25 Best Cookies for Autumn: Harvest Treats
Cookies, beloved sweet baked treats, are often enjoyed year-round but take on a special charm in the fall. With their comforting textures and flavors, cookies evoke a sense of warmth and coziness, particularly in the autumn months.
The 25 best fall cookie recipes in this article capture the essence of the season, offering a variety of spiced, sweet, and flavorful options. Good for enjoying with a hot beverage or sharing at seasonal gatherings, these cookies celebrate the rich tastes of autumn.
Each recipe is crafted to highlight the unique flavors of fall, from cinnamon and nutmeg to pumpkin and apple, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience. Let's jump in now!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Soft pumpkin cookies bring a touch of autumn to every bite.
With a pillowy texture and a delightful spiced flavor, these cookies are a treat for all, not just pumpkin spice fans.
The cracked crust dusted with powdered sugar adds a charming finish.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin whoopie pies combine soft, chewy cookies with a fluffy filling.
These treats strike a perfect balance between cookie and cake, making forks unnecessary.
A hint of cinnamon in the cream cheese frosting, paired with crunchy pecans, adds a decadent touch.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
Peanut butter cornflake cookies check all the boxes: sweet, salty, creamy, chewy, crisp, and crunchy.
Simple to make, they become extra special with the addition of Reeses Pieces, which add the perfect pop of color for a chilly November day.
Crunchy Pecan Cookies
Crunchy pecan cookies are dangerously delicious.
The combination of chopped pecans and brown sugar dough creates a crisp, buttery texture that’s hard to resist.
While they’re perfect on their own, a dip in chocolate wouldn’t hurt.
Sweet Potato Protein Cookies
Sweet potato protein cookies are a fantastic alternative to pumpkin-based treats.
The color and texture are nearly identical, and the spices blend seamlessly.
Natural ingredients provide all the protein needed, with raisins or cranberries adding lovely texture and color.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Cinnamon roll cookies are genius.
Soft, tender cookies with a cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze create an irresistible treat.
For perfect swirls, freeze the dough log before slicing and baking while still cold.
Jif Peanut Butter Cookies
Jif peanut butter cookies might rival chocolate chip cookies in popularity.
Jif's peanut butter guarantees irresistibly rich and simple cookies.
Adding caramel or chopped nuts takes them to the next level.
Chewy Skor Toffee Bits Cookies
Chewy Skor toffee bits cookies offer a delightful change from traditional chocolate chip.
The toffee bits add sticky sweetness without melting like soft caramels.
For an extra gooey center, try stuffing the dough with soft caramels.
Pumpkin-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies may not taste like pumpkin, but their adorable shape makes up for it.
Sweet and simple, they’re perfect for any fall-themed cookie plate, bringing festive cheer to the table.
No-Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are perfect for quick, satisfying treats.
Adding Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes introduces a delightful crunch.
Following the recipe’s advice to avoid making these on rainy days ensures the best results.
Simple Vanilla Caramel Cookies
Simple vanilla caramel cookies surprise with their rich caramel flavor.
Working quickly once the flour is mixed in is crucial to maintain the dough’s workability.
These cookies are delicious on their own, though adding chocolate never hurts.
Carrot Cake Cookies
Carrot cake cookies deliver all the flavors of the beloved cake in a chewy, tender cookie.
Soaking raisins before baking ensures they’re juicy, and toasted coconut sprinkles add an extra layer of texture.
Soft Molasses Cookies
Soft molasses cookies offer a deeply flavored, chewy experience.
Brown sugar and molasses create a tender cookie with a crisp sugar-coated edge.
To prevent sticking, spray your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring the molasses.
Snickers Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
Snickers stuffed peanut butter cookies are as indulgent as they sound.
The combination of Snickers and peanut butter creates a decadent treat.
While tempting to eat all at once, they’re best enjoyed over a couple of days.
Giant Reeses Stuffed Cookie
Giant Reeses stuffed cookies grab attention and taste even better than they sound.
These cookies are best enjoyed warm, with a gooey peanut butter cup center.
Using mini-skillets or a baking dish ensures a perfect after-dinner treat.
Amish Sugar Cookies
Amish sugar cookies melt in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.
The blend of white sugar and powdered sugar creates the right amount of sweetness and a wonderful crispy edge.
Chilling the dough before baking ensures the perfect texture.
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies appeal to chocolate lovers and picky eaters alike.
Dark or milk chocolate can be used depending on your preference, and a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor.
These cookies offer a perfect indulgence.
Classic Shortbread Cookies
Classic shortbread cookies are the epitome of simplicity and elegance.
Using just three ingredients, they deliver a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Handling the dough minimally ensures the best texture, perfect for any occasion.
Cinnamon Applesauce Cookies
Cinnamon applesauce cookies achieve perfect natural sweetness and moisture.
The subtle apple flavor complements the cinnamon beautifully.
These cookies are an ideal autumn treat, balancing soft texture and warm spice.
Chocolate Icebox Cookies
Chocolate icebox cookies are perfect for those with a constant cookie craving.
Having dough ready in the freezer means fresh cookies are always within reach.
These cookies can be baked from frozen, requiring just a few extra minutes in the oven.
Gingerbread Cookie Cups with Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
Gingerbread cookie cups with pumpkin cheesecake filling are special occasion treats.
Mini-muffin pans create the cup shape, and gingerbread sprinkles add a fun touch.
Making a double batch is wise to keep everyone happy.
Turtle Cookies
Turtle cookies impress with their simple yet stunning appearance.
Caramel-filled centers and chocolate stripes make these cookies a visual and taste delight.
Pressing the dough after baking maintains the perfect shape.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies combine spiced oatmeal with chopped apples for an elevated flavor.
The fruit adds a fresh touch and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Raisins or dried cranberries can be included for added color and texture.
Cowboy Cookies
Cowboy cookies, with their chewy oats and firm structure, are a nostalgic treat.
Adding mini M&Ms brings pops of color and fun.
These cookies have a charming backstory, making them perfect for anyone who loves a good western.
Easy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Easy peanut butter cup cookies combine the classic thumbprint style with mini-Reeses.
Freezing the peanut butter cups before baking prevents melting, and chilling the dough helps maintain the cookies' shape.