Fall Cookies and Bars to Enjoy
Bake your way through autumn with these cozy fall cookies and dessert bars. Packed with pumpkin, apple, molasses, and warm spices, these easy recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or family nights at home.

Fall is the season for cookies and bars that burst with cozy flavor. Whether it’s chewy molasses cookies, pumpkin spice bars, or apple-filled treats, these desserts bring warmth and comfort to every bite.
In this collection, you’ll find simple recipes that are perfect for sharing with family, serving at parties, or adding to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Before we dive in, let's break down those delicious fall flavors you've come to love.
Fall Flavors, Perfect for Sweet Treats
When you think of fall, what flavors come to mind? Many think of pumpkin right away.

I'll be honest: I'm the last person to think of pumpkin. Why? Because I'm severely allergic! Just the tiniest little taste and I'm reaching for the Benadryl.
The rest of you, though? I'm sure most are head-over-heels in love with all-things-pumpkin. Pumpkin latte. Pumpkin bread. Pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin cookies.
Other Fall Spices to Enjoy

Others are fans of gingerbread and other warm flavors that fall under that same category.
Here are a handful of popular fall spices that you might not think of right away:
Apple: Apples are very popular in the fall! They're a harvest fruit.
Chai: Chai tea, anyone?
Maple: This one of my very favorites! I love maple in and on cookies, cakes, pies, and coffee cakes!
Caramel: This is high on my list! I make mine by taking a can of sweetened condensed milk and simmering it (in the pan) in boiling water for two hours. Delicious!

Nutmeg: This is another favorite in the fall. You'll find it in many spice combinations on the baking aisle.
My Favorite Fall Spice. . .Cinnamon!

I love cinnamon. In fact, it's one of the few "strong spices" I can consume with no worries whatsoever. So you'll find a lot of cinnamon-themed cookies and bars in this post.
Cinnamon is a dominant fall spice, very popular across the globe. I am not the only one who bakes with it!
Cinnamon is warm and versatile, which make it a staple in a wide range of fall treats and drinks, including many of the cookies and bars you'll find in this list.
I also use a lot of cinnamon in my fall cakes, muffins, and coffee cakes.
My favorite brand of cinnamon (thanks for asking) is Vietnamese Cinnamon, which I purchase on Amazon. It has a flavor that puts all other cinnamons to shame! (No joke! It's amazing!)
Fall Treats are the Best!
More than anything, fall treats remind us of the changing of the seasons. The hot days of summer meld into the cool, crisp days of fall.
And, as the leaves change from brilliant green to orange, red, and gold, our taste buds remind us that yummy fall sweets are about to make their debut!
So, without further ado, let's dive right in! I'm so excited to share these fall cookie and bar favorites from Out of the Box Baking!
Fall Cookies and Bars
These aren't listed in any particular order, y'all. I'm just posting them as I go through my recipes, pulling the ones I think you might be interested in!
Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
If you’re a fan of Snickerdoodles but you’re looking for an autumn-themed version, this is the recipe for you! This simple cookie is going to be a fan favorite, and not just during the holidays!
Pumpkin Spice Golden Girls Cookies
If you’re a fan of those light-as-a-feather Golden Girls cookies, complete with cream cheese, but you’re in the mood for holiday flavors, have I got a treat for you! These Pumpkin Pie Spiced Golden Girls cookies are just the ticket—in the fall or any time of year!
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies
If you love an old-fashioned fall cookie, one that makes you think of days gone by, you’re going to love this simple recipe! It starts with a simple and inexpensive ingredient used “back in the day” – molasses!
Pumpkin Spice Bars
If you love a delicious pumpkin pie but don't have the time to bake one, have I got a great alternative for you! These simple Pumpkin Spice Bars are quick and easy, and start with a box of cake mix!
Butterscotch Toffee Cookies
If you love the warm rich flavors of butterscotch and toffee you’re going to adore this simple recipe. These delicious cookies are absolutely divine. Best of all, they start with a box of butter pecan cake mix.
Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Cookies
If you love those warm fall spices and you’re also a fan of a traditional shortbread cookie, this is the sweet treat for you! These delicious cookies are perfect for fall. . .or any time of year!
