This Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is everything you want in a fall or winter comfort meal: rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spiced, with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg rounding out each spoonful. Whether you’re seeking something nourishing on a crisp evening or sharing a comforting bowl with friends, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with wholesome, simple ingredients. Dive into this vibrant bowl of golden goodness and see just how cozy your kitchen can feel!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather a handful of humble ingredients to create this truly memorable Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe. Each item brings its own personality to the pot, combining for a beautiful blend of flavor, color, and silky texture. Don’t skip or swap lightly—each plays a key role in the bowl!
- Butternut Squash: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and that gorgeous golden color.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything sauté beautifully and adds a hint of richness upfront.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle base flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash and apple.
- Garlic: Just two cloves lend a gentle depth and savory warmth.
- Carrot: Adds brightness and rounds out the sweetness for a more complex flavor.
- Apple (Honeycrisp or Gala preferred): Pops in with tart-sweet notes that highlight the squash!
- Ground Cinnamon: A pinch infuses the soup with cozy, autumnal warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Lends a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with squash.
- Vegetable Broth: The magic liquid that brings everyone together and keeps the soup light yet satisfying.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Swirls in richness and creaminess—choose coconut milk for a vegan twist or cream for extra decadence.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These two humble seasonings are absolutely crucial for balancing flavors.
- Pumpkin Seeds and Fresh Thyme (optional): For finishing touches with crunch, color, and herby flair.
How to Make Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced yellow onion and let it cook until translucent—about 5 minutes. This mellow start lays the foundation for deep, layered flavor. Don’t rush; you want the onions soft and sweet, not browned. Next, add minced garlic, chopped carrot, and apple. Stir everything together and sauté for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the veggies and fruit to mingle and get cozy.
Step 2: Add Squash and Spices
Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Add cubed butternut squash to your pot along with the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything in those fragrant spices. The aroma alone will make you swoon! Let the squash soak up those flavors for a minute or two before moving on.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in your vegetable broth, making sure the liquid just covers the veggies. Bring it all up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for 20–25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender and the kitchen smells heavenly. This simmering time allows all the flavors to marry and the squash to soften perfectly for blending.
Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth
When the squash is soft, turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth and creamy. No immersion blender? No problem—carefully ladle the soup into a blender in batches. Remember, hot soup expands, so don’t overfill! Blend until you reach dreamy silkiness.
Step 5: Stir in Creamy Goodness and Finish
Return the blended soup to the stove and stir in your coconut milk or heavy cream. This is the moment your Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe turns velvety and luscious! Taste and adjust salt or pepper as desired. Gently reheat if needed, and you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Garnishes
The right toppings turn a simple bowl into a restaurant-worthy experience. Sprinkle crunchy pumpkin seeds on top for texture, and add fresh thyme leaves for a pop of herbal flavor and color. If you want, a drizzle of extra coconut milk swirled into the bowl looks absolutely stunning.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company! Pair it with a crusty loaf of sourdough, a toasted baguette, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for classic comfort. For lighter fare, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe shines as a main or a starter.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little playful? Serve in small mugs or shooter glasses for a party-friendly appetizer. Hollow out mini pumpkins for a whimsical, festive touch at autumn gatherings. Swirl in pesto, balsamic reduction, or spicy chili oil for dramatic color and flavor contrasts—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making each bowl even tastier the next day. Be sure to let the soup cool before transferring to the refrigerator.
Freezing
This Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is very freezer-friendly! Pour fully cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving space for expansion. It’ll keep brilliantly for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens during storage, add a little more broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to preserve the creaminess—and those delicate flavors!
FAQs
Can I make this Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and double-check that your vegetable broth is fully plant-based. The coconut milk lends a lovely richness with a hint of tropical sweetness that works perfectly here.
Do I have to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling the squash is important for the texture of the finished soup. The skin tends to be tough and fibrous, even after cooking, so it’s best to peel and cube the flesh before starting the recipe.
What can I substitute for butternut squash?
If you’re in a pinch, sweet potato makes a great stand-in for some or all of the squash. The flavor will change slightly but the end result is still creamy, vibrant, and delicious.
Can I roast the butternut squash first?
Roasting the squash before adding it to the pot is a fantastic way to add depth and a hint of caramelized flavor. Simply roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
Is this Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe spicy?
No, there’s no heat added to the basic recipe, just warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or garnish with chili oil to customize your bowl.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe a spot in your dinner rotation—it truly brings color, comfort, and a touch of autumn magic to your table. One simmering pot is all it takes to fill your home with aromatic warmth and your hearts with joy. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!
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Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of this comforting Cozy Butternut Squash Soup, a velvety blend of squash, apple, and warm spices. Perfect for chilly autumn days!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 1 apple (peeled and chopped, preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ingredients: Stir in garlic, carrot, and apple; cook for 3–4 minutes. Add squash, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Cook soup: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20–25 minutes until squash is tender.
- Blend soup: Remove from heat, blend until smooth. Stir in coconut milk/cream, adjust seasoning, and reheat if necessary.
- Garnish and serve: Top with pumpkin seeds and thyme if desired.
Notes
- For added depth, roast the butternut squash at 400°F for 30–35 minutes before adding to the soup.
- You can substitute sweet potato for some or all of the squash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg