When it comes to Thanksgiving traditions, food plays a central role, with the star of the show being the enormous turkey and all its accompanying trimmings. Although dessert is an integral part of any gathering, consider offering a variety of cookies to cater to your guests’ unexpected cravings. Even these sweet treats can be baked with a Thanksgiving theme in mind, featuring designs that resemble turkeys or fall foliage.
However, it’s essential to pay attention to the flavors, as they can make all the difference. To add a seasonal twist, try incorporating familiar ingredients like pecans, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, and maple syrup into your recipes. If you’re looking to break away from tradition and swap out pumpkin pie for something new each year, this guide is for you. We’ve compiled a list of 25 exceptional cookie recipes that are sure to impress your guests and become a new Thanksgiving staple.
Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies
When it comes to honoring the true spirit of Thanksgiving, a turkey is a timeless representation that deserves some creative attention. By using a pack of sugar cookie dough, you can create a delightful tribute to this iconic bird. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to bake the cookies and allow them to cool completely before proceeding with the next steps.
Once the cookies are ready, use chocolate frosting to pipe out an edge around half of each surface, creating a base layer for your turkey design. To add some flair, you can then use candy corn frosting to create the feathers, followed by orange icing for the face and feet, and finally top it off with eyes created from baking bits and a touch of black gel.
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Just as the leaves change colors and fall arrives, we can indulge our taste buds in warm and comforting flavors with these irresistible shortbread cookies topped with toasted pecan halves. To begin, toast the pecan halves until fragrant, allowing their rich aroma to fill your kitchen. Next, prepare the cookie dough by beating together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, stir in the toasted pecan halves for added texture and flavor.
If you’re lucky enough to have some turbinado sugar on hand, don’t hesitate to use it – its delicate crunch and sweetness will add an extra layer of delight to your shortbread cookies.
Almond Biscotti
Elevating your cookie game doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple yet elegant option is to make a batch of Almond Biscotti, classic Italian biscuits that are baked twice for an unparalleled crispiness. This double-baked technique not only enhances their texture but also makes them remarkably easy to package and transport, perfect for sharing with guests.
To prepare these biscotti, begin by whisking together the dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, crushed anise seed, and salt in a large bowl. Next, beat in eggs, sugar, olive oil, and almond extract until well combined. Stir in the flour mixture, followed by the chopped almonds, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the dough. Allow the mixture to chill before baking twice until firm and crispy.
With this straightforward recipe, you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious biscotti that are sure to impress.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies
Rounding out any holiday gathering with the perfect treats is easy when you have a recipe like Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies. These classic sugar cookies get an extra boost of flavor from the creamy peanut butter and are elevated to new heights by the addition of chocolate kisses in the center. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making these cookies perfect for Thanksgiving or as cute gifts for friends and family.
To make them, simply combine a bag of chocolate candy kisses with brown sugar, white sugar, peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, and a single egg. Next, use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into balls that will retain their softness when you place a chocolate kiss directly in the center of each one. This is key to achieving the perfect combination of textures in every bite.
German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Highlighting the perfect combination of textures and flavors, German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies make a great dessert option. The filling consists of a delightful blend of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, egg yolks, and condensed milk, which is undoubtedly the highlight of this cookie recipe. Additionally, the cookies themselves contain shredded coconut, and to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, toasted coconut is sprinkled on top.
As with many sandwich cookies, be prepared for a bit of messiness due to the loose shredded coconut.
Pecan Snowflake Cookies
A festive twist on traditional cookies, Snowflake Cookies are perfect for both Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations alike. While they may require a specialized cookie cutter, the recipe itself is surprisingly simple to follow. To start, blitz together pecans, confectioner’s sugar, butter, vanilla extract, flour, Kosher salt, and cinnamon in a food processor until well combined.
Achieving the right consistency for the dough is crucial, as it needs to be chilled sufficiently before rolling out to avoid crumbling or spreading excessively during baking. To ensure this happens, leave the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until firm, then roll out, cut, and bake according to your desired specifications.
After the cookies have cooled completely, dust them with confectioners’ sugar to give them that distinctive snow-kissed appearance and make them a stunning addition to any holiday gathering.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Wrapped in the warmth of the season, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect treat for Thanksgiving gatherings. Their cake-like texture and crisp edges provide a delightful contrast, while the sweetness of the apples paired with the depth of cinnamon flavors will leave you wanting more. You can even take them to the next level by adding a drizzle of cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and ground cinnamon.