Easy Coconut Pecan Bars
If you love coconut pecan cake but you’re looking for something with more of a bar or cookie texture you’ve definitely come to the right place! This is one of my simplest (but tastiest) recipes yet. And it starts with canned frosting and a box of white cake mix!
Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies
If you love that rich pumpkin flavor and you’re a fan of super-soft cookies, this is the recipe for you! These delicious cookies are almost cake-like in texture and are loaded with fall flavors!
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Cake Mix Cookies)
If you love brownie bites you’re going to adore this chocolate on chocolate cookie. Best of all, it starts with a simple cake mix.
Apple Pie Sopapilla Bars
If you love a luscious cheesecake bar with a yummy crust and you’re also a fan of apple pie, this is the perfect combination for you!
Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for a light, crisp buttery cookie, you’ve come to the right place. In this post I’m going to teach you how to make traditional, old-fashioned butter cookies, just like Grandma used to make!
Cherry Pie Bars (Cherry Cobbler Bars)
If you’re looking for a bar with a soft sugar cookie crust, cake-like in texture, with a rich almond and cherry flavor, have I got a treat for you! These Simple Cherry Pie Bars (Cherry Cobbler Bars) are gooey, soft, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Easy Hot Chocolate Cookies
If you love the cozy taste of a cup of hot chocolate but you’re in the mood for cookies, I’ve got the perfect treat for you! In this recipe I’m going to show you how to make Hot Chocolate Cookies—perfect for any occasion!
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
These chunky oatmeal cookies are a fun, chewy variation of a traditional oatmeal cookie. It'll leave you feeling like you've gone back to your childhood to grandma's kitchen.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies go by different names. Some call them Mexican Wedding Cookies, some call them Snowballs. Some call them Pecan Sandies, others call them Pecan Balls. Some folks call these soft bites of wonderment Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cookies. No matter what you call them, they're delicious and super easy to make.
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Rolls
If you’re looking for a delicious pumpkin-themed recipe for fall (or any time of year) this is a great one! It’s simple, delicious, and comes together in minutes!
Peanut Butter Nutella Sandwich Cookies
Light, fluffy peanut butter cookies sandwiched with Nutella, then skinny-dipped in semi-sweet chocolate and covered in chopped peanuts? Yes, please!
Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies
This delicious cookie is loaded with three favorites: the creaminess of chocolate, the salty flavor of pretzels, all in a yummy peanut butter base.
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
In this post you will receive all of the information you need to make the ultimate cut-out sugar cookies, which you can hand-paint for the season!
S'Mores Kiss Cookies
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Nutty, rich, and loaded with the delicious flavors found only in brown butter, this cookie is a sensory overload!
Stuffed Brownie Cookies
If you love brownies but want the convenience of a gooey cookie, you’ve come to the right place! In this recipe you’ll learn how to make ridiculously easy stuffed brownie cookies. They’re not like anything you’ve ever had, I promise!
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
If you enjoy red velvet cake with luscious cream cheese frosting you're going to flip over these yummy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies. They're simple to make and loaded with rich cocoa flavor. Best of all, the recipe starts with a boxed cake mix!
The Perfect Sugar Crinkle Cookies
If you've been looking for the perfect sugar crinkle cookies, you've come to the right place! This easy recipe is so fool-proof that you'll use it again and again! It's perfect as a sugar cookie, but with a few variations can serve as a base for much, much more!
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter
Every baker needs an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe, one that causes people to stop in their tracks and say, "Oh my goodness, this is the best cookie I've ever eaten!" This recipe will bring that sort of reaction. It's got the charm of a traditional chocolate chip cookie with something extra--the bliss of browned butter.
Oatmeal Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips
If you love the flavor of a yummy oatmeal cookie but you're looking for a bit more crunch, this is the recipe for you. Crisp and sweet, this delicious cookie is packed full of nutritious goodness. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you enjoy the combination of salted caramel and chocolate, you're going to love this amazing new recipe. It's rich and decadent, loaded with sweetness and an added pinch of salt.
Easy Potato Chip Cookies (with Pecans)
If you love a great pecan cookie, one with a hint of salt, you're going to flip over these Potato Chip Cookies. They are the perfect combination of crunchy and soft, salty and sweet.
