As the golden hues of autumn leaves blanket the ground and the crisp, cool air sets in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fall baking to make our homes feel cozy and inviting. Here are three delicious baking recipes and a warming cocktail to usher in the season.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line muffin tins.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.

In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.

Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

1 apple, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Add apple chunks. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

On a floured surface, knead the dough a few times, then shape into a round disc. Cut into 8 wedges.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

Caramel Walnut Brownies

Ingredients:

Boxed brownie mix (or your favorite brownie recipe)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions:

Prepare brownie batter as directed.

Stir in chopped walnuts.

Pour batter into a greased baking dish.

Drizzle caramel sauce on top and use a knife to create swirl patterns.

Bake as directed.

Bonus: Fall Spiced Cocktail – Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

2 oz whiskey

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz apple cider

1/2 oz simple syrup

A pinch of ground cinnamon

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass.

Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, enjoy these delicious treats, and welcome fall with open arms and a satisfied palate!