Sweet Simplicity: 7 Cozy Fall Cookie Recipes to Bake This Season
Here at Lena Layne, fall isn’t just about cozy cardigans, warm scarves, and layers of effortless modest fashion (though we love that too). It’s also about comfort in all its forms—and nothing says fall comfort quite like the smell of cookies baking in the oven.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, your kitchen can become a haven of warmth and sweetness. Whether you're baking for your family, hosting a fall get-together, or just want something delicious to pair with your chai latte, we’ve curated a collection of 7 cozy fall cookie recipes that are as heartwarming as your favorite Lena Layne sweater.
And because Lena Layne is all about inclusivity, these recipes include variations for gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based preferences—so everyone can enjoy a little something sweet this season.
1. Maple Glazed Brown Butter Cookies
Flavor Profile: Nutty, sweet, and warmly spiced.
Why We Love It: Brown butter brings a rich, toasty depth, and the maple glaze is the perfect nod to fall’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, browned
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1 cup brown sugar
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2 eggs
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2 ½ cups flour
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp baking soda
Maple Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 tbsp pure maple syrup
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1–2 tbsp milk
Inclusive Option: Use dairy-free butter and almond milk for a plant-based version.
2. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Flavor Profile: Soft, cinnamon-coated, and lightly pumpkin-spiced.
Why We Love It: This cookie is like the classic snickerdoodle’s cozier, autumn-loving cousin.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
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½ cup butter
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1 cup sugar
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2 cups flour
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1 tsp cream of tartar
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½ tsp baking soda
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2 tsp cinnamon
Roll In:
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¼ cup sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
Inclusive Option: Sub in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter for dietary needs.
3. Apple Cider Sugar Cookies
Flavor Profile: Tart, sweet, and citrusy with a hint of warm spice.
Why We Love It: Fresh apple cider adds depth to the flavor and pairs beautifully with fall spices.
Ingredients:
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½ cup butter
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¾ cup sugar
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1 egg
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¼ cup apple cider
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2 cups flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp clove
Topping: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a crispy, sweet crust.
Inclusive Option: Use oat flour for a soft, gluten-free option and coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
4. Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies
Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, nutty, and indulgent.
Why We Love It: The toasted pecans and gooey caramel are a match made in fall dessert heaven.
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter
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1 ½ cups brown sugar
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2 eggs
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2 ¾ cups flour
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
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½ cup caramel bits or soft caramel pieces
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Sea salt flakes for topping
Inclusive Option: Use dairy-free caramels and vegan butter for a plant-based variation.
5. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Flavor Profile: Rich, spiced, and perfectly chewy.
Why We Love It: These classic cookies are deeply flavored with molasses and ginger—ideal for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
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¾ cup unsulfured molasses
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1 cup brown sugar
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¾ cup butter
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2 eggs
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2 ½ cups flour
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2 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground ginger
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp cloves
Topping: Roll in coarse sugar before baking for that signature crinkle.
Inclusive Option: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs to make them egg-free.
6. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Flavor Profile: Bright, tart, and chewy with a citrusy twist.
Why We Love It: Dried cranberries and orange zest bring a refreshing, zippy flavor that contrasts beautifully with hearty oats.
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter
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1 cup sugar
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2 eggs
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1 ½ cups flour
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2 cups old-fashioned oats
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Zest of 1 large orange
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1 cup dried cranberries
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½ tsp cinnamon
Inclusive Option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make them accessible for all.
7. Chai Spice Shortbread Cookies
Flavor Profile: Buttery, subtly spiced, and not too sweet.
Why We Love It: Inspired by your favorite chai latte, these cookies are perfect for dipping into tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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2 cups flour
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp cardamom
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¼ tsp cloves
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp nutmeg
Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with brewed chai for a thin glaze to drizzle over the top.
Inclusive Option: Vegan butter works wonderfully here—just chill dough a bit longer before baking.
Tips for Hosting a Fall Cookie Swap (Lena Layne Style)
If you're looking for a reason to gather your favorite people this season, why not host a fall-themed cookie swap? Here's how to do it the Lena Layne way:
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Dress Code: Invite your guests to wear cozy knits, neutral tones, and fall layers. (Bonus points for Lena Layne pieces!)
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Setup: Use rustic wooden trays, candles, plaid napkins, and mini pumpkins for a festive feel.
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Serve With: Hot cider, herbal tea, or a big pot of pumpkin spice latte.
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Inclusive Reminder: Encourage guests to bring recipes that are allergy-conscious or inclusive of different dietary needs.
At Lena Layne, Comfort Is a Lifestyle
Whether it’s through the way you dress or the treats you share, comfort and confidence go hand in hand. At Lena Layne, we know modesty doesn’t mean sacrificing style, just like inclusive baking doesn’t mean compromising on flavor.
As you settle into this beautiful season, we hope you find joy not just in warm sweaters and crisp air, but also in the simple act of baking something sweet. These fall cookie recipes are meant to be shared, savored, and made your own—just like the values we celebrate every day in our boutique.
Which cookie are you baking first? Tag us on Instagram @shoplenalayne and show us your sweet creations (bonus if you’re wearing Lena Layne while baking).
Stay cozy, stay kind, and as always—stay you.
🍂 With love,
The Lena Layne Team
