37 Fall Cookie Recipes You’ll Hide From Your Kids

There’s a reason parents suddenly “organize the pantry” when fall cookies appear. The smell alone could give away your secret stash spot. These 37 recipes have that cozy pull that makes you forget to share. They’re too good for lunchboxes and too precious for sticky fingers.

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background.
Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Close-up of a stack of swirled cookies with a light and dark pattern, showcasing a golden brown color.
Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fun swirls make snack time better, especially when friends come over for coffee and something sweet. Sharing Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies always leads to questions about how you got the stripes so even. Plates empty out quick with these in the center. They’re just as good packed up for work or for sneaky late night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright flavors mixed in a soft cookie bring a little extra buzz to dessert plates at home. Passing around Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies makes the kitchen smell amazing and gets everyone in a good mood. They vanish after dinner, especially if someone snags a second for later. Biased fans keep asking for this recipe at every get-together.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar.
Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sandwich cookies are always a hit when a crowd wants something fun and handheld. Easy Whoopie Pie for dessert means you skip the fork and go straight for the good stuff. The squishy textures stay perfect even after hours sit on the table. These always make it tough to stop after only one.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

A stack of no-bake maple pecan cookies on a white plate, with syrup and a bowl in the background.
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cool snacks that don’t need an oven are a game changer when life gets too busy. Setting out No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies means fewer dishes and happy faces around the snack bowl. Guests like the soft texture and grab extras for later. Most batches disappear before they even hit a plate.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Vegan Sugar Cookies

Close-up of six sugar-coated cookies on parchment paper.
Vegan Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Decorating cookies together brings out the kid in everyone, so leave a spot for sprinkles and icing. Baking Vegan Sugar Cookies gives everyone a sweet blank canvas where the only limit is imagination. They’re crunchy yet still soft in the middle. Plates with these usually get cleaned out first at any group gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The smell of warm cookies can fill a whole house and get everyone poking around the kitchen. Pulling out Chocolate Chip Cookies means at least one person will try to eat one before they’re cool. These keep well in jars but usually don’t last very long. Dunking them in milk never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Flavor combos from school days work just as well for grownups searching for a sweet fix. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie brings out all kinds of nods and new favorite cookie debates. People pass the tray back and forth until nothing’s left but crumbs. It’s hard not to sneak a couple for later.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft cookies that stick a bit to the roof of your mouth are oddly comforting during quiet evenings in. Fork marks on Peanut Butter Cookies spark memories of baking on the weekends with friends or family. The salty-sweet hit doesn’t need extra fuss. They’re nearly impossible to keep around overnight.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface.
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing together gooey centers with a little gold on top makes your cookie plate stand out without even trying. Everyone grabs Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies thinking they’ll only have one, but the tray empties fast. There are always comments about how bakery-store-perfect they look. They’re everyone’s “just one more” dessert.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A cookie that feels filling but isn’t too heavy hits the sweet spot for mid-morning snacks or lunchbox treats. Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal and notice how chewy they are right after the first bite. You can’t keep them stocked if they’re in reach. These never make it back home after a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Those classic crackles on top always pull focus from other snacks at any party spread. Piles of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dust fingertips with sugar and get everyone sharing childhood stories. They’re fluffy on the inside and rich enough to please chocolate fans. Most agree they’re better the next day, if there are any left.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simplicity wins big when there’s something smooth and buttery to nibble on with your tea. Setting out Shortbread Cookies keeps guests reaching for “just one more” without thinking about it. They hold their shape so they travel well anywhere. Someone will always ask where you bought them.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Whenever rich sweets meet soft texture, dessert plates don’t stand a chance at lasting the whole night. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies makes the crowd debate which part is better, soft bite or the chips. You see repeat visits to the cookie jar all day. These always run out before anyone gets bored.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Enjoy these delectable cookies topped with white frosting, chocolate chips, and small cookie dough pieces—a perfect Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie recipe.
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big, bakery-inspired treats rule any snack tray with a little nostalgia and a lot of soft middle. Peeling apart Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe leads to calls of “OMG, you made these at home?” The doughy chunks stay fresh and never dry out. These are often hidden in the pantry for a late night treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Spiced Apple Cookies

Close-up of three stacked cookies topped with a chunky fruit filling and a sprinkle of crumbs, placed near an apple.
Spiced Apple Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When classic flavors show up in new shapes, they’re easy to eat by the handful. Spiced Apple Cookies work for dessert or even sneaky breakfasts on the go. The mix keeps the cookie soft for days, though they rarely last that long. Someone always tries to grab a few for work the next day.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Extra chocolate always wins fans when it comes to pick-a-cookie time at parties or in a lunch box. Unwrapping Double Chocolate Chip Cookies brings out the smiles and talk about who can eat the most. Thick and fudgy so there’s no crunch, just a soft chew all the way. There’s usually quiet as the plate goes around.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chewy oatmeal treats with a hint of orange color keep snack time from being boring. Crumbs from Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies turn up on every countertop when guests stop by for coffee. These cookies fill you up without hitting too sweet. Even picky eaters go back for another round.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Vegan Amaretti Cookies

A white cup of coffee on a saucer sits next to several powdered sugar cookies on a pink cloth, with one cookie partially eaten.
Vegan Amaretti Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Little round bites fit best into party jars so guests and friends always have something sweet to grab. Picking up Vegan Amaretti Cookies makes people try something new and then ask where you found the recipe. These snap when you bite but melt quickly. Party trays clear off faster with these around.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