These cookies are so irresistible that you may want to make a big batch to share and serve them alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Pecan Pie Cookies
While traditional Thanksgiving desserts often feature classic pumpkin or apple pie, it’s worth experimenting with alternative flavors and textures to create a more interesting spread. Mini pecan pies are an excellent option, offering a rich and indulgent taste experience in a smaller format. These cookies boast a caramelized flavor profile thanks to the use of light brown sugar and pecan halves, making them a great way to capture the essence of fall in a bite-sized treat.
Even experienced bakers can appreciate the versatility of these mini pies, which allow for a unique twist on a beloved tradition.
Crispy Maple Oatmeal Cookies
For the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast, consider baking a batch of Crispy Maple Oatmeal Cookies. These delicious treats can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour and rolled oats for traditional ingredients, while also opting for vegan butter and unsweetened shredded coconut. To add depth and richness to the cookies, don’t forget to include brown sugar and maple syrup flakes in your recipe.
The best way to truly appreciate these crispy delights is to enjoy them on a small plate in front of a roaring fire with a warm cup of your favorite hot drink.
Reese’s Turkey Cookies
Zest up your cookie game with these adorable turkey cookies! Not only do they resemble their feathered friends, but they’re also a delicious treat. Start by baking a batch of sugar cookies, then carefully place a peanut butter cup in the middle and let them cool completely. Once set, use candy eyes to create those beady little eyes, M&M’s for a fun nose, and candy corn pieces to add some festive feathers. This project is perfect for kids to join in on, as it’s both adorable and edible.
Day After Thanksgiving Cookies
Not only can you repurpose leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving to make these delicious cookies, but additional flavors are also incorporated through ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and pumpkin purée. The combination of white and brown sugars creamed together with the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, and cranberry sauce forms the base of the dough.
After beating in the flour, baking soda, salt, oats, spices, and making sure they are well combined, stir in the chips before refrigerating to chill and bake until golden brown.
Colorful Leaf Cookies
Taking inspiration from the vibrant colors of fall foliage, you can create a batch of Colorful Leaf Cookies that are almost too beautiful to eat. Typically, these cookies require only basic pantry ingredients to make the dough, which you can easily divide into chunks and color individually with orange, red, and yellow hues.
To complete the look, break the dough into manageable pieces, roll it out evenly, shape into leaf-like forms, sprinkle with orange decorating sugar, and bake until golden brown.
Easy Thanksgiving Shortbread Cookies
Highlighting another seasonal treat are these Easy Thanksgiving Shortbread Cookies, which feature fall-inspired colors reminiscent of autumn leaves. These cookies have a beautiful marbled effect achieved by combining an icing glaze made from powdered sugar and half and half with gel food coloring in shades of brown, yellow, and orange. The cookie dough itself is straightforward to prepare using soft butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and cornstarch.
Once the cookies are baked, add a few drops of the colored gel food coloring to the icing glaze and use a toothpick to create a marbled effect. To finish, dip each cookie into the glaze, give it a gentle shake to ensure an even coat, and let it dry before serving.
Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
Highlighting the versatility of dried cranberries in baking, this recipe for Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies is another delicious example. The process begins with creaming together butter and sugars, followed by the addition of vanilla extract and an egg. Meanwhile, dry ingredients such as cornstarch, flour, salt, and baking soda are whisked together before being combined with the wet ingredients.
To complete the cookie dough, white chocolate chips and dried cranberries are folded in, after which it is chilled and baked for approximately 12 minutes, resulting in a sweet and indulgent treat.
Salted Gingersnap Mallomars
Elevating Mallomars for Thanksgiving is as simple as swapping out their classic shortbread cookie base with a gingersnap cookie. This unique twist not only adds a new flavor dimension but also provides an exciting alternative to the traditional treat. When selecting marshmallows, it’s essential to choose store-bought ones that are the right size to complement the gingersnap cookies. To create these delightful treats, place a marshmallow on top of each cookie and cover with melted chocolate.
Be sure to shake off any excess chocolate before proceeding. Finally, sprinkle some sea salt over the mallomars and allow them to fully set.
