Besides pumpkin picking, oversized sweaters, and new shows, fall is the season to try out those cozy recipes you’ve been eyeing since spring. Some foods just taste better with orange leaves on the ground and a PSL in your hand. So even though it feels like you just skipped back to your apartment after nailing that last final, autumn is near. Here are some relaxing recipes that’ll get you feeling hype for the world’s favorite season.
1. Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Doughnuts
Photo by Alex Furuya
This challenging recipe is for those lazy Saturdays when you just want the smell of pumpkin in the air without having to go anywhere. Make doughnuts that smell, taste, and look like fall.
2. Honey and Curry Roasted Acorn Squash
Photo by Helena Lin
Grab some acorn squash from your local market to make this caramelized, rich autumn dinner for two. The curry adds an earthy note to the sweetness of the honey, making this recipe one to make if just for the aroma it adds to your kitchen.
3. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Photo by Samantha Matott
Perfect for a midnight snack after a football game or lunch before your afternoon class, grilled cheese is the way to go. There are many variations that make just cheese pale in comparison, like this apple and cheddar version that matches the falling leaves outside.
4. Apple Cider Sangria
Photo by Andre Li
Can’t forget about the drinks of fall, AKA anything with apple cider or pumpkin. This sangria combines the classic cozy drink with Merlot or Cabernet for a cinnamon flavor-packed cocktail.
6. Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
Photo by Karina Rao
Transport yourself to Ireland with this spiked hot chocolate. Whether it’s for a relaxing night in or a Thirsty Thursday pick-me-up, this Bailey’s HC tastes good all year, but tastes even better from September to Christmas.
7. A Quad-Skillet Cookie Masterpiece
Photo by Gaby Scelzo
Combining four flavors might sound crazy, but for traditional fall flavors, it just works. Take this ginger, apple cinnamon, snickerdoodle, pumpkin spice skillet cookie for instance. All bomb bites on their own, but together it’s out-of-this-world good.
8. Apple Jacks Pancakes
Photo by Jayna Goldstein
Whenever I see anything cereal, I do a little dance inside. Not only are these recipes poppin’ right now, but they’re nostalgic and add a funky spin on just about everything. Apple Jacks. In pancakes. MAJOR key.
9. Pumpkin Scones
Photo by Paige Weller
Pumpkin Spice Latte fans unite for this other pumpkin recipe sure to keep you satisfied throughout the season. With the nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, and (you guessed it) pumpkin flavors, this is a recipe not to miss out on.
10. Salted Caramel Apple Mason Jar Cheesecake
Photo by Isabel Tiange Wang
Mason jars scream autumn vibes. And when you combine the vintage touch with a salted caramel cheesecake, you’ve captured my fall lovin’ heart.
11. Pumpkin Gnocchi
Photo by Caty Schnack
Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal and is ideal for the ultimate comfort season as well. Pairing the fluffy Italian gnocchi with pumpkin is sure to take your dinner up a notch.
12. Spiced Grapefruit
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Citrus fruit may seem like a summer-only staple, but you’ll want to stock up on grapefruits for this fall recipe. Combine cinnamon, brown sugar, and ginger for a baked citrus afternoon snack.
13. Tequila Caramel Corn
Photo by Megan McCormack
Say au revoir to boring old caramel corn of the past, because things just got a whole lot boozier. Why save tequila for the weekend when you can study in the library and turn up. Only the tequila gets baked off in the oven, so don’t get too excited.
14. Sweet & Savory Quesadilla
Photo by Amanda Gajdosik
Quesadillas are perfect for hot summer days, but can easily be transformed for brisk autumn afternoons. This apple, goat cheese, and honey recipe is different and perfect for any meal, any time.
15. Apple Pie Milkshake
Photo by Kevin Rodriguez
Swerve into fall seamlessly with this milkshake that’s good for warmer days, but still tastes like October. Blend Nilla wafers, apples, and vanilla ice cream for a tasty treat that’ll have you walking to classes that first week with a pep in your step.