40 Fall Cookie Recipes For Autumn Baking & Cookie Trays

Fall is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the smell of freshly baked cookies. From pumpkin and apple to brown butter and classic oatmeal, these fall cookie recipes are full of the cozy flavors of autumn.

You can bake just one type of fall cookie when you’re craving something sweet, or make a few different varieties to create a beautiful fall cookie tray. They’re perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving, bake sales, or sharing with family and friends.

Before we get to the delicious fall cookies, check out these simple tips for putting together a fall cookie tray that’ll impress everyone.

How to Create the Perfect Fall Cookie Tray

A fall cookie tray is all about variety. Mixing different flavors, textures, and sizes creates a dessert that’s fun to share and gives everyone something they’ll enjoy.

Include a Variety of Fall Cookie Recipes

A well-balanced fall cookie tray includes a mix of flavors so there’s something for everyone. Below are a few sample combinations using recipes from this collection, but feel free to mix and match your own favorites.

Pumpkin Lover’s Tray: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Soft Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Frosted Pumpkin Cookies
Classic Fall Flavors: Caramel Apple Cookies, Ginger Molasses Cookies, Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, Maple Pecan No-Bake Cookies
Sweet & Salty Mix: Caramel Popcorn Cookies, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies, Salted Caramel Cinnamon Thumbprints
Thanksgiving Dessert Tray: Pumpkin Pie Filled Thumbprint Cookies, Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies, Fall Leaf Sandwich Cookies, Apple Crisp Cookie Cups

Mix Different Textures

The best fall cookie platters include more than just one type of cookie. Try combining:

Soft and chewy cookies
Crisp cookies
Sandwich cookies
No-bake cookies

Use Fall Cookies in Different Sizes and Shapes

Mixing cookie sizes helps your tray look more interesting. Pair larger cookies with smaller ones, and include decorated or sandwich cookies to add variety.

Arrange the Tray

Start by placing the larger cookies around the tray, then fill in the empty spaces with smaller cookies. Stack a few cookies in small piles to add height, and spread the different varieties throughout the tray instead of keeping them grouped together.

Add a Few Autumn Touches

Finish your tray with a few seasonal accents, such as:

Mini pumpkins or gourds
Cinnamon sticks
Fresh apples or pears
Pecans or walnuts
Sprigs of rosemary for a simple garnish

Keep Autumn Cookies Fresh

If you’re making your tray ahead of time, let the cookies cool completely before arranging them. Store the tray in an airtight container or cover it tightly until it’s time to serve.