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you've definitely come to the right place. Today's recipe is those soft, fluffy peanut butter cookies with luscious Hersheys Kisses on top.
Halloween Mummy Cookies
If you’re looking for a quick, easy cookie to serve your Halloween guests, this is it! You can use any base cookie recipe you like, but adding an icing mummy wrap to the cookie will send it over the top.
Easy Chocolate Chip Brookies
If you love brownies but you're equally as fond of chocolate chip cookies, this is the perfect recipe for you! These Brookies have a lush brownie bottom and a tender chocolate chip cookie on top. Best of all, they start with a box mix.
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
If you're looking for a fluffy, crisp, old-fashioned Sugar Cookie, do I have a treat for you! This is a simple sugar cookie recipe, packed full of flavor, and straight from Grandma's cookbook!
Pecan Pie Cookies
In this post I’m going to show you how to make a simple pecan pie cookie, perfect for a quick treat! This recipe will be particularly exciting during the holiday season.
Easy Twix Cookies from Scratch
If you love a good shortbread crust and you're also a huge fan of caramel and chocolate, have I got a treat for you! These easy Twix cookies come together quickly and require very few ingredients!
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re in the mood for a quick, easy cookie—one loaded with oats, chocolate, and peanut butter—have I got the perfect no-bake recipe for you!
Orange Cranberry Slice and Bake Cookies
This is a delicious slice-and-bake cookie dough that can be made in advance and frozen. Just like those tubes of cookie dough you buy at the store, this one is convenient. But it's cheaper and healthier, too!
Easy Seven Layer Bars
If you love luscious gooey bars, filled with the crunch of coconut and the sweetness of chocolate and condensed milk, you’ve come to the right place! This is the traditional recipe and incredibly easy to make.
Easy Butterfinger Cookies
In this post I’m going to share my personal recipe for Butterfinger Cookies. They’re rich with peanut butter and chocolate lavor, loaded with texture, and simple to make!
Easy Pecan Chewies
If you're looking for a crisp, chewy bar loaded with pecan flavor, you've come to the right place. These pecan chewies are absolutely delicious and so easy to make!
Simple Pecan Sandies
If you’re looking for a light, flaky cookie, loaded with toasted pecan flavor, have I got a recipe for you! These Easy Pecan Sandies are so simple and start with only four ingredients!
Add About Anything Cookies
If you're looking for a simple base recipe for just about any kind of cookie, this is it! You can use this simple recipe as a foundation for literally any kind of cookie add-ins.
4-Ingredient Maple Shortbread
If you’re looking for a rich maple shortbread that’s flaky and delicious, have I got a treat for you! This recipe is so simple, you don’t even need a mixer!
Carrot Cake Bars (Doctored Cake Mix)
If you love the flavor of carrot cake but the ease of a bar, have I got a treat for you. These luscious carrot cake bars come together in no time. And best of all, they start with a box of cake mix!
Simple German Chocolate Bars
If you love a delicious German chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting, have I got a treat for you! These bars come together quickly, taste amazing, and best of all. . .they start with a box of cake mix!
German Chocolate Cake Cookies
If you love German Chocolate cake but want it in cookie form, do I have a treat for you! You’ll love these sweeter-than-coconut sandwich cookies, stuffed with coconut pecan frosting!
Easy Almond Joy Bars
If you love the rich chocolate and coconut flavors of an Almond Joy bar, have I got a treat for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make a sweet treat with those same flavors. . .and it all starts with a box of cake mix!
Crumbl Churro Cookie Copycat
These Churro cookies are a Crumbl copy cake. They're soft and have an amazing flavor and texture. But that cinnamon sugar topping is everything. And can we just talk about the frosting?
Easy Maple Walnut Bars
These irresistible Maple Walnut Bars feature a buttery cake-mix base topped with a rich, gooey maple walnut layer that bakes into the most delicious combination of chewy, crunchy, and tender. They’re simple to make, packed with warm maple flavor, and perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dessert trays, or anytime you’re craving an easy old-fashioned treat.
Fruit and Grain Bars
Soft, chewy fruit and grain bars made with wholesome oats and a sweet fruity filling. These easy homemade bars are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or anytime you need a grab-and-go treat.
