21 Fall Cookies That Will Make You Forget About Pumpkin Spice Lattes
When the leaves start changing and that crisp fall air hits, you know it’s cookie season. Forget pumpkin spice lattes for a second (I know, bold move).
Nothing says cozy like baking up a batch of cookies that taste like autumn in every bite. And let’s be honest—cookies are way cheaper than a $7 PSL habit.
I’ve rounded up 21 fall cookies that check all the boxes: cozy, comforting, and ridiculously good.
Whether you’re into pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, or just a classic cookie with a seasonal twist, this list has your name written all over it. Ready? Let’s do this.
1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
You didn’t think I’d start without pumpkin, did you? These are soft, cakey cookies loaded with chocolate chips. The pumpkin keeps them moist, and the chocolate balances the spice. Pro tip: chill the dough so they don’t spread like pancakes.
2. Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
Take your classic snickerdoodle, add apple cider mix to the dough, and roll them in cinnamon sugar. Boom—instant fall upgrade. Ever wondered why cider makes everything taste ten times better? It’s the cozy vibes. That’s it.
3. Maple Pecan Cookies
Maple syrup in cookie form is basically fall’s gift to mankind. Add chopped pecans for crunch, and you’ve got buttery, nutty cookies that are basically the edible version of a flannel blanket.
4. Chai Spice Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies get boring fast—unless you throw in chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. They taste like a hug in cookie form. Honestly, I’d take these over plain sugar cookies any day.
5. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies bring the chew factor. The tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate balance each other perfectly. They’re basically holiday cookies that decided to show up early.
6. Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
Brown butter = magic. It makes everything rich, nutty, and extra cozy. Mix it with pumpkin puree and fall spices, and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite baker.
7. Caramel Apple Thumbprint Cookies
Yes, they’re as good as they sound. A soft cookie base filled with caramel sauce and diced apple topping. Basically, mini caramel apples but way less messy.
8. Molasses Cookies
Chewy, spicy, and dark in flavor, molasses cookies scream fall. You’ll taste ginger, cloves, and cinnamon in every bite. Pair them with tea, and you’ve officially reached peak autumn.
9. Sweet Potato Cookies
Sounds weird? Trust me—it works. Sweet potato makes the cookies super moist, and when you toss in a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg, it feels like eating pie without the pie crust hassle.
10. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
These are soft pumpkin cookies with a sweet maple glaze drizzled on top. Think of them as the cookie version of a cozy autumn brunch.
11. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Imagine your favorite cinnamon roll but in cookie form. Rolled dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a cream cheese drizzle. Warning: they disappear fast.
12. Gingerbread Cookies (Yes, Before Christmas)
Who said gingerbread is only for December? IMO, it’s totally fair game in fall. These spiced cookies cut into fun shapes make everything feel festive early.
13. Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Fancy, yes. Impossible? Nope. Fill delicate almond shells with pumpkin spice buttercream. They look bakery-worthy but taste like fall exploded in your mouth.
14. Apple Pie Cookies
Take pie crust circles, fill them with apple pie filling, and top with lattice strips. They’re mini apple pies but with cookie energy. And yes, people will think you spent hours on them.
15. Maple Bacon Cookies
Sweet meets salty. Chopped crispy bacon baked into a maple-flavored cookie dough sounds a little wild, but it works. Don’t knock it till you try it.
16. S’mores Cookies (Fall Campfire Edition)
Classic chocolate chip cookies stuffed with marshmallows and graham cracker chunks. Because who says s’mores are just for summer? Grab your sweater and pretend you’re by a firepit.
17. Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is simple, but when you load it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, it turns into the perfect fall tea-time snack. Bonus: these cookies last forever in a tin.
18. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Okay, technically more cake than cookie, but who cares? Two soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched with cream cheese frosting. They’re messy, but totally worth it.
19. Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Think Nutella in cookie form. Rich, chocolatey, and nutty with just the right amount of sweetness. Pair these with coffee and call it a day.
20. Maple Oatmeal Cookies
Warm oatmeal cookies meet maple syrup glaze. They’re chewy, hearty, and taste like breakfast in cookie form. Hey, cookies for breakfast? I’m not judging.
21. Spiced Pumpkin Biscotti
Yes, biscotti counts as cookies. These crunchy little things with pumpkin spice flavors are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. Plus, they make you look fancier than you actually are.
Tips for Making the Best Fall Cookies
Alright, you’ve got the list, but let’s talk tricks. Because what good is a recipe idea if your cookies come out like sad little hockey pucks?
- Chill your dough: This keeps cookies from spreading too much. Nobody likes cookie puddles.
- Use real spices: Fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger will blow the jarred stuff out of the water.
- Don’t overbake: Seriously, take them out while they look slightly underdone. They’ll keep baking on the sheet.
- Experiment with mix-ins: White chocolate, nuts, dried fruit—get creative. Fall is the perfect season for it.
Why Fall Cookies Hit Different
Ever wonder why cookies taste better in the fall? It’s not just the cinnamon and pumpkin. It’s the vibe. Cooler weather means more baking, more cozy nights in, and more excuses to eat cookies without guilt. Plus, your whole house smells like a bakery, and who doesn’t love that?
Final Thoughts
So there you go—21 fall cookies that deserve a spot in your baking rotation this season. From pumpkin-packed treats to maple-drenched goodness, these recipes prove that cookies are the true MVP of fall desserts.
My advice? Pick two or three from the list and make a weekend out of it. Bake, taste test, maybe share (or not—no judgment). Trust me, once you pull that first tray of warm, spiced cookies out of the oven, you’ll understand why fall baking just hits different.
Now tell me—what’s your go-to fall cookie? Because if I missed a good one, I need to know.
