Fall is a season of cozy warmth and vibrant colors, and what better way to celebrate it than with a batch of deliciously spiced fall cookies? These cookies are perfect for the autumn season, filled with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whether you’re baking for a cottage-core themed baby shower or just want to add some festive treats to your home, these fall cookies are sure to delight. With their rich, chewy texture and inviting aroma, they are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot apple cider or a warm cup of coffee on a crisp fall day.
Ingredients:
- Butter: 12 Tablespoons (cold, cut into cubes)
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (may substitute light)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Molasses: 2 Tablespoons
- Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (1/4 tsp if using salted butter)
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Ginger: 1 1/4 teaspoons (may reduce to 1 teaspoon)
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (may reduce to 1/4 teaspoon)
- Ground Cloves: 1/8 teaspoon (optional)
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: 1 1/2 cups
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold butter, dark brown sugar, and sugar for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Molasses and Egg: Add the molasses and egg to the mixture and mix for an additional minute.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Form Balls: Roll the dough into 4-ounce, 5-ounce, or 6-ounce balls.
- Bake Cookies: Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Top Tips:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a tender, chewy texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Spices: If you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor, adjust the quantities of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking.
- Freeze Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Decorate with Edible Dust: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle edible metallic dust on top of the cooled cookies for a beautiful, shimmering finish.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for an extra autumnal flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried apple chips and an additional 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for a delightful apple-cinnamon combination.
- Maple Syrup: Replace 1 tablespoon of molasses with maple syrup for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
- Walnut Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with a caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nutritional Guide:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (8 cookies) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: These cookies are rich in fiber and antioxidants from the dark brown sugar and spices. However, they are also relatively high in sugar and fat due to the butter and chocolate chips. Moderation is key when enjoying these treats. Consider using healthier alternatives like coconut sugar or reducing the amount of chocolate chips for a slightly healthier option.
