21 Best Fall Cookie Recipes to Sweeten Your Autumn Days

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up in the kitchen and whip up some delicious baked goods. There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house as the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp.

Whether you're hosting a harvest party, looking for after-school treats, or simply craving something sweet, my list of the "21 Best Fall Cookie Recipes to Sweeten Your Autumn Days" will have you covered. From pumpkin spice favorites to classic oatmeal and everything in between, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and love into your home. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake up some autumn joy!

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookies

A perfect fall classic that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges.
7. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Apple Caramel Cookies

These chewy cookies bring together the classic flavors of apple and caramel.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1 cup caramel bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until well blended.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
4. Fold in diced apple and caramel bits.
5. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are golden.
7. Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. Maple Pecan Cookies

Sweet and nutty, these cookies are perfect for a cozy autumn day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

4. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

All the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a delicious, portable cookie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
5. On a floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
6. Roll dough up tightly into a log. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
7. Place rounds on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
9. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

A delightful blend of tart cranberries and hearty oats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture.
5. Stir in oats and dried cranberries.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

6. Chai Spice Cookies

Warm and spicy, these cookies are the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine all spices, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
6. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Rich, chewy cookies with a warm molasses flavor that's perfect for autumn.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

8. Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Decadent and nutty treats perfect for afternoon snacks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
4. Fold in chopped hazelnuts.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Sweet Potato Cookies

A unique fall twist on cookies, incorporating sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in mashed sweet potatoes.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

10. Pecan Pie Cookies

Mini cookie versions of everyone's favorite Thanksgiving pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour to the mixture.
4. Roll dough into small balls, and place on prepared baking sheets.
5. Flatten slightly with your thumb to create a small indentation in each.
6. Combine pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Spoon a small amount into each cookie indentation.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Let cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

11. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

Soft, chewy, and loaded with brown sugar and cinnamon flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix into the butter mixture.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

12. Butternut Squash Cookies

Enjoy the goodness of butternut squash in a delectable cookie form.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pureed butternut squash (cooked and cooled)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and pureed butternut squash.
4. Combine the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the squash mixture.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

13. Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Soft cookies with rich maple and brown sugar essence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
3. Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

14. Sweet Corn Cookies

A unique and tasty cookie featuring sweet corn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Mix in cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Fold in sweet corn kernels.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Let cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

15. Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies

An autumn twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie with warm spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

16. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

A hearty, flavorful cookie that's perfect for the fall season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 large apple, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Stir in oats and diced apple.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

17. Nutmeg Sugar Cookies

Simple, yet flavorful sugar cookies spiced with nutmeg for an autumn touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Roll dough into small balls and place onto prepared baking sheets.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

18. Caramel Apple Cookies

These cookies feature the classic flavors of caramel and apple, perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup caramel bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Fold in diced apple and caramel bits.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

19. Choco-Pumpkin Cookies

A delightful fusion of chocolate and pumpkin that's sure to be a fall favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

20. Snickerdoodle Cookies

A classic favorite with a cinnamon sugar coating that's perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Place on prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
8. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

21. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Crisp edges, soft centers, and the festive flavors of white chocolate and cranberry.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
4. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
7. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

Conclusion

Fall is all about savoring the cozy moments, and there's no better way to do that than with a batch of homemade cookies. Whether you're drawn to the classic pumpkin spice or intrigued by the unique flavors of sweet corn and butternut squash, these 21 best fall cookie recipes are sure to make your autumn days even sweeter.

Each cookie is a celebration of the season's best ingredients, bringing a little piece of the fall harvest into your home. So, gather your loved ones, brew a pot of tea or coffee, and enjoy these delightful treats as you watch the leaves change and the days grow cooler. Happy baking!