Soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm aromas of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie is the ultimate seasonal indulgence. With rich dark brown sugar, a touch of molasses, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chunks, these cookies bring together the comfort of autumn spices with the decadence of classic chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend baking, or cozy nights in, this recipe captures the heart of fall in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why These Cookies Are a Fall Favorite
What makes the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie irresistible is its unique balance of flavors and textures. The deep sweetness from molasses blends beautifully with the robust spices, while cornstarch ensures a soft, chewy bite that stays fresh for days. Unlike typical pumpkin desserts, this cookie offers a spiced profile without overpowering the chocolate, making it a refreshing change from other fall treats.
Ingredients for the Perfect Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie
- Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Molasses: Infuses a rich, earthy sweetness and chewy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly while staying thick.
- Cornstarch: Keeps cookies soft and thick.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon: Warm spice that’s the backbone of the fall flavor profile.
- Ground Ginger: Brings a subtle heat and depth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds aromatic sweetness.
- Ground Cloves: Lends a bold, spicy kick.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The melty chocolate element that complements the spices.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Brown Sugar: Swap dark brown for light brown sugar for a milder molasses flavor.
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate: Opt for milk chocolate for a sweeter bite or bittersweet chocolate for a richer taste.
- Spices: Reduce spice amounts for a subtler flavor or increase for a bolder, warming cookie.
How to Make Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Use cold butter cut into small cubes. Beat butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in molasses and egg, beating for an additional minute.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
- Add Chocolate: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks.
- Shape Dough: Form into balls weighing 4–6 ounces each. Adjust baking time according to size—larger cookies need 1–2 extra minutes.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, removing while slightly underdone for a soft center.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before transferring.

Tips for Baking Success
- Use Cold Butter: Keeps cookies thick and prevents overspreading.
- Weigh Dough Balls: Ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should appear slightly underdone when removed; they’ll firm up while cooling.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or chopped premium bars enhance flavor.
- Adjust Spices: Tailor the warmth to your preference.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
- Hot Beverages: Pair with chai latte, spiced cider, or hot chocolate.
- Holiday Platters: Combine with shortbread, gingerbread, or snickerdoodles.
- Dessert Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fall ice cream sandwich.
- Drizzle: Add a light caramel or white chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
Seasonal Twist and Storage
These cookies capture the essence of fall without pumpkin, making them perfect for those who want autumn flavor without the usual seasonal suspects. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked fresh as needed.
Conclusion
The Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, comforting hug in cookie form. With its perfect blend of aromatic spices, rich molasses sweetness, and indulgent pools of chocolate, it delivers both nostalgia and novelty in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, treating yourself on a cozy evening, or stocking the cookie jar for the week, this recipe guarantees soft, chewy, and flavorful results every time. Once you taste it, it might just become your go-to fall baking tradition.
FAQs About Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies
1. Can I make the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking, which can even deepen the flavors. For longer storage, freeze pre-portioned dough balls in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
2. How do I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
If you prefer a milder spice profile, reduce the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves by half. For a stronger, more festive flavor, slightly increase the spices but be mindful—cloves can quickly overpower the cookie.
3. What’s the best type of chocolate to use in this cookie?
Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal because it balances the sweetness of the dough and enhances the spice notes. For a more intense flavor, use bittersweet chocolate. If you want a sweeter cookie, opt for milk chocolate chips or chunks.
4. How can I keep these cookies soft for days?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or an apple wedge inside. The added moisture will help maintain their chewy texture for up to 4 days.
More Relevant Recipes
- Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the rich indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a comforting treat that shares the cozy, spiced essence of fall baking.
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A decadent dessert marrying the warm spice of cinnamon rolls with creamy cheesecake, perfect for anyone who loves the sweet-spiced flavor profile of autumn cookies.
- Easy Banana Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon and sweet banana filling, offering a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with the flavors found in spiced chocolate chip cookies.

Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 large cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies made with dark brown sugar, molasses, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These cookies combine warm autumn spices with rich semi-sweet chocolate chunks for the perfect seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 12 Tablespoons Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (may substitute light)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 2 Tablespoons Molasses
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (1/4 tsp if using salted butter)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Ground Ginger (may reduce to 1 tsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (may reduce to 1/4 tsp)
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold cubed butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses and egg, mixing for 1 minute longer until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Form dough into 4–6 ounce balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, removing when slightly underdone for a soft center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Using cold butter keeps cookies thick and chewy.
- Weighing dough balls ensures even baking.
- For less intense spice, reduce cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Semi-sweet chocolate works best for balancing sweetness with spice.
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep cookies soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 574
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 469mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 69mg