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Hampton U | Life

The Ultimate Fall Night In: Cozy Mocktails, Comfort Dinners, and Sweet Treats

Kennedy Kyser Student Contributor, Hampton University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hampton U chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Fall is approaching, and this season it’s all about comfort! Think cozy sweaters, autumn movies, and meals that feel like home! Whether you’re planning a girls night in, hosting a mini Friendsgiving, or just craving something seasonal, these cozy mocktail and dinner recipes will definitely hit the spot.

Classic Roasted Garlic & Butternut Squash Soup
Adapted from Success Fitness on TikTok.

Nothing says fall like a bowl of creamy, golden butternut squash soup. This version gets extra flavor from roasted garlic and caramelized shallots, balanced with a touch of maple syrup and nutmeg!

Ingredients include: butternut squash, roasted garlic, shallots, thyme, rosemary, and cream or coconut milk for swirling.

Why you’ll love it: Simple, comforting, and basically fall in a bowl. Add a swirl of cream and sprinkle of herbs for that aesthetic IG post!

Pro Tip: Pair it with Garlic Confit Butter Focaccia for the ultimate cozy combo.

Garlic Confit Butter Focaccia
Inspired by recipes from Success Fitness on TikTok.

If you love bread like I do, this ones for you! Soft, fluffy focaccia infused with roasted garlic and creamy garlic butter, topped with parmesan and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ideal side for soup, salad, and you can even use to make a sandwich.

Campus Hack: Make a pan on Sunday night and enjoy leftovers all week! I recommend reheating it in an air fryer or toaster oven for that “fresh out the oven” taste!

Maple Pecan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe inspired by Success Fitness on TikTok.

No cozy meal is complete without dessert! These cookies mix maple-glazed pecans, rolled oats, and chunks of both milk and dark chocolate for chewy, nutty, basically fall flavored goodness.

Pro Tip: Bake a batch before your next study session or movie night! Your roommate and probably the while hall will want in on the gooey goodness.

Cozy Apple Cider Mocktail
Recipe adapted from The Mindful Mocktail.

Skip the cocktails, this sparkling mocktail delivers fall flavor without the buzz.

Mix together:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • A splash of lemon juice
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • Sparkling water to top

Pour over ice and garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick. Perfect for sipping while you cook, bake, or curl up with a blanket and a movie.

Rosemary Pear Mocktail
Recipe adapted from The Social Sipper.
This one’s for my fall mocktail girlies! Light, crisp, and just sweet enough, it’s made with pear juice, fresh rosemary, lemon, honey, and sparkling water.

Ingredients (serves 1):

  • 2 oz pear juice (fresh if you can)
  • 1 sprig rosemary, plus more for garnish
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ½ tbsp honey
  • Lemon sparkling water
  • Pear slice, for garnish

Shake everything together (except the sparkling water), then top it off with bubbles and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Fresh, seasonal, and perfect if cider isn’t your thing.

The Perfect Fall Evening

From warm soup and golden bread to maple sweet cookies, these recipes make staying in feel sooo special. Writing this article honestly made me too hungry, and now I’m ready to throw my own gathering with friends and cook for them. Hopefully this article inspires you to grab a pan, get in the kitchen, and become your own chef this fall!

Kennedy Kyser

Hampton U '28

Kennedy Kyser is a second-year journalism major with a marketing minor from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is passionate about storytelling and sports journalism, expressing her creativity through articles, short films, scriptwriting, and directing. Her love for journalism has been shaped by programs such as the George Washington University Journalism and Media Conference. Recently, she launched her own sports series, The Kickoff with Kennedy K, which focuses on all things Hampton football. Kennedy is also a live producer for Saber Sports, the student sports broadcast, and Miss National Association of Black Journalists for the 25-26. In her free time, she enjoys baking, trying new recipes, reading, painting, and traveling to new places.