Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! This Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) is my go-to recipe when the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with rich chocolate chips creates a delightful balance that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because it’s a Tuesday, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this cookie special is its soft and chewy texture—everything you want in a comforting dessert. Plus, they are easy to whip up and taste even better when shared with loved ones. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, especially when they’re spiced just right for fall.
• Flexible serving sizes: You can roll them into different sizes—perfect for everyone’s preferences!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for an easy treat whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful treat!

For the Cookies

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal taste preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Try different chocolates: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Incorporate dried fruits: Add raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden-brown exterior we all adore.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cold butter, dark brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy—about four minutes. This step is crucial because it adds air into the dough, giving your cookies their delightful texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the molasses and egg. Mix everything together for another minute until well combined. The molasses not only adds sweetness but also infuses your cookies with that warm autumn flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and chocolate chips. Mixing dry ingredients carefully helps maintain the fluffiness of your dough while ensuring every bite is filled with lovely spice.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls—around 4-ounce each—and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using light-colored baking sheets will help prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven! Bake for 8-10 minutes until they’re slightly underdone; they will continue cooking as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly while remaining chewy inside!

And there you have it! A batch of warm and inviting Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies just waiting to be enjoyed. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

Baking is all about the little details, and these pro tips will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that wonderfully chewy texture. It keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they stay thick and soft.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• Chill the dough if possible: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and improves the overall texture of your cookies.
• Bake in batches: Baking one tray at a time ensures even cooking. If you’re using multiple trays, they may cook unevenly due to variations in oven temperature.
• Experiment with chocolate chips: Feel free to mix different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts for an extra crunch! This allows you to customize your cookies to your personal taste.

How to Serve Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

These spiced cookies are not only delicious on their own but also perfect for serving up in various delightful ways.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the spiced flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon on top enhances the autumnal flavor profile and makes them look inviting.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: The warm spices in this popular fall drink perfectly complement your cookies, creating a cozy pairing that’s hard to resist.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm cookie creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—pure bliss!
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: The crispness of fresh apple slices dipped in caramel provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of your cookies.
• Chai Tea: With its aromatic spices, chai tea is an excellent choice that echoes the spices used in your cookies, making for a harmonious dessert experience.

Enjoy sharing these delicious Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies with friends and family, or savor them all by yourself—you deserve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy warm, gooey cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For extra freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies.

Can I make the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) without molasses?

Yes! You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile, although it may alter the taste slightly.

How do I know when my Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) is done?

The cookies should be slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook while cooling on the baking sheet.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this cookie recipe?

Absolutely! You can decrease either type of sugar to suit your taste preferences. However, reducing too much sugar might affect the texture.

What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?

You can use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies! Their comforting spices and rich chocolate make them truly special for any autumn gathering—or just because! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family, or savor them all by yourself. Happy baking!