15 Delicious Fall Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try This Season

Fall is the perfect season for baking, cozy kitchens, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies.

With the holidays approaching, fall holiday cookies are a must-have for festive gatherings, gift-giving, and indulgent treats.

From spiced pumpkin cookies to caramel apple bites, these recipes celebrate autumn flavors and create memories with every batch.

They’re perfect for family baking sessions, holiday parties, or simply enjoying a warm cookie with a cup of tea.

These recipes combine classic fall spices, seasonal ingredients, and creative twists to make your holiday treats unforgettable.

15 Delicious Fall Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try This Season

Fall holiday cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season and share joy with loved ones.

From spiced, nutty, to sweet and caramel-filled treats, these cookies capture the flavors of autumn in every bite.

They’re perfect for gifting, entertaining, or savoring at home with a cozy drink.

With these recipes, your holiday cookie table will be festive, flavorful, and full of fall magic.

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

These pumpkin spice snickerdoodles are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced for fall.

Pumpkin puree adds moisture and autumn flavor, while cinnamon and nutmeg give a warm, cozy aroma.

They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays or enjoying with a cup of hot cider.

Every bite delivers a tender, sweet, and fragrant cookie that captures the essence of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in pumpkin puree and egg until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
• Combine 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Pumpkin puree gives the cookies moist, tender texture and rich fall flavor.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, sweetness, and a cozy aroma.

These snickerdoodles are soft, flavorful, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Caramel Apple Thumbprint Cookies

These caramel apple thumbprint cookies are buttery, sweet, and packed with autumn flavors.

Each cookie has a tender base, a dollop of homemade apple filling, and a drizzle of rich caramel.

They’re ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting in festive tins.

Every bite combines buttery cookie, sweet-tart apples, and smooth caramel for a delicious fall treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup apple preserves
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
• Beat in vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
• Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
• Fill each indentation with a small amount of apple preserves.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Allow to cool, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Butter provides a rich, tender base for the cookie.

Apple preserves and caramel create a sweet, fruity, and indulgent topping.

These cookies are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall celebrations.

Maple Pecan Cookies

These maple pecan cookies are soft, nutty, and infused with the rich flavor of maple syrup.

Chopped toasted pecans add crunch and texture, while the maple provides a warm, seasonal sweetness.

They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Every bite is flavorful, aromatic, and full of comforting fall notes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in egg and maple syrup until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Fold in chopped toasted pecans.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Maple syrup adds rich, autumnal sweetness and flavor.

Toasted pecans provide crunch, nuttiness, and texture.

These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for fall holiday tables.

Ginger Molasses Cookies

These ginger molasses cookies are chewy, spicy, and full of fall warmth.

Molasses and brown sugar give the cookies a rich flavor, while ginger, cinnamon, and cloves add aromatic spice.

They’re ideal for holiday cookie plates or cozy evenings with tea or coffee.

Every bite is soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced for autumn celebrations.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in egg and molasses until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Molasses adds deep, rich sweetness and soft texture.

Ginger and spices provide warmth, aroma, and cozy fall flavor.

These cookies are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for autumn holidays.

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

These cranberry white chocolate cookies are sweet, tart, and festive for fall.

Dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips create a perfect balance of flavors in a soft, buttery cookie.

They’re ideal for holiday gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or cozy autumn snacking.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and captures the essence of fall celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Cranberries add tart sweetness and autumn flavor.

White chocolate provides creamy, indulgent richness to the cookies.

These cookies are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall holiday celebrations

Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These spiced pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with autumn flavors.

Pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, seasonal aroma.

Chocolate chips add melty sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

Every bite is tender, rich, and perfect for holiday cookie platters or cozy evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Pumpkin puree provides soft, moist texture and autumnal flavor.

Chocolate chips add sweetness and richness, creating a perfect balance.

These cookies are cozy, flavorful, and ideal for fall holiday celebrations.

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

These brown butter pecan cookies are rich, nutty, and aromatic, perfect for fall.

Browning the butter adds a deep, caramel-like flavor, while toasted pecans provide crunch and nuttiness.

They’re ideal for holiday cookie trays or gifting to friends and family.

Every bite is buttery, fragrant, and indulgent, capturing the essence of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
• Let butter cool slightly, then whisk in brown and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in toasted pecans.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Brown butter provides a deep, nutty, and aromatic flavor.

