The Real Chic Life

This summer has been one of our busiest yet, and I have to admit that between my move, vacation, and business related travel, home cooked meals have been sparse. But now that things are settled, our kitchen is calling us back in. 

Fall is the season for slow-simmered soups, buttery baked goods, and recipes that wrap you up like your favorite knit sweater. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or hosting a weekend gathering, the right cookbook can make autumn meals feel magical.

Here are my favorite cozy cookbooks to inspire your fall cooking—each one perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and a fresh grocery list.

1. Half Baked Harvest Every Day

 – Tieghan Gerard

If fall had a flavor, Tieghan Gerard has bottled it. With recipes like Pumpkin Alfredo, Butternut Squash Soup, and Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, this book is your ticket to a season of rich, rustic comfort food. Plus, the photography will make you want to move into a farmhouse immediately. I also love her Quick and Cozy cookbook too. 

2. The New Classics

 – Donna Hay

Elegant but approachable, Donna Hay’s recipes are ideal for when you want a dinner party feel without fuss. Try her Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu or Cinnamon Apple Cake for those chilly weekends when the oven is your happy place.

3. Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking 

-Toni Tipton-Martin

This James Beard Award–winning cookbook is both a celebration of heritage and a treasure trove of comforting, soulful recipes. From Chicken and Dumplings to Sweet Potato Biscuits, Toni Tipton-Martin honors Black culinary history while offering dishes that feel perfect for cool autumn nights. It’s the kind of book that nourishes both body and spirit.

4. Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables

 – Joshua McFadden

If you want to lean into fall produce, this book is your ultimate guide. Think Charred Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Onion or Roasted Squash with Yogurt and Spiced Seeds. It’s earthy, colorful, and makes vegetables feel decadent.

5. The Comfort Table

 – Katie Lee Biegel

This one is like sitting down at a friend’s kitchen table. Expect cozy Southern-inspired dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Pumpkin Bread. The perfect choice for casual, comforting home cooking.

6. Cook This Book

 – Molly Baz

For when you want fun, modern recipes with a cozy twist. Molly makes approachable comfort food—her Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Cabbage is the kind of dish that makes a chilly night feel special.

Setting the Scene for Fall Cooking

Don’t just cook—make it an experience. Light a candle (preferably something with notes of cinnamon or clove), put on a mellow playlist, and let the smell of something delicious fill your home. With these cookbooks on your shelf, your fall kitchen will feel like the warmest place in the house.

x Tonya