Name: Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie - Your Cozy Autumn Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (cold, cut into cubes); 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (can substitute with light brown sugar); 1 cup Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 cup Molasses; 2 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 2 tablespoons Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Salt (use less if salted butter is included); 2 teaspoons Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger (reduce to 1 tsp for a milder taste); 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (adjust based on spice preference); 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional); 2 cups Chocolate Chips or Chunks (semi-sweet recommended)

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to shimmer with hues of amber and gold, I can’t help but crave the comforting warmth of freshly baked cookies. Enter the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie—a luscious blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a truly irresistible treat. These soft and chewy cookies not only embody the essence of autumn, but they also stand as a perfect alternative to the traditional pumpkin desserts we often reach for. With an easy prep process and a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, they are a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into these delightful morsels? Get ready to indulge in a seasonal favorite that’s bound to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire! What special moments will you create while enjoying these cookies?

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Cozy Autumn Flavors: Each bite is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, inviting you to savor the essence of fall.
Soft and Chewy: The perfect balance of a crispy edge and a gooey center makes for a delightful texture.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time means you can whip these up any day you crave something sweet.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies will impress family and friends; pair them with warm drinks for an extra cozy experience. Looking for more delicious treats? Check out these Apple Brownies for another autumn-inspired delight!
Storage Friendly: You can freeze the dough, making it a breeze to bake fresh cookies anytime this season.

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use cold, cut into cubes for optimal texture.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness with a deep, caramel flavor; light brown sugar can also be a great substitute.
• Sugar – Balances sweetness and texture, working harmoniously with the other ingredients.
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent for the cookie dough, helping it hold its shape.
• Molasses – Contributes to the chewy texture and rich flavor profile, a must in these Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies!
• Flour – Provides the necessary structure to the cookies, yielding that delightful chewiness.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise, ensuring they are soft and airy.
• Cornstarch – Increases tenderness and softness in texture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; remember to use less if salted butter is included.

For the Spice Blend
• Cinnamon – Adds warm spice flavor to evoke cozy feelings of autumn.
• Ground Ginger – Infuses a sharp, zesty warmth; feel free to reduce to 1 tsp for a milder taste.
• Ground Nutmeg – Offers a sweet, nutty aroma; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Ground Cloves – Adds depth to the flavor profile; this ingredient is optional but enhances the overall spice blend.

For the Chocolatey Goodness
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks – Provides pockets of sweetness, with semi-sweet varieties recommended for that comforting chocolate flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is essential for achieving the perfect crispy edges and soft, chewy centers in your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies. While the oven preheats, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring that your cookies will come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a handheld mixer to beat the mixture for about 4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when the color lightens and the texture looks airy—this step is crucial for creating that delightful chewiness in your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add the molasses and one egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together for an additional minute until fully combined, ensuring a smooth consistency. The molasses not only contributes to the rich flavor profile of the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie but also enhances the moistness, making each bite irresistible.

Step 4: Blend the Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and ground cloves into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. You want the dough to come together while still maintaining a soft texture, which is key for these spiced cookies.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Once the dough is well combined, fold in your semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks evenly throughout. This will ensure that every bite of your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie is packed with that sweet chocolatey goodness. The balance between the warm spices and chocolate is what makes these cookies truly special.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a kitchen scale or your hands, portion the cookie dough into rounds weighing 4 ounces, 5 ounces, or even 6 ounces, depending on your desired cookie size. Place these generously-sized balls on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the cookies should look slightly underdone with a soft, glossy center, which will firm up as they cool. This is the secret to achieving that soft and chewy texture everyone loves in a Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps them set, making sure they retain their chewy texture. Once they’re slightly cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for optimal texture and flavor development, allowing your cookies to shine.

Make Ahead Options

These Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To make them even more convenient, portion the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and place the frozen cookie dough balls directly on the baking sheet—add 1-2 minutes to the baking time for the best results. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have warm, chewy cookies that are just as delicious as freshly baked, allowing you to enjoy sweet treats without the last-minute rush!

