The Cozy Corner: It’s Pumpkin Season!

October 26, 2026 - By Library Staff

Ahh… the changing of seasons—rolling right into the -ber months. My favorite change is from summer to fall because, while the days are getting shorter, the mornings and evenings are cooler, and the afternoons are finally a little more mild. Something about this shift always brings me right back to my love of baking and homemaking all the cozy things.

And, of course, the most important part of all: PUMPKIN SEASON. 🎃🍂

You heard me. I’m talking pumpkin muffins, pumpkin breads, pies, cookies, cakes, and yes—even the most beloved pumpkin spice latte. (Which, if you’re lucky, I may have included my most cherished pumpkin spice sauce recipe for you, dear reader, at the end of this blog post.)

If pumpkin isn’t your thing, please don’t worry! I’ve also included a handful of cookbooks featuring some wonderfully non-pumpkin-y things that offer up just as much of that warm and cozy feeling.

My tried and true: anything from Magnolia Table. Joanna Gaines doesn’t just flip houses—the gal can COOK. Magnolia Table: Volume 2, page 63: “Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread.” My kids are not pumpkin connoisseurs like their mama, but they simply cannot resist a fresh slice of this bread—with a cup of hot chocolate, of course. And to top it all off, once this beauty is done baking, who needs a fall-scented candle when you’ve created the real thing?

My non-pumpkin folks: I hope you like chocolate chip cookies. Magnolia Table (Joanna’s first cookbook), page 307: “Chocolate Chip Cookies.” These cookies will fly out of the cookie jar just as fast as you can fill it! And you know what they say… “If you give a mouse a cookie…”

Are my pumpkin folks feeling brave? John Kanell’s cookbook, Preppy Kitchen, has a “Spiced Pumpkin Soup with Garlic-Chili Oil” (page 34) that plays beautifully on pumpkin’s ability to be both sweet and savory! I can close my eyes and imagine the silky, puréed pumpkin texture paired with that bold, spicy garlic-chili oil. Talk about a chef’s kiss!

Don’t worry, my non-pumpkineers—we’ll flip over a few pages in Preppy Kitchen to some less risqué recipes that are still every bit as cozy. “Rustic Chicken Potpie with Roasted Root Vegetables” (page 44), “Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Roast with Fingerling Potatoes, Shallots, and Olives” (page 47), and “Herb-Stuffed Pork Roast” (page 49) all offer hearty, comforting flavors while still being manageable meals to make for your family.

Aaaaand let’s bring it back around to some sweet treats—everyone’s favorite, of course! Taste of Home: Fall Baking offers up a wide variety of all things baked. “Pumpkin Bars” (page 35) are a staple at all our family holiday gatherings—add some festive sprinkles and thank me later! 🎃

On my T.B.B. list (get it… To Be Baked… see what I did there?), “Pumpkin Whoopie Pies” (page 278) put a fall twist on a nostalgic treat. I cannot wait to try these!

More pumpkin-y things also included in Taste of Home: Fall Baking are “Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie” (page 173), “Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-Aparts” (page 77), “Pumpkin Herb Rolls” (page 62), and much, MUCH more! Fall Baking offers plenty of recipes for pumpkin and non-pumpkin lovers alike, so definitely take a peek!

Is it even fall without mentioning something a little spooky? Spooky Food by Cayla Gallagher gives us a beautifully crafted collection of recipes for any festive occasion. From fall vibes to Halloween, she’s got it all!

I have my eye on the “Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes” (page 9), which make me want to take a bite right out of the picture! The “Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes” (page 11) look just as delightful and festive. Looking for a blend of artistic and delicious? Keep flipping through to “Halloween Cupcakes 6 Ways” (page 19) and “Blackberry Bat Cake” (page 57) for some more cutie baking inspiration!

There are also “Creepy Candy,” drinks, and some savory options to explore. Take a peek—if you dare! 👻

Here are a few more selections from our collection that offer all the cozy things for you to browse, without me making this post even longer than it already is: