Name: Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Bliss You Can't Resist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (cold, cut into cubes); 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1/4 cup Molasses (or golden syrup); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 teaspoons Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional); 1 cup Chocolate Chips or Chunks (semi-sweet recommended)

The kitchen was alive with the scent of cinnamon, the very air humming with anticipation for this season’s favorite treat: the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie. As I pulled together dark brown sugar, molasses, and my go-to spices, it felt like the essence of autumn pouring into my mixing bowl. This recipe, inspired by the renowned Levain Bakery, delivers a comforting, chewy bite that’s a great alternative to typical pumpkin cookies. With quick prep time and that cozy, spiced flavor profile, these cookies are destined to become the star of your fall gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a delightful after-school snack or a dessert to impress your guests, you’re just minutes away from a warm, delicious experience. What’s your favorite fall baking memory?

What Makes These Cookies So Special?

Cozy Aroma: The moment you bake these cookies, your kitchen will be filled with the warm scents of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, instantly bringing a sense of autumn to your home.

Irresistibly Soft: With their crisp edges and chewy centers, these cookies are the ultimate texture treat—think of them as a cross between a traditional chocolate chip cookie and a hearty gingersnap!

Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy bakers. You can whip up a batch in under 25 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or cozy family nights.

Versatile Flavor: While spiced beautifully, these cookies also shine when paired with your favorite add-ins like caramel chips or nuts, allowing you to customize based on your cravings.

Crowd Pleasure: These cookies are guaranteed to impress at fall gatherings. Serve them alongside hot cider or cocoa for a delightful experience everyone will rave about!

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep your dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. It’s a fantastic way to always have a sweet treat on hand whenever cravings strike!

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Ingredients

For the Batter
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use cold butter cut into cubes for proper texture.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and deeper flavor; light brown sugar can be substituted if needed.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness for the perfect cookie harmony.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together, contributing to a soft texture.
• Molasses – Imparts a unique flavor and chewy texture; golden syrup can replace it if necessary.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-building ingredient for your cookies.
• Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise, creating the desired softer texture in your Fall chocolate chip spiced cookies.
• Cornstarch – Contributes to softness and chewiness, making each bite delightfully tender.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor; reduce if using salted butter.

For the Spices
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, embodying that cozy autumn feeling.
• Ground Ginger – Provides a warm, spicy flavor; reduce the amount for a milder taste.
• Ground Nutmeg – Adds a sweet, nutty note; adjust the quantity to your preference.
• Ground Cloves – Optional, for an extra depth of spice; a little goes a long way!

For the Chocolate
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks – Adds sweetness and richness; semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for the best flavor.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This temperature ensures that your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden brown color. While the oven warms, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine cold, cubed butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy, visible by its pale color and airy texture. This step is crucial for creating that tender cookie base that will melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses
Next, mix in the molasses and a large egg into your butter mixture. Beat for an additional minute, ensuring everything is well combined. The molasses adds a deep flavor while the egg acts as a binding agent, bringing together all the ingredients for your delicious Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, and your delightful spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, combining gently until no flour pockets remain. This will create the heart of your spiced cookie dough.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to add the chocolate chips or chunks. Fold them in evenly, making sure they’re well distributed throughout the dough. This adds rich sweetness and a satisfying bite to your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies, creating that iconic chocolaty goodness with every morsel.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into balls weighing between 4 to 6 ounces. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for spreading during baking. The size of the dough balls will determine the final cookie thickness, resulting in chewy centers.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should look slightly underbaked when removed, with a golden edge and soft center. This subtle underbaking will result in that signature chewy texture that makes these Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies irresistible.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving
After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up and makes transferring to a cooling rack much easier. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, achieving that perfect balance of soft and chewy that everyone loves!

What to Serve with Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

Savor the cozy essence of autumn by pairing these indulgent cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their rich, warm flavors.

