14 Fall Cookie Recipes That Will Make Your Kitchen Smell Amazing

Classic Snickerdoodles

Little can compare to the smell of a kitchen overflowing with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, especially if they’re warmly spiced. Just like mom made early and often every autumn, these moist, pillowy, and sweet snickerdoodles are like a dessert and air freshener all in one. Vanilla and a cinnamon-sugar coating drive home the fall cookie vibes.

Cinnamon-Walnut Cracker Bars

We’ve taken what is sometimes called “cracker toffee candy” or “Christmas crack” and pumped it up to bar cookie size. And although you might be more familiar seeing this on holiday cookie platters, we think they’re especially appropriate as a fall cookie option since they feature cinnamon and caramel—two flavors we associate with the season. Plus, since these are a no-bake option, they’re a brilliant choice for early autumn when we’re often treated to several of those lingering summer-like, steamy days.

Pecan Tassies

One BHG superfan says, “I’ve been making this same recipe for more than 40 years. It’s a Christmas tradition, but delicious anytime you want to make it. One of my favorites!”

You’re less than one hour away from tasting why this has become an heirloom recipe for many families. Since the easy pecan pie-style tassies call for just seven ingredients—including seasonal brown sugar and pecans—they’re oven-ready in just 30 minutes. The bite-sized mini muffin tin format means that these fall cookies bake quickly as well.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Feeding a crowd or in need of a bake sale-sized batch of fall cookies? Try this aptly named dessert, which is ultra-moist and practically melts in your mouth thanks to a full can of pumpkin. Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla crank up the autumnal flair.

Don’t just take our word for it that you should try them. “I made these last year for my kids’ elementary school fall festivals,” one BHG reader says. “I had teachers at both schools ask me for the recipe, and this year, I’ve had several people beg me to make them again (which, a year later, means they were definitely memorable). They really are delicious.”

Test Kitchen Tip: If you don’t need 60 servings, try our “giant” modification, which yields 26 larger cookies.

Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

We’ve landed at the one, the only, the classic: oatmeal-raisin! According to our Test Kitchen experts, this is quite possibly fall’s favorite cookie (well, our fans’ top pick for the seasonal cookie).

One bite practically transports us back to those first few weeks of school being back in session. With hearty oats, molasses-tinged brown sugar, cozy cinnamon, floral vanilla, and chewy, sweet raisins, bonus mix-ins or “upgrades” need not apply. This fall cookie is perfect in its unadulterated glory.

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

As a preview of coming winter comfort, wrap up your fall cookie spree with these playful cookie cups. The bite-size desserts look like little mugs of warm cocoa magic—and they taste like that, too. Tucked inside the almond-scented sugar cookie dough, you’ll be treated to a luxurious chocolate ganache that comes together simply with heavy cream and your choice of chocolate (semisweet, milk, dark; any is delicious). 

Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

These oversized cookies are filled with fudgy chocolate and peanut butter. This copycat cookie recipe makes nine jumbo cookies, making it perfect for small fall gatherings.

No-Bake Cookies

These no-bake cookies will transport you right back to childhood. Each bite is loaded with oats, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Cook the mixture on the stove and scoop into mounds before cooling on the counter.

Old-Fashioned Forgotten Cookies

These cookies have a crisp-yet-chewy texture. We’re adding pecans and chocolate chips, but you can customize this fall cookie recipe with your favorite mix-ins. Try adding walnuts, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips.

Copycat Carrot Cake Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Cornflake Cookies