A delectable close-up of Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies, adorned with spiral white icing on a parchment paper background.
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baked treats inspired by coffee shop favorites attract a line at any school or work lunchroom. Boxes of Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies cause a little friendly panic as everyone grabs their favorites first. The swirl stands out on a tray and tastes just like something from a cafe. Sneak a couple now, because leftovers are rare.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface.
Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Shaped snacks prove that sometimes looks matter as much as flavor, especially for special get-togethers. Plates holding Heart Shaped Cookies invite folks to grab one even before dessert is served. They’re sweet inside and out and always leave someone smiling. Often, they disappear before mentioning what’s for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Heart Shaped Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Three stacked Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies, with vibrant red hues and white chocolate chips, the top cookie partially eaten.
Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright treats get instant attention when you need something new for a potluck or party plate lineup. Breaking into Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies means you get a little gooey middle and a lot of sweet crunch. People keep talking about the color and soft bite. By the time coffee is poured, they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Colorful ladybug-themed cookies with red tops and chocolate bases, decorated with googly eyes, sit on a bed of rainbow paper shreds.
Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cute snacks steal the show as party centerpieces and always make the first impression in the dessert line. Biting into Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos mixes classic flavors with a playful outside. Kids and adults grab these first for photos and second for the sweets. Any extras vanish with a quick run to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of a plate, filled with multiple golden-brown chocolate chip cookies.
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Finding a snack everyone can eat is always a win, especially with allergy-friendly picks at hand. Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies let you offer a classic, chewy cookie without worry. They get snapped up at birthday parties and meetups. The secret is how nobody can tell the difference.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple, bright cookies perk up any dessert tray in just a couple of bites. Passing around Lemon Cookies helps guests skip heavy sweets and makes snack breaks feel lighter. They’re easy to stack and pack for a quick snack later. Most people can’t stop after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A delectable close-up of a Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookie, crowned with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting, resting on a pristine white surface.
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Anyone who loves cake will head straight for these thick, soft cookies on the tray. Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies prove you don’t have to slice cake to hand out that rich, fudgy flavor. Dunk them in coffee or milk and bake extra, just in case. The only problem is hiding enough for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top.
Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warmer treats always cause a stir during snack breaks in the afternoon. Passing out Hot Cocoa Cookies has everyone comparing favorite drinks while grabbing another. The soft inside and oozy middle make these messy in the best way. If you bake these, expect a quiet table till they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Cookie Monster Cookies

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside.
Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright blue and packed with fun, these are what you offer when you want laughs and full cookie jars. Plates of Cookie Monster Cookies start party chatter before that first bite. They’re a hit for photo ops and snack breaks. More than one tray disappears faster than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Monster Cookies

Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them.
Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sweet with just the right finish, these cookies disappear quickly from every plate or snack bag. Bringing out Salted Honey Cookies usually starts a few questions about what makes them taste so good. They’re soft without being sticky and land somewhere between dessert and snack. Make double because the first batch vanishes.
Get the Recipe: Salted Honey Cookies

Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Close-up of spiral lemon poppy seed cookies drizzled with white icing and garnished with lemon zest.
Earl Grey Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Afternoon treats get an upgrade with light, crisp cookies by the cup. Earl Grey Lemon Cookies starts chat about tea and baking, and often leads to second (or third) bites. They travel well and taste even better the next day. Friends always want to know where you bought them.
Get the Recipe: Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Close-up of Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies with green frosting and chocolate drizzle on top.
Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cool and rich at the same time, these cookies are a win for dessert plates when you want something different. Snagging a few Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies makes sure you get that bit of fresh without losing the chocolate hit. They melt fast, even in warm packs. Boxes empty long before the end of the week.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy on top and soft all the way through, these cookies suit coffee moments or quick snacks just right. Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans draws hands to the plate until nothing’s left. They keep folks reaching for another round with every cup poured. Sprinkle extra nuts and watch them vanish.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Banana Pudding Cookies

A stack of white chocolate chip cookies with a bite taken out of the top one, placed on a cooling rack with a banana and peeled banana in the background.
Banana Pudding Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic dessert lovers always come running when these sweet little rounds come out of the oven. Stacks of Banana Pudding Cookies are just gooey enough to make you wish you’d made more. Everyone knows these will be gone first at any gathering. Someone always searches the jar hoping for a stray.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface.
Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big wedding vibes show up with these treats that always become the talk of snack time chats. Friends pass around Marry Me Cookies waiting for someone to drop a proposal joke or two. They’re crunchy, soft and pack a surprise in each bite. Don’t count on leftovers—they’re popular for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Cookies

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack time stays easy when you’ve got big trays of chewy, sweet bars to slice and share. Cutting up Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars means everyone grabs a piece or two for the road. These bars get passed out quick, especially when wrapped for lunchbox surprises. Guests always ask if you’ll make them again next week.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Three peanut butter sandwich cookies are stacked, with the top cookie showing a large bite taken out. Crumbs and cookie pieces are scattered on a parchment-lined surface.
Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Anything with creamy filling sandwiched inside goes first on dessert night, no matter who’s hosting. Biscoff Sandwich Cookies gives a crunch, a soft middle and that hit of sweet all in one. Friends raid the jar just to get a couple before anyone else. After the plate goes out, don’t expect to pack up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who needs cake when there are cookies that taste just like it and don’t need a fork? Sharing Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turns snack time into a full on treat that’s a little messy, a lot soft and simple to hand off. These win over every crowd, even the ones who say they’re not dessert fans. Clear the tray fast—they always run out.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background.
Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gooey marshmallow stripes on a cookie mean snack plates look way more fun than usual. Dropping off Marshmallow Swirl Cookies gets oohs and ahhs, and suddenly the cookie jar looks empty all over again. They’re soft, chewy and even more popular packed in lunch bags. Try to keep a stash hidden because they’re everyone’s favorite.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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