Warm Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced notes of apple cider perfectly complement the cookies, creating a comforting drink to sip while you indulge.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s pure bliss.
Chai Latte: With its unique blend of spices, a steaming cup of chai latte amplifies the cozy feeling of fall and pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced cookies.
Toasty Nuts: Crunchy roasted pecans or walnuts offer a lovely textural contrast and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a touch of elegance, chocolate-dipped strawberries add a refreshing element to your dessert spread, accentuating the chocolate in the cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: This decadent drink embraces the flavors of fall, making it a luxurious companion to your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies for those chilly evenings.
Cinnamon Hot Tea: A fragrant cup of cinnamon tea adds warmth and a subtle spice that echoes the flavors in the cookies, creating a perfect tea-time treat.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your cookies for an added layer of flavor. The salt enhances sweetness, making every bite even more irresistible.

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful recipe to match your unique taste preferences or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to enjoy these cookies without dairy.
Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. The combination of nuts and chocolate provides a satisfying texture.
Caramel Twist: Replace half of the chocolate chips with caramel chips for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite. This unexpected flavor combination adds a lovely richness.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This option keeps the cookies delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: For those who adore a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. The zing pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
Pumpkin Variation: Incorporate 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree into the dough for a fall-inspired flavor enhancement. Adjust the flour slightly to maintain texture; this adds moisture and deliciousness!
Adjustable Sweetness: Experiment with 1/2 cup of brown sugar instead of dark brown for a lighter flavor. It subtly changes the sweetness while still keeping the cookies divine.
Mini Cookie Version: For bite-sized treats, divide the dough into smaller 2-ounce portions. Bake for 6-8 minutes for quick, poppable delights! These are perfect for gatherings or cookie platters.

Don’t forget to try out some of these additional tips for baking or explore other delicious cookie recipes that can complement your fall festivities!

Expert Tips for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

Use Chilled Dough: Allow cookie dough balls to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps reduce spreading and results in thicker, chewier Fall chocolate chip spiced cookies.
Measure Accurately: To ensure perfect texture, weigh your flour rather than using a measuring cup. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies!
Uniform Size: For even baking, scoop your dough into balls of the same size—about 4 to 6 ounces. This means all cookies bake evenly.
Underbake for Chewyness: Remember, the cookies will continue to bake on the sheet after removing them from the oven. Pull them out when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
Quality Chocolate: Invest in high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli for the best flavor. The chocolate should be a star in your Fall chocolate chip spiced cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their chewy texture.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place cookies in the fridge, where they can last up to 1 week. Ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: To preserve your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, restoring their delectable softness and warmth.

Make Ahead Options

These Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent excess spreading. If you’re looking to extend your prep time, roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. This way, you’ll always have a warm, spiced treat at your fingertips!

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select fresh spices for these cookies?
I recommend choosing whole spices and grinding them as needed for the freshest flavor. Look for spices with vibrant color and a strong aroma. If using pre-ground spices, try to ensure they haven’t been in your pantry for too long—ideally no more than 6 months—especially for time-sensitive seasonal recipes like these Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies!

How should I store my cookies and how long will they last?
Proper storage is key! Once cooled, you can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For even longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! Baking can be convenient with a bit of planning. You can freeze the cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To do this, roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet for a quick freeze until firm, then transfer to a container. When ready to bake, just pop them directly from the freezer into the oven, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

What are some common troubleshooting tips for these cookies?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to keep them thick. Alternatively, if they’re turning out too dry, ensure you’re accurately measuring your flour. One packed cup too many could lead to drier cookies! For that perfect chewy texture, be sure to underbake slightly, as they continue to firm up on the baking sheet.

Are the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free and perfect for nut allergy concerns. However, always double-check your chocolate chip packaging as some brands may process in facilities that handle nuts. If you’re serving guests, it’s a good practice to inform them of the ingredients used.

What can I do if I don’t have molasses on hand?
If you’re in a pinch and lack molasses, you can substitute an equal amount of golden syrup or honey. The flavor profile might slightly alter—golden syrup being the closest match in taste and texture. Just remember, caramel flavors will be more prominent with these alternatives, but they will still yield a delightful cookie experience!