25 Of The Best Cookies For Thanksgiving

As the centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations, food plays a significant role in bringing people together. The star of the show is often the majestic turkey, accompanied by an assortment of side dishes and trimmings. While dessert is undoubtedly a highlight, it’s equally important to have a selection of sweet treats on hand to satisfy any unexpected cravings.

This could include a variety of cookies that not only complement the season’s flavors but also pay homage to its iconic symbols – think turkey-shaped or fall-colored designs. To add an extra layer of authenticity, incorporate seasonal ingredients like pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, and maple syrup into your cookie recipes. And why stick to tradition when it comes to dessert? Consider breaking free from the pumpkin pie mold and exploring new options.

In this guide, we’ll delve into 25 mouthwatering cookie recipes that are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

To pay tribute to the iconic Thanksgiving symbol, the turkey, create a show-stopping edible masterpiece using sugar cookie dough. Begin by following the package instructions to bake the cookies and allow them to cool completely. Next, divide each cookie into two halves by piping a chocolate frosting border around the top half of each one. This will serve as the foundation for your turkey-inspired design.

Once set, use candy corn frosting to create textured feathers on the ‘back’ of the cookie, followed by an orange icing application for the face and feet. Finally, add eyes using baking bits and a black gel detail for added realism.

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these scrumptious shortbread cookies, elevated by crunchy pecan halves. Before diving into the cookie dough, toast the pecans until fragrant to unlock their full potential. To begin, cream together butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Then, stir in those toasted pecan halves for added texture and depth of flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using turbinado sugar to give your cookies a delightful outer layer that’s sure to impress.

Almond Biscotti

Create a batch of Almond Biscotti, a classic Italian cookie that’s perfect for sharing with guests or taking on-the-go. This recipe yields a crumbly, twice-baked biscuit that’s easy to package and transport. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, crushed anise seed, and salt. Next, beat in eggs, sugar, olive oil, and almond extract until well combined. Stir in chopped almonds before refrigerating the mixture to allow it to chill.

Finally, bake the biscotti twice until they’re firm and crispy, perfect for dunking in your favorite beverage or serving as a sweet treat.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies, perfect for impressing your Thanksgiving guests or gifting to loved ones. These chewy treats boast a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors, courtesy of a medley of ingredients including brown sugar, white sugar, peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, and a single egg.

The magic unfolds as you form the dough into balls, ensuring they remain soft when topped with a chocolate kiss placed directly in the center of each cookie.

Skillet S’Mores

As the temperatures drop, a warm and cozy gathering at Thanksgiving is just what’s needed. While traditional campfire s’mores are delightful, they can be challenging to execute indoors. A clever alternative is to bake skillet s’mores in the oven, using semisweet chocolate chips and marshmallows of the right size. This recipe may tempt you to devour the treats straight from the skillets, but resist the urge and follow the steps to create perfectly toasted marshmallows.

To make this happen, simply place the cookie dough in small skillets, top with a few chocolate chips and halved marshmallows, then bake until golden brown. Be mindful of the size of your skillets, as they will dictate the size of your s’mores. For kids, use smaller skillets, while larger ones are perfect for sharing. Just remember to don some gloves when handling those hot skillets.

German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Indulge in a sweet treat with these German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, perfect as a dessert or indulgent snack. The rich filling, comprising toasted pecans, shredded coconut, egg yolks, and condensed milk, takes center stage. Shredded coconut also infuses the cookie itself, while a final layer of toasted coconut adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Be warned: these sandwich cookies can get messy, with shredded coconut readily dropping out – so be prepared for a delightful yet chaotic baking experience.

Pecan Snowflake Cookies

While Snowflake Cookies are a staple of Christmas celebrations, they’re also a delightful treat for Thanksgiving gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe belies its festive flair, which is amplified by the use of a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter. To get started, blend together pecans, confectioner’s sugar, butter, vanilla extract, flour, Kosher salt, and cinnamon to create the dough.

A crucial step in ensuring the cookies turn out perfectly is chilling the dough until it reaches a firm consistency. Once achieved, roll out the dough, cut into shapes using your snowflake cookie cutter, and bake to perfection. As soon as the cookies have cooled, dust them with confectioner’s sugar for that extra-special touch and an added layer of festive charm.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Indulge in the comforting warmth of these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. The cake-like texture and crispy edges provide a delightful contrast, while the tender apple pieces infused with cinnamon will leave you craving more. To take them to the next level, consider drizzling a sweet cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and ground cinnamon.

With their irresistible charm, you may be tempted to bake a large batch to share with friends and family, accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Pecan Pie Cookies

When it comes to Thanksgiving, there’s something undeniably special about indulging in a slice (or three) of pecan pie. But what if you wanted to scale down the classic dessert without sacrificing any of its signature flavors? The answer lies in these bite-sized mini pies, which expertly capture the essence of traditional pecan pie in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package.