Dolly Parton Pecan Pie Brownies
Rich, fudgy Dolly Parton brownies are topped with a generous layer of gooey pecan pie filling and crunchy pecans in this easy Southern-inspired dessert.
Easy Nutella Revel Bars
Rich and chewy oatmeal bars layered with a creamy chocolate-Nutella fudge filling and loaded with mini chocolate chips and pecans.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Bars
Love turtle candies? These Brownie-Bottom Turtle Cheesecake Bars combine fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, toasted pecans, chocolate ganache, and caramel drizzle into one irresistible dessert bar!
Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar
Looking for the easiest dessert ever? These Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, buttery, and loaded with chocolate chips. Baked in a 9x13 pan, they’re quicker and easier than making individual cookies!
White Chocolate Cranberry Crunch Bars
These White Chocolate Cranberry Crunch Bars are chewy, crunchy, sweet, and tart all at once! Made with Rice Krispies, oats, mini chocolate chips, craisins, and creamy white chocolate, they’re the perfect easy no-bake dessert for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, and church gatherings.
Peanut Butter Brookie Cookie Cups
Enjoy these delicious peanut butter brookie cookie cups from Out of the Box ways. Lots of variations included in this fun and tasty recipe!
Caramel Apple Snickerdoodle Bars
These caramel apple snickerdoodle bars are soft, buttery cookie bars topped with tender cinnamon apples and melty caramel chips. Think classic snickerdoodle flavor meets caramel apples at the county fair — but in bar form, and without any fuss.
Monster Cookie Bars
These soft, chewy Monster Cookie Bars are packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms. This easy recipe feeds a crowd and bakes in under 30 minutes—no scooping required!
Cherry Pie Bars with Crescent Rolls
Rich with cherries, a crispy crescent roll crust, loaded with a butter and sugar coating. . .these Cherry Pie Bars are divine!
Heath Shortbread
If you’re looking for a simple shortbread recipe, one loaded with heath flavor, this is the recipe! Keep reading for this Short & Sweet offering from Out of the Box Baking!
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
If you love a good snickerdoodle but you want the ease of a cookie bar, this is the recipe for you! These delicious bars are light, delicious, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.
Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Chips
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for something sweet, even for breakfast. And if you love the ease of a bar, then this recipe will satisfy not just your sweet tooth, but your need to grab-and-go.
Decadent Crescent Layer Bars
If you love a chewy, sweet bar--loaded with chocolate and pecans--this is the recipe for you! In this post I'm going to show you how I made these delicious and simple Crescent Layer Bars!
Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
If you love a rich, luscious cheesecake bar, and you’re also a fan of pecan pie, have I got a treat for you! These delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake bars are simple to make and offer you both worlds at once!
Delicious Apple Crumble Bars
If you love a yummy streusel, these apple crumble bars are going to make your day. They’re so easy and tasty and come together in minutes!
Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
If you love sopapillas, but you’re also in love with sugar and cinnamon, have I got a treat for you! These easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are simple to make and absolutely packed with texture and flavor.
No Bake Chocolate Oats Bars
If you love the idea of a protein infused bar but don’t have time to bake, this is the perfect solution for you. These easy no bake chocolate oats bars come together in minutes and are packed with healthy ingredients.
Simple Hummingbird Bars
Everyone in the south knows what hummingbird cake is, but not everyone has the time or energy to bake one. With this easy recipe you’ll get all of those flavors without all of that work!
Easy Blackberry Crumble Bars
If you love a crunchy breakfast bar, loaded with the flavor of blackberries, this is the recipe for you. A rich crumbly crust, a sticky middle, and a lovely streusel topping. . .all in one luscious bite. Best of all, it's not overly sweet!
Black Magic Cookies
Inspired by old-fashioned Black Magic Cake, these thick chocolate cookies have lightly crackled tops, melted chocolate chips, and soft, fudgy centers reminiscent of brownie bites.
Viral Reese's Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups
These viral Reese’s cookie cups combine refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough and miniature peanut butter cups for an easy two-ingredient treat perfect for parties, care packages, bake sales, and holidays.
