I LOVE fall! I’m a sucker for chilly weather, college football, and all things pumpkin. I love the rhythm of fall as families settle back into a routine. Boots and sweaters, baked goods and hearty casseroles, and that nip in the air mark fall days. Each year, along with the changing of the leaves, I also start to look for a few tasty treats on store shelves.
While I am a big advocate for cooking and preparing homemade food and treats, there are a handful of absolute must-have, store-bought fall treats that I simply have to buy each year. (And thank the Lord they are seasonal!) These treats taste like a fall day to me, and help me enjoy my favorite season. I just had to share these with you. Keep your eye out and pick up one or two to try this year.
1. Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies
Maple bar meets crunchy cookie in this addictive little treat from Trader Joe’s. The maple cream is smooth and absolutely delicious. These cookies will not last long! (And now I’m feeling sad that we are out….) Go get some! Your mouth will thank you!
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins
There is just something about the peanut butter pumpkins that make them superior to the ordinary cups. The peanut butter to chocolate ratio is different, and you get more peanut butter goodness per bite.
3. Candy Corn
I just can’t help myself. They’re small and sweet, and beckon to me from every seasonal candy display. One time, I must have been staring a little too longingly at the store because another shopper picked up a bag and tossed them in my cart. He looked at me and said, “You know you want them.” And I did. And I do.
This year, my MIL bought a bag of Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn – and they are a pretty great variation. Keep your eye out for the Apple Pie candy corn too!
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Yes, I’ve seen the meme. Yes, I realize there isn’t any real pumpkin in the drink. And yes, I feel it is your right to purchase one of these incredibly delicious beverages without being harassed by the food police. (You have my permission to eat, and in this case drink!) The taste of one of these lattes signals the real arrival of fall here in the NW. A pumpkin spice latte means it’s time to throw on my sweaters and boots and settle in with a book. It’s symbolic and oh so yummy.
5. Candy Corn Oreo Cookies
If these limited edition cookies do not return this fall, I will be crushed. They are life-changing people. (Okay, probably not “life-changing” per se, but they are amazing!!) If you happen to see these on your store shelves, buy them!! SOO good!
6. (REAL) Apple Cider
When I say apple cider, I don’t mean the instant packets. I don’t mean the apple juice labeled as apple cider. I am talking about the thicker, spicier, typically locally packaged, farm-fresh apple cider. Many local pumpkin patches and farms process their own cider. Make sure to inquire about it when you visit this fall. If you’ve never had real cider, it’s something you need to try at least once. I like it warm. It tastes like autumn in a cup.
7. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
I wait all year to buy this! Made with real pumpkin and a delicious blend of fall spices, these pancakes are the perfect breakfast for a chilly fall morning.
8. Pumpkin Ice Cream
This is another treat I anxiously wait for all year, and relish during it’s two month visit to the NW. Just about all the major players in the ice cream industry make this now, so watch for it at your local grocery store or at your favorite ice cream shop. (IMO, A&W serves up the most delicious pumpkin soft-serve!)
9. Yoplait Apple Crisp Yogurt
Keep your eye out in your dairy case for this tasty seasonal yogurt. It is often packaged with vanilla yogurt in a fridge pack. The apple crisp flavor is sweet, creamy, and tastes like a slice of apple pie. Delicious.
10. Costco Pumpkin Muffins
Costco is known for their extra-large (so big you know you shouldn’t eat the whole thing, but you just can’t help yourself) muffins. Last year, we picked up a package of their pumpkin muffins ( featuring a delicious crumb/streusel-like topping) and we were hooked. While I make pumpkin muffins from scratch on a weekly basis October-November, these store-bought muffins are worth every penny.
Enjoy the flavors of fall with these sweet treats. Happy fall and happy eating.
Yum, can’t wait to try some of these. Sounds delish!
I love so many of these Store Bought Fall treats. Apple Cider, Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Ice Cream. I also like store bought Caramel Apples at Walmart!
It all sounds so yummy and now I am hungry. :)some of this stuff I have never heard of before, I will have to keep a look out for them.
Some of these I need to try, but I absolutely love the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins!
Love fall treats!