Ginger Spiced Molasses Cookies

Indulge in the warmth of Ginger Spiced Molasses Cookies, infused with a spicy blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and black pepper. The depth of flavor comes from dark rum and molasses, which require time to mature before baking. Allow the cookies to chill, enabling the flavors to fully develop, and only then will you see the edges set and hardened, with cracks appearing on the surface as a sign of their readiness.

Crispy Maple Oatmeal Cookies

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s time to get cozy with another scrumptious oatmeal cookie recipe: Crispy Maple Oatmeal Cookies. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is easily adaptable – simply substitute gluten-free flour and rolled oats for traditional options, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also add unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and a touch of tropical flavor.

However, to truly capture the essence of these cookies, you’ll need to incorporate brown sugar and maple syrup flakes into your recipe. The result is a rich, deep flavor that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the best part: savoring each bite by the warmth of a roaring fire with a steaming hot drink on hand – it’s the ultimate cozy experience.

Reese’s Turkey Cookies

When it comes to adorable treats, these turkey cookies truly stand out from the crowd. Not only do they boast an impressive resemblance to the real deal, but they’re also a delight to create – especially with kids! The process begins by baking a batch of sugar cookies, which are then cleverly paired with a peanut butter cup in the center.

Allow the cookies to fully cool before adding the finishing touches: candy eyes for the ‘eyes’, M&M’s for the nose, and crunchy candy corn pieces for the feathers. With their irresistible charm and scrumptious flavor, these turkey cookies are sure to be a hit!

Day After Thanksgiving Cookies

Transform leftover cranberry sauce into a delicious dessert by incorporating it into these cookies. The essence of Thanksgiving is further enhanced by the warmth of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, as well as the richness of pumpkin puree. To begin, combine white and brown sugars with pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, and cranberry sauce to create a creamy mixture. Next, beat in flour, baking soda, salt, oats, and spices until well combined, then stir in chocolate chips.

Chill the dough before baking until golden brown.

Colorful Leaf Cookies

Create a stunning fall-inspired treat by crafting Colorful Leaf Cookies that are almost too beautiful to eat – almost! Begin by finding a leaf-shaped cookie cutter, which will serve as the foundation for your autumnal masterpiece. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dough that’s ready to be transformed into an array of vibrant hues.

Divide the dough into manageable chunks and then individually color each one with shades of orange, red, and yellow – think classic fall foliage colors. Once your dough is suitably colored, roll it out, break it into cookie-sized pieces, and shape them into leaves using your trusty cookie cutter. Finally, add a touch of autumnal flair by sprinkling orange decorating sugar atop each cookie before baking to perfection.

Easy Thanksgiving Shortbread Cookies

These Easy Thanksgiving Shortbread Cookies are another stunning representation of fall foliage, featuring a marbled look achieved by combining powdered sugar with half-and-half to create an icing glaze. The cookies themselves require only soft butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and cornstarch to prepare. Once baked, the icing is colored with gel food coloring in shades of brown, yellow, and orange, then mixed with a toothpick for a subtle swirl effect.

Each cookie is then dipped into the glaze and gently shaken to ensure even coverage before being left to dry.

Cranberry Pistachio Cookies

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with Cranberry Pistachio Cookies, perfect for any festive occasion. Start by creaming together butter, sugar, and olive oil until smooth, then add a hint of vanilla extract and an egg to create a rich cookie dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients such as salt, baking powder, cornstarch, and flour to form the foundation of your cookies.

The crowning glory of these cookies is the addition of dried cranberries and shelled pistachios – simply stir them in as the final touch before baking for up to 15 minutes. The result is a sweet and savory cookie that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

While soft white chocolate chip cranberry cookies may not be as traditional a combination as some other flavors, they offer a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe begins by creaming together butter and sugars, followed by the addition of vanilla extract and egg. Next, a dry mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and baking soda is whisked together before being combined with the wet ingredients.

The dough is then finished off with the addition of white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, which are stirred in to create a sweet and fruity flavor combination. After chilling, the dough is baked for around 12 minutes, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie that’s sure to please.

Maple Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies With Bourbon Maple Filling

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall and Thanksgiving with a batch of Maple Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies featuring a rich Bourbon Maple Filling. The key ingredients include cream of tartar for the snickerdoodles, maple flavoring to enhance the cookies’ natural sweetness, and a sugar coating infused with pumpkin spice and cinnamon.

Meanwhile, the bourbon-infused filling is created by blending butter with powdered sugar, followed by the slow addition of maple syrup and bourbon until it reaches the perfect consistency to hold both cookies together.