Pecans add crunch, texture, and autumn richness.

These cookies are indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for holiday festivities.

Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

These caramel pecan thumbprint cookies are buttery, sweet, and nutty, perfect for fall holidays.

Each cookie has a tender base, a pecan topping, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.

They’re ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, or festive dessert trays.

Every bite delivers buttery texture, nutty crunch, and decadent caramel sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and press a small indentation in the center of each.
• Roll the edges in chopped pecans.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Allow to cool slightly and fill each indentation with caramel sauce.

Butter and sugar create a tender, flavorful cookie base.

Pecans and caramel add crunch, richness, and indulgent sweetness.

These thumbprint cookies are festive, delicious, and perfect for autumn holidays.

Chai-Spiced Sugar Cookies

These chai-spiced sugar cookies are sweet, aromatic, and perfectly spiced for fall.

Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves infuse the cookies with a warm and cozy flavor.

They’re ideal for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of hot tea.

Every bite is soft, sweet, and aromatic, celebrating autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until dough forms.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Chai spices add warmth, aroma, and a cozy fall flavor.

Butter and sugar provide a tender, sweet base for the cookies.

These cookies are soft, aromatic, and perfect for autumn holiday treats.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These white chocolate cranberry cookies are sweet, tart, and festive for fall.

Dried cranberries add tartness, while white chocolate chips provide creamy sweetness.

They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or seasonal snacking.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and captures the essence of autumn celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Cranberries provide tartness and seasonal flavor.

White chocolate adds creamy sweetness and balances the tartness.

These cookies are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall holiday celebrations

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cheesecake cookies are soft, creamy, and full of fall flavors.

Pumpkin puree and cream cheese create a tender, moist cookie base, while chocolate chips add melty sweetness.

They’re ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or cozy autumn snacking.

Every bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly captures the warmth of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Pumpkin and cream cheese provide moist, tender texture and rich flavor.

Chocolate chips add sweetness and balance for a perfect bite.

These cookies are creamy, flavorful, and ideal for fall holiday celebrations.

Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies

These spiced apple oatmeal cookies are hearty, chewy, and full of autumn warmth.

Diced apples and oats provide texture and natural sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the fall flavor.

They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays or enjoying with a cup of hot cider.

Every bite is flavorful, chewy, and perfectly spiced for cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup diced apples

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Stir in oats and diced apples.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Oats add chewiness and hearty texture.

Apples provide sweetness and natural fall flavor.

These cookies are spiced, chewy, and perfect for autumn holiday celebrations.

Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cookies

These chocolate pumpkin swirl cookies are visually stunning and deliciously soft.

Rich chocolate dough is combined with pumpkin-spiced dough to create a marbled effect.

They’re ideal for holiday cookie trays or gifting during the fall season.

Every bite is flavorful, tender, and perfectly balances chocolate and pumpkin spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• Divide dough in half. Mix cocoa powder into one half. Mix pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the other half.
• Take small portions of each dough and gently swirl together for a marbled effect.
• Drop onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly set.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Chocolate dough adds richness and indulgence.

Pumpkin dough provides soft texture and warm autumn spices.

These cookies are visually appealing, flavorful, and perfect for fall holidays.

Maple Walnut Cookies

These maple walnut cookies are tender, nutty, and infused with rich maple flavor.

Chopped walnuts provide crunch, while maple syrup adds sweetness and warmth.

They’re ideal for holiday gift boxes or cozy snacking with autumn beverages.

Every bite is aromatic, flavorful, and perfectly captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in maple syrup and egg until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Fold in chopped walnuts.
• Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Maple syrup provides warm sweetness and depth.

Walnuts add crunch, flavor, and autumn character.

These cookies are tender, nutty, and perfect for fall holiday tables.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cookies

These cinnamon sugar pumpkin cookies are soft, spiced, and coated in a sweet sugar topping.

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar provide warm fall flavors.

They’re ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or cozy fall evenings.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and perfectly captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in pumpkin puree and egg until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
• Combine 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Pumpkin adds moist, tender texture and autumn flavor.

Cinnamon-sugar coating provides sweetness, warmth, and a delightful finish.

These cookies are soft, spiced, and perfect for fall holiday celebrations.