Storage Tips for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Freezer: If you want to store your cookies longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cookie Dough: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months as well! Just portion the dough into balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the original baking time for those delicious, warm Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies!

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your cookies truly your own!

Milk Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate for a creamier flavor profile that tugs at your sweet tooth.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Spicier Kick: Increase the ground ginger and add a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a lingering heat in their treats.
Ginger Snap Delight: For a firmer texture reminiscent of ginger snaps, replace half the flour with finely ground oats, adding extra chewiness.
Seasonal Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apples to introduce fruity bursts of flavor, perfect for autumn.
Gluten-Free Twist: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions while still tasting fantastic.
Chocolate Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling in chocolate fudge or a rich caramel sauce before baking, adding an indulgent layer of flavor.

If you’re in the mood for more sweet delights, you might also enjoy these scrumptious Apple Brownies or indulge in a decadent treat with this Indulge Raspberry Chocolate recipe! Happy baking!

What to Serve with Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

As autumn whispers its secrets and the air fills with spiced aromas, it’s the perfect time to elevate your cookie experience into a cozy, delightful meal.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This indulgent drink complements the spices in your cookies, creating a heavenly match that warms your soul. Imagine dipping a cookie into a rich, velvety cup of chocolate goodness—pure bliss!
Spiced Apple Cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, laced with warm spices, harmonize beautifully with the flavors of your cookies. Serve it warm for a delightful twist on tradition that invites gatherings and good conversation.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor of ice cream create a wonderful contrast to your spiced cookies. Enjoy them à la mode by placing a warm cookie atop a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
Nutty Granola Parfait: Layering granola, yogurt, and your favorite fruits adds a fresh and crunchy element to your meal. This makes for a wholesome brunch option that pairs wonderfully with cookies for a sweet ending.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: The iconic fall beverage, with its balance of espresso, pumpkin flavors, and warm spices, complements the comforting taste of your cookies. Sip and savor—a match made in autumn heaven!
Fall Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like pears, berries, and apples tossed in a light honey-lime dressing brings a refreshing bite. This brightens up the plate and adds a nutritious touch to your dessert experience.
Chai Tea: The robust flavors of chai, with its spices like cardamom and cinnamon, echo the cozy vibe of your cookies. Enjoy this aromatic tea alongside your baked treats for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Pecan Pie Bars: For a sweeter side, serve pecan pie bars that carry the same comforting vibe and delightful sweetness. Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor enhance the flavor profile of your cookies beautifully.

Expert Tips for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

Consistent Portions: Measure your cookie dough using a kitchen scale for uniform size. This ensures even baking and a consistent texture for all your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading. This keeps your cookies thick and chewy!

Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Baking Time: For the perfect soft center, remember that cookies should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!

Freezing Dough: Make a double batch and freeze half! You can enjoy fresh cookies anytime by baking directly from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted butter that is cold and cut into cubes. This helps create that rich and moist texture you want in your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies.

How should I store the baked cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help retain their delightful chewiness and flavor, ensuring they don’t dry out too quickly.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months! Simply portion the dough into balls, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can take them straight from the freezer to the oven—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time for optimal results.

What if my cookies spread too much when baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough balls for about 30 minutes before baking. This simple step can help maintain the cookie shape while they bake. Additionally, ensure that you’re using the correct amount of flour and that your butter isn’t too soft when mixing.

Can I adjust the spice levels in the recipe?
Very! Feel free to customize the spice amounts to suit your preferences. If you’d like a milder flavor, reduce the ground ginger to just 1 teaspoon or omit the cloves entirely. Baking should be fun and personal, so make it your own!

Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It’s wise to check for allergies! This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (flour), eggs, and dairy (butter). If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using an egg replacement and substituting butter with a dairy-free alternative to accommodate those needs.