Salted Gingersnap Mallomars

Taking the classic Mallomar treat to new heights, consider substituting the traditional shortbread cookie base with a gingersnap cookie for a seasonal twist perfect for Thanksgiving. While store-bought marshmallows can be used, it’s essential to select ones that match the size of the gingersnap cookies. Place a marshmallow atop each cookie, then cover in melted chocolate and gently shake off any excess.

To finish, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the Mallomars and allow them to fully set before serving.

Cinnamon Spiced Sugar Cookies With Browned Butter Frosting

Transform these cookies into adorable miniature pumpkins for an added touch of Thanksgiving flair. The warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon infused in the dough ensure a delightful fall flavor. Once baked to a golden brown perfection, take it to the next level by creating a rich browned butter frosting. To achieve this, simply cook the butter until it emits a toasted aroma, then whisk in confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Finally, frost each cookie with this indulgent treat.

Sea Salt Butterscotch Pretzel Cookies

When it comes to elevating a batch of Sea Salt Butterscotch Pretzel Cookies, browned butter is an excellent addition. The nutty flavor it imparts creates a depth that’s hard to achieve with regular butter. To start, brown the butter and let it cool before combining it with eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture then gets poured into a whisked together combination of sea salt, baking soda, and flour to form a dough.

From there, you can add in chocolate chips, pretzels, and butterscotch chips for added texture and flavor. Once the cookies are baked until they’re lightly golden brown on the edges, finish them off with a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each one.

Soft Frosted Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the quintessential Thanksgiving treat with these Soft Frosted Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies that are sure to become a family favorite. The secret to their tender texture lies in the perfect balance of baking powder and baking salt, which is expertly combined with softened unsalted butter, tangy sour cream, and a hint of maple extract.

Once baked, the cookies are transformed into a sweet masterpiece by drizzling them with a luscious frosting crafted from powdered sugar, rich butter, warm cinnamon, creamy half-and-half, additional maple extract, and a touch of brown food coloring. The result is a fluffy, whipped, and airy frosting that’s simply begging to be scooped and spread onto each cookie.

Apple Crisp Cookie Cups

Indulge in the quintessential flavors of fall with these Apple Crisp Cookie Cups, which are overflowing with spiced apples. While they may require a muffin tin and cookie scoop for preparation, the process is surprisingly straightforward once you have the necessary tools on hand. The combination of ground cinnamon and nutmeg provides a robust flavor profile, while rolled oats serve as the binding agent to hold the cups together.

To take these cookies to the next level, press a shot glass into the dough to create defined cups. Then, mix in softened apples that have been sweetened with brown sugar and infused with even more nutmeg and cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect autumnal treat.

Winter Spice Sandwich Cookies With Orange Cream

While oranges are more commonly associated with spring and summer, their citrusy flavor and vibrant color can surprisingly complement winter spice flavors perfectly. In this cookie recipe, ground cinnamon is combined with ground ginger for a unique twist. The orange cream filling is created by mixing softened cream cheese with grated orange zest and butter until it reaches a light yellow hue. To achieve the desired consistency, you may need to add a splash of orange juice.

This harmonious blend of flavors will surely make your taste buds dance.

Bonus Section: Pumpkin Cookies

When it comes to Thanksgiving flavors, pumpkin is a classic choice that deserves to take center stage. Whether you’re looking to create your own homemade pumpkin purée or opt for convenience by purchasing canned varieties, this iconic taste is sure to be a staple at your holiday table.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Maple-Spice Filling

As Thanksgiving approaches, be sure to snag some pumpkins to incorporate into your holiday celebrations. Don’t overlook the opportunity to salvage a pumpkin from a Halloween gathering – it can be transformed into a delicious purée for baking. This versatile ingredient is a key component in crafting two standout treats: intense cookies and a show-stopping maple-spice frosting.

The cookie recipe combines the pumpkin purée with aromatic spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and dark molasses, resulting in an unparalleled flavor experience. Meanwhile, the frosting takes it to the next level by blending the pumpkin purée with rich dark maple syrup, warm ground cloves, and a tangy cream cheese for a truly unforgettable taste sensation.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies offer another creative way to utilize pumpkin purée. A blend of warm spices, including nutmeg and cinnamon, adds depth to these sweet treats. When baked for just 11-13 minutes, the cookies develop a soft, pillowy texture that’s sure to delight. The reduced baking time allows them to retain their moisture, making each bite feel like a gentle indulgence.

Final Thoughts

While it’s common for Thanksgiving tables to feature a single serving of pumpkin pie as the sole dessert option, there’s no reason why it has to be that way. In fact, a variety of sweet treats can provide a delightful surprise after the main meal is over. One approach is to offer bite-sized snacks that still incorporate traditional flavors, but in a more appealing and manageable form. A batch of Thanksgiving cookies, for instance, can be a wonderful addition to the table.

These can be simply decorated with festive flair, or you could get creative by incorporating flavors like winter spices, pecans, and even pumpkin into the cookie dough itself.