Peanut Butter Reese's Pieces Cookies
These soft peanut butter Reese's Pieces cookies are thick, tender, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Loaded with colorful Reese's Pieces, they're an easy cookie that's perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Spice Cake Bites with Cookie Butter Filling
These easy Spice Cake Bites are made with a doctored spice cake mix, topped with creamy Biscoff cookie butter, and finished with crushed Biscoff cookies. They're the perfect bite-sized dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, holiday parties, and bake sales.
Oatmeal Cookie Cups with Marshmallow Filling
These Oatmeal Cookie Cups feature soft, old-fashioned oatmeal cookie cups filled with fluffy marshmallow frosting and topped with chopped pecans and Craisins. They have all the nostalgic flavor of an oatmeal cream pie in a fun, bite-sized dessert.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups with Cinnamon Marshmallow Filling
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups feature soft cinnamon-sugar cookie shells filled with a fluffy cinnamon marshmallow filling. They're perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, and dessert tables.
Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
These easy Peanut Butter Cookie Cups start with refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough and are filled with a rich chocolate ganache. Finished with colorful Reese's Pieces candies, they're a simple bite-sized dessert that's perfect for parties, bake sales, and holiday gatherings.
Oreo Sandwich Cookies
Rich, chewy brownie cookies sandwiched together with fluffy Oreo buttercream. An easy brownie mix dessert that's perfect for Oreo lovers.
Rolls Royce Cookies (Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Secret Twist)
These Rolls Royce Cookies are soft, rich chocolate chip cookies with a hint of peanut butter that makes them extra decadent and flavorful.
Soft & Gooey Fluffernutter Cookies
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies filled with gooey marshmallow fluff—because classic nostalgia deserves bakery-level treatment.
M&M Cookies
Soft and chewy M&M cookies made with mini chocolate chips and festive candies. A quick, easy cookie everyone loves!
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bake up a batch of soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with cozy fall spices and rich chocolate chips. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are topped with an optional chocolate ganache for an irresistible autumn treat.
Chocolate Molasses Spice Cookies
A rich, chewy holiday cookie that starts with a chocolate cake mix and gets a cozy upgrade from warm spices and deep, sweet molasses.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
These soft, pillowy gingerbread cookies are full of warm holiday spices and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, they’re a festive twist on the classic.
German Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (With Frosting Baked In)
These soft and chewy German Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are packed with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips — plus a can of coconut pecan frosting baked right in! An easy, no-fail recipe with big bakery flavor.
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re looking for the world’s quickest and easiest iced oatmeal, reminiscent of the ones you grew up eating, this is it!
Cake Mix Pecan Sandies
If you love that nutty goodness of a pecan sandie bur you’re in a hurry, I’ve got a real treat for you! These yummy pecan sandie cookies come together in minutes and start with a simple box of white cake mix.
Dolly Parton Banana Bread Cookies
If you love banana bread but you’re in a hurry and looking for something easier, these cookies are perfect. They come together in minutes and start with a simple box of cake mix.
Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies
Did you know that orange and chocolate were destined to go together? It’s true! And if you love that delectable mergence of flavors you’re going to flip over these simple orange chocolate chip cookies!
Simple Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple but delicious gingerbread cookie, this is it! These come together so easily and they’re perfect for rolling and cutting!
Fruitcake Cookies
If you love the combination of fruit and nuts but you’re not ready to invest your time in a cake, these cookies will be perfect for you. They’re simple and loaded with texture and flavor!
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
If you love the warm, rich spices of fall but you’re also a fan of those delicious oatmeal cookies grandma used to make, you’re going to flip over this simple but yummy recipe from Out of the Box Baking! It merges both worlds into one scrumptious cookie!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
If you love those traditional Reese’s flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—you’re going to flip over this simple cookie recipe. It comes together in minutes and tastes like a warm-from-the-oven Reese’s peanut butter cup!
Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies
If you love the rich, warm flavor of pecans and the ease of a cake mix cookie, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how I make some of the most delicious butter pecan cookies. . .ever!
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed these delicious fall recipes! I've given you a lot to choose from.
If you make any of these recipes and enjoy them, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!



Learn more about doctored cake mixes, the theme of this blog.
For the master list of all doctored cake mix recipes on this site, visit Doctored Cake Mix Recipes, Master List.






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