Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

The Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie) is the ultimate treat to celebrate the cozy autumn season. Bursting with rich spices and melty chocolate, these cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet night in, or simply craving something sweet, this cookie recipe will delight everyone. The warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg make these cookies a seasonal favorite that pairs perfectly with a cup of cider or hot cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar, molasses, and warming spices creates a unique taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for gatherings, after-school snacks, or cozy nights at home; they suit any occasion.
• Perfect Texture: Achieve that soft and chewy texture we all love in cookies—a true crowd-pleaser!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spices or add nuts to make these cookies your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment can greatly enhance your experience in the kitchen.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures that butter and sugars are beaten until light and fluffy, achieving the right texture.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking; opt for light-colored sheets to prevent over-browning.

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 Base

• 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

For the Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (1/4 tsp if using salted butter)

For the Spices & Chocolate

• 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 (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add:
– The egg
– The molasses

Mix everything together for an additional minute until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
– Flour
– Baking soda
– Cornstarch
– Salt
– Cinnamon
– Ground ginger
– Nutmeg
– Cloves
– Chocolate chips

Make sure everything is mixed evenly but don’t overmix.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Using your hands:
– Roll dough into balls weighing about 4 ounces each.
– Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between each ball.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies warm from the oven!

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

These delightful cookies are perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy evening at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess complements the spiced flavors beautifully.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream adds an indulgent touch, making each bite heavenly.

Accompanied by Hot Cocoa

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich cup of hot cocoa. The warmth and sweetness create a comforting combination for chilly days.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter featuring an assortment of seasonal treats. Include fruits, nuts, and other baked goods alongside your cookies for a festive presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cookies with slices of fresh apples or pears. Their crispness balances the soft texture and spiced flavor of the cookies.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For an elegant touch, dust your cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This simple addition enhances their visual appeal and sweetness.

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

Perfecting these cookies is easier than you might think! Keep these tips in mind for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps develop flavors and maintains shape while baking.
• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates a flakier texture. Cut it into cubes and beat it until fluffy to achieve the ideal consistency.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overpacking and results in lighter cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cloves according to your taste preferences for a personalized flavor profile.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

These cookies can be enjoyed as part of a delightful meal setting. Here are some side dishes that pair well with them:

1. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup brings warmth and complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.
2. Apple Crisp
   Serve alongside apple crisp for an added layer of autumn flavors that guests will love.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies, offering diverse tastes and textures.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted seasonal vegetables provide savory balance to the sweet dessert, making it a well-rounded meal option.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
   Crispy pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar can provide a crunchy contrast to the chewy cookie texture.
6. Chai Tea
   A steaming cup of chai tea enhances the spiced elements in your cookies while adding warmth to your snack time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using melted butter instead of cold, cubed butter can lead to flat cookies. Always ensure your butter is cold for a chewy texture.
• Overmixing Batter: Mixing too long after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Wrong Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking sheet can result in cookies sticking and uneven baking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and consistent results.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the container can pack it down and lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if storing multiple batches to prevent sticking.

Freezing Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

• Freeze cookies individually by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie (Levain Bakery Fall Cookie)

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie special?

The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg gives this cookie its unique flavor, perfect for autumn.

Can I customize the spices in my Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie?

Yes! Feel free to adjust spice levels or add nuts and dried fruits based on your preference.

How do I know when my Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookie is done?

The edges should be firm yet slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue cooking as they cool.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips work wonderfully in these cookies.

Conclusion

These Fall Chocolate Chip Spiced Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to accommodate various flavors and mix-ins. Their warm spices make them an ideal treat during the colder months. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite additions!