Cinnamon Spiced Sugar Cookies With Browned Butter Frosting
Pair these cookies with a festive fall theme by shaping them into miniature pumpkins. The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon in the dough gives them a warm, autumnal flavor that’s perfect for the season. When they’re baked to a golden brown, top them off with a rich browned butter frosting. To make this frosting, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it develops a nutty aroma, then let it cook for another minute or two before removing it from the heat.
Next, stir in confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon to balance out the flavors.
Sea Salt Butterscotch Pretzel Cookies
Elevating classic cookie flavors, this recipe for Sea Salt Butterscotch Pretzel Cookies employs the rich and nutty taste of browned butter. To begin, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown, then let it cool slightly. Next, combine the cooled butter with eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to create a smooth mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together sea salt, baking soda, and flour before adding the wet ingredients to form a dough.
Once the dough is formed, stir in chocolate chips, pretzels, and butterscotch chips for added texture and flavor. Finally, scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake until the edges are lightly golden brown. To finish, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cookie, adding a touch of salty sweetness to each bite.
Soft Frosted Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Baking a soft and indulgent cookie perfect for Thanksgiving is easier than ever with these Soft Frosted Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies that will surely become a hit at your holiday gathering. The unique texture of these cookies can be attributed to the combination of baking powder and baking salt, which works in harmony with softened unsalted butter, sour cream, and the distinct flavor of maple extract.
After baking the cookies, it’s time to create the frosting by blending powdered sugar, butter, cinnamon, half and half, additional maple extract, and a hint of brown food coloring. To achieve the perfect whipped, fluffy, and light frosting texture, be sure to scoop and spread it generously onto each cookie.
Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
A delicious cookie that’s bursting with the flavors of spiced apples can be achieved with these Apple Crisp Cookie Cups. To get started, you’ll need a muffin tin to shape the cookies into cups and a cookie scoop for even distribution. Although they may seem complex, the process is actually quite straightforward once you have your equipment in hand. The rich flavors of ground cinnamon and nutmeg are what give these cookies their distinct taste, while rolled oats help hold them together.
Once baked until golden brown, use a shot glass to press down into the dough and create cup-like shapes. Mix in softened apples that have been flavored with brown sugar and additional dashes of nutmeg and cinnamon for an extra boost of flavor before serving.
Winter Spice Sandwich Cookies With Orange Cream
Highlighting the versatility of oranges in baking, this recipe uses them as a perfect complement to winter spice flavors, despite being more commonly associated with fall fruits. The combination of ground cinnamon and ginger creates a classic flavor profile that’s hard to resist. To prepare the orange cream filling, start by mixing together softened cream cheese, orange zest, and butter until you achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency.
The mixture should turn a light yellow color as you mix it well. If the filling becomes too stiff, consider adding some fresh orange juice to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veering away from traditional flavors, the essence of Thanksgiving can be captured through several distinctive flavor profiles that evoke the spirit of fall. Variations in spices and sweeteners play a significant role in creating this festive atmosphere. Certain spices, such as ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, are characteristic of the season and should not be overlooked when developing recipes.
The inclusion of brown sugars with molasses is also recommended to add depth to your baked goods. Pumpkin flavor, whether obtained from a can or a fresh pumpkin puree, can further enhance the autumnal theme in your cookies. When it comes to selecting cookie types for Thanksgiving, there are numerous options to consider. Given their versatility, cookies can be tailored to fit various occasions and themes.
For decorative purposes, sugar cookies can be designed with fall-inspired motifs such as pumpkin pie slices or turkeys. In addition to these designs, you can also experiment with Snickerdoodle cookies infused with cinnamon, S’Mores-inspired treats, or gingerbread cookies that capture the warmth of the season. Even traditional cookie variations like oatmeal or chocolate chip can be adapted for Thanksgiving by incorporating seasonal flavors and ingredients.
Directions
Planning your next culinary adventure? Start by picking one of the recipes listed above. Next, click on the recipe name to be taken to the official website where you can find the complete instructions and any additional resources needed. Once you have accessed the recipe, collect all the necessary ingredients and cooking supplies before beginning. Finally, sit back and enjoy your freshly prepared dish – don’t forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with others!
