Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

Soft, chewy Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are the ideal treat for all your autumn gatherings. With the perfect balance of dark brown sugar, molasses, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, these cookies capture the essence of the season. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make, making them suitable for any occasion—from cozy family nights to festive holiday parties. The addition of chocolate chips elevates them to a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that screams autumn.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them as dessert after dinner or enjoy them with coffee or tea for a midday snack.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies bake to a soft and chewy consistency that makes every bite enjoyable.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or mix-ins based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve that light and fluffy texture by easily beating butter and sugars together.
• Baking sheet: Using a quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, allowing you to focus on enjoying your cookies.

Ingredients

Soft, chewy Fall cookie with dark brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and chocolate chips for the perfect Autumn cookie. This is the perfect Fall spiced chocolate chip cookie recipe!

For the Cookie Dough

• 12 Tablespoons Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (may substitute light)
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 2 Tablespoons Molasses
• 2 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (1/4 tsp if using salted butter)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (may reduce to 1 teaspoon)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (may reduce to 1/4 teaspoon)
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips or Chunks

How to Make Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the cold butter cubes, dark brown sugar, and regular sugar using an electric mixer.
2. Continue mixing for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses

Add in:
1. The large egg.
2. The molasses.
3. Mix for an additional minute until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in:
1. The flour.
2. Baking soda.
3. Cornstarch.
4. Salt.
5. Cinnamon.
6. Ground ginger.
7. Ground nutmeg.
8. Ground cloves (if using).
9. And finally, the chocolate chips or chunks.

Make sure everything is well combined but do not overmix.

Step 5: Form Cookies

Roll the dough into balls:
– You can make them around 4 ounces, 5 ounces, or even 6 ounces in size based on your preference.
Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet ensuring enough space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in preheated oven:
– For about 8-10 minutes until they are just set but still slightly underdone in the center.
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies!

How to Serve Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

Serving your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies can elevate the experience and make them even more delightful. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these warm, spiced treats.

With a Cup of Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate: Pair your cookies with rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea complement the flavors in the cookies perfectly.
• Coffee: A bold cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

As Dessert with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing enhances the cookie’s flavor while adding creaminess.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: This unique flavor brings out the spices in your cookies beautifully.

On a Festive Platter

• Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a large platter with seasonal decorations for a festive look.
• Gift Bags: Package them in decorative bags for gifts during autumn gatherings or holidays.

How to Perfect Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

To ensure your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are soft and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more robust flavors compared to older ones.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use a spoon to aerate flour before scooping to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when they are slightly underdone for chewy centers; they will continue baking on the tray.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Add nuts or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These muffins echo fall flavors and create a comforting dessert spread.
2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds fruity sweetness that pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over cookies or serve alongside for dipping; it adds an indulgent touch.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake bites offer a creamy contrast to your spiced treats.
5. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring nutty sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
• Using Warm Butter – Warm butter can affect cookie consistency. Always use cold, cubed butter for optimal results.
• Skipping the Chill Time – Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature – An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Improper measurements can change the outcome. Use kitchen scales or proper measuring cups for accuracy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft bite.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie?

You can easily add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips according to your taste preference.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

You can substitute light brown sugar or granulated sugar if necessary, although it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

These Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are not only delicious but also highly customizable. With their warm spices and rich flavors, they make an ideal treat for any autumn gathering. Don’t hesitate to try different mix-ins or toppings!

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