Name: Easy Fall Leaf Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
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)

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Celebrate the crisp autumn season with Easy Fall Leaf Cookies, a charming Autumn Cookie Treat that brings fall’s vibrant colors to your table. These buttery, leaf-shaped cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, kid-friendly baking sessions, or a sweet afternoon indulgence. With a simple recipe and festive flair, Easy Fall Leaf Cookies capture the joy of autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Easy Fall Leaf Cookies

I adore Easy Fall Leaf Cookies for their playful shapes and rich, buttery flavor—a true Autumn Cookie Treat. They’re quick to make, fun to decorate, and ideal for all ages, making them a hit at fall parties or quiet evenings at home. The colorful dough, tinted in fall hues, adds a festive touch that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients for Easy Fall Leaf Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for Easy Fall Leaf Cookies (makes ~24–30 cookies, depending on cutter size):

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Food coloring (yellow, orange, red)
Leaf-shaped cookie cutter (2–3 inches)

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Rolling pin
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Plastic wrap

Ingredient Tips:

Butter: Softened but not melted for a creamy texture; unsalted to control saltiness.
Flour: All-purpose for a tender crumb; measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Food Coloring: Gel food coloring for vibrant hues; liquid works but may need more drops.
Egg: Room temperature for better emulsification with butter and sugar.
Cookie Cutter: Choose sturdy leaf shapes for clean cuts; wash between colors to avoid smudging.

Directions for Easy Fall Leaf Cookies

Let’s bake these delightful Easy Fall Leaf Cookies!

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, I cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. I add 1 egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In another bowl, I whisk 3 cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Color the Dough

I divide the dough into three equal portions. Using gel food coloring, I tint one portion yellow, one orange, and one red, kneading until the color is even. I wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until firm, to make rolling easier for Easy Fall Leaf Cookies.

Shape the Cookies

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, I roll each dough portion to ¼-inch thickness. Using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter, I cut out cookies from each color, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.

Bake and Cool

I bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ready to decorate or enjoy as Easy Fall Leaf Cookies.

Decorate (Optional)

Once cooled, I add a festive touch to Easy Fall Leaf Cookies with royal icing, a simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk), or edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: ~24–30 cookies
Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
Macros per Serving: 16g carbs, 1g protein, 5g fat, 0g fiber

Variations for Easy Fall Leaf Cookies

Try these twists on Easy Fall Leaf Cookies:

Spiced Dough: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm Autumn Cookie Treat.
Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for a rich Autumn Cookie Treat.
Sprinkle Fun: Top with colorful fall sprinkles before baking for a playful look.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp maple syrup for a seasonal twist.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts for a fall dessert extravaganza.
Serve at a harvest festival with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic Autumn Cookie Treat.
Package in cellophane bags with ribbons for charming fall gifts.

Storage

I store Easy Fall Leaf Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. If decorated with icing or in a warm kitchen, I refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 10 days. To freeze, I layer cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, storing for up to 1 month. I thaw at room temperature before serving. To restore crispness, I warm cookies on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Showcase Easy Fall Leaf Cookies on a fall-themed platter or in a leaf-shaped basket for a seasonal vibe.
Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or add edible gold dust for a festive sparkle.
Pairing: Serve with hot apple cider, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte to complement Easy Fall Leaf Cookies.
Temperature: Enjoy at room temperature for the best buttery texture.
Portion Size: Serve 2–3 cookies per person for a sweet, shareable treat.

FAQs About Easy Fall Leaf Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! Wrap the colored dough portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.

Can I use different cookie cutter shapes instead of leaf-shaped cutters?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you prefer. Just adjust the baking time as needed based on the size and thickness of the cookies.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting out the shapes helps prevent spreading. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing the cookies on it for baking.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Yes, you can decorate Easy Fall Leaf Cookies with royal icing for intricate designs or with a simple glaze for a quick and colorful finish. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.

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Conclusion

These Easy Fall Leaf Cookies are a delightful addition to any autumn gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones. With their vibrant colors and buttery texture, they embody the flavors and spirit of fall. Enjoy making and sharing these cookies as a celebration of the season!