It’s finally fall in Southern California! And while we might not really have seasons here (seriously, why are we getting 80° days in October?), you can still celebrate by baking some fall desserts with your friends.
Baking is one of my favorite things to do with my friends: it’s relatively cheap, easy and lots of fun. Plus, not only do you get to de-stress and spend time together, but you’ll also get to enjoy a sweet treat afterward.
Here are six of my favorite desserts that you can bake with your friends, roommates or by yourself. I’ve also linked some highly-rated recipes that you can follow along with. And because the list is fall-themed, be prepared to see lots of cinnamon, apples and—of course—pumpkin.
- Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
-
If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies, you’re going to want to make these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are a year-round hit, but they become even better in the fall when you add some pumpkin puree, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Don’t forget to follow the instructions in the recipe to make sure your cookies have the perfect texture.
Click here for a recipe!
- apple hand pies
-
Apple hand pies are easy to make and so adorable. You can make your own pie dough if you want, but store-bought dough also works perfectly fine. If you go with pre-made dough, all you have to do is make the apple pie filling and assemble the mini pies! You and your friends can get creative with shaping, and you can cut fun designs onto the dough to personalize them even more.
Click here for a recipe!
- Cinnamon coffee cake
-
Cinnamon coffee cake is a classic for a reason. The streusel topping is ridiculously addicting, and it isn’t sickeningly sweet like some other cakes. It’s also a socially acceptable way to have dessert for breakfast. What’s not to love?
Click here for a recipe!
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
-
There are few things in this world better than regular cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin cinnamon rolls might just be one of them. This recipe is more advanced than the others because it involves a yeast dough, but it’s still totally manageable, even for inexperienced bakers. Just make sure to leave enough time for the dough to rise, and prepare to get your hands dirty if you’ll be kneading it by hand.
Click here for a recipe!
- Pumpkin cake pops
-
Step aside, overpriced Starbucks cake pops; homemade cake pops are where it’s at. You can make your own pumpkin cake pops by crumbling up pumpkin cake and mixing it with frosting (I recommend cream cheese frosting). This recipe will require a little bit more advanced planning since you’ll also need to purchase the sticks and candy melts for the coating, but it’s so worth it.
Click here for a recipe!
- Apple Roses
-
Apple roses are probably the easiest dessert on this list to make, and definitely the most beautiful. All you need to do is break out your muffin tin, gather a few ingredients, assemble the pastry and enjoy your delicious pieces of edible art. And don’t forget to send a few pictures to your parents; I promise that they’ll be very impressed.
Click here for a recipe!
These are just a few fall-themed desserts to get you started, but there are so many other options out there if you prefer different flavors. And don’t be afraid to get creative by modifying recipes or making them up on your own. Happy baking!