazelnut spread between two cookies to make a sandwich.

15. Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup grated apple
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the grated apple, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Let cool before serving.

16. Pecan Pie Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into balls and place on the baking sheet.
5. In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
6. Create an indentation in the center of each dough ball and fill it with the pecan mixture.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Let cool before serving.

17. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cool completely.
7. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies before serving.

18. Spiced Chai Tea Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 chai tea bags (contents only)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and the contents of the chai tea bags.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm. Let cool before serving.

19. Honey Ginger Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Let cool before serving.

20. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and orange zest until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
5. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cool before serving.

Conclusion

As the leaves turn golden and the crisp fall air settles in, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy season than with these 20 delectable cookie recipes. Whether you’re a fan of warm pumpkin spices, rich maple flavors, or the comforting combination of cinnamon and chocolate, each cookie brings a bite of autumn’s essence to your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a quiet evening by the fire, these cookies will sweeten your season and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let these cozy creations become your go-to treats this autumn!

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