As the leaves begin to change color and the scent of pumpkins fills the air, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some festive baking. One delicious way to welcome the fall season is by making Easy Fall Leaf Cookies. These colorful, buttery treats are not only visually stunning but also bring the sweet flavors of autumn right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, a cozy family gathering, or just looking for a delightful snack to enjoy alongside a warm cup of cider, these cookies are sure to impress. With their simple recipe and inviting aesthetics, Easy Fall Leaf Cookies are perfect for all ages to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Food coloring (yellow, orange, red)
Instructions
To kick off your baking adventure, start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it turns light and fluffy. This process, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes, is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your cookies will have a delightful texture.
Next, crack a large egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together until they’re fully combined with the sugar and butter mixture, creating a homogeneous batter that smells incredibly inviting.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are essential for the structure and rise of your cookies. Gradually add this flour mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Once the flour is fully integrated, you should have a soft and pliable dough ready to be separated.
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Take one of the sections and add a few drops of yellow food coloring, kneading it with your hands until the color is evenly distributed. Repeat this process with another portion using orange food coloring and the last portion using red food coloring. Once each is colored to your liking, wrap each dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Once your dough has chilled and you’re eager to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of colored dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from each color, keeping in mind that different leaf shapes can create a fun variety in your baked goods.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped cookies on the sheet, ensuring they have about an inch of space between each other for even baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden. This short baking time is essential for achieving a soft interior while providing a slight crisp on the edges.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven, allowing them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure that they firm up just right, making them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
Variations
Although Easy Fall Leaf Cookies are adorable and flavorful as is, you can always customize them to give your treats a personal flair. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding different flavor extracts to the dough, such as almond, maple, or even a hint of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Decorative Toppings: After baking, feel free to decorate the cookies with royal icing, chocolate drizzle, or colorful sprinkles to enhance their autumnal appeal.
- Cut-Out Shapes: Instead of just leaf shapes, use other fall-themed cookie cutters like pumpkins, acorns, or even simple circles for a more varied cookie platter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Cooking Notes
Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Fall Leaf Cookies come out perfect:
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. Don’t skip this step; a cool dough will prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Always preheat your oven for even baking. An oven thermometer can help you ensure the correct temperature, as ovens can sometimes be inaccurate.
- When rolling out the dough, sprinkle a little flour on your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, ensuring clean cuts with your cookie cutter.
- Monitor the baking time carefully. Oreos can vary from oven to oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking; the edges should just be lightly golden.
- If you plan to decorate your cookies, let them cool completely before adding any frosting or toppings; this prevents melting and ensures a neat finish.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Fall Leaf Cookies can be enjoyed in numerous delightful ways. Serve them as a charming centerpiece at your autumn gatherings, perhaps alongside hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes. They can also be beautifully displayed on a festive platter, making them an inviting treat for any Halloween or Thanksgiving celebration. For an added touch, you could even pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a nice dessert that’s both casual and elegant.
Tips
- For softer cookies, under-bake them slightly. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Use a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal and less sticking.
- If you prefer smaller cookies, adjust your cookie cutter size, but keep a similar baking time in mind.
- These cookies can be made a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~110 per cookie
Protein: 1g per cookie
Sodium: 50mg per cookie
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and bake as directed.
Can I change the colors of the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to use different food coloring to make these cookies suit any occasion throughout the year.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add seasonal sprinkles, drizzle with white chocolate, or use cookie stamps to add patterns before baking for an additional festive flair.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days. They can also be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by using a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), you can create vegan versions of these easy fall cookies.
Conclusion
Easy Fall Leaf Cookies are not just a baking project; they’re an opportunity to indulge in the flavors and colors of the fall season. With their simple preparation, delightful taste, and stunning visuals, they are perfect for gatherings with family and friends or cozy evenings at home. Whether you choose to decorate them or enjoy them plain, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face. We encourage you to try out this recipe and share your results in the comments below! What variations did you try? How did your cookies turn out? If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it on social media with your friends and family to spread the joy of baking this fall!
Print
Easy Fall Leaf Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: about 24 cookies 1x
Description
Beautifully colored and delicious cookies that capture the essence of autumn.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Food coloring (yellow, orange, red)
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Divide the dough into three portions and color each with food coloring.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), roll out colored dough, and cut out shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 110 kcal per cookie
- Sodium: 50 mg per cookie
- Protein: 1 g per cookie