25 Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes for Holiday Baking

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies. From pumpkin spice cookies and chewy brown butter cookies to cranberry white chocolate cookies and maple pecan cookies, homemade treats add something special to every holiday gathering.

Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving dessert platter, hosting a family dinner, bringing treats to a potluck, or making edible gifts for friends, these Thanksgiving cookie recipes offer something for everyone. Many are easy enough for beginner bakers, and several can be prepared ahead of time to make holiday baking less stressful.

Here are 25 easy Thanksgiving cookie recipes featuring classic fall flavors, festive ingredients, and delicious combinations that belong on your holiday dessert table.

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Soft, warmly spiced pumpkin cookies are a Thanksgiving favorite. These cookies have a tender texture and a delicious blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy.
4. Mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving tip: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

2. Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries create a delicious contrast in these festive cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving tip: Reserve a few cranberries and white chocolate chips to press onto the cookies before baking for a bakery-style appearance.

3. Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple syrup and crunchy pecans give these cookies a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for fall and Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Mix in maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
5. Gradually stir in the flour mixture.
6. Fold in chopped pecans.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
9. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring.

Serving tip: Drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.

4. Apple Cinnamon Cookies

These cookies combine the cozy flavors of fresh apples and cinnamon in a soft, cake-like treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely diced apple
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk, if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add the egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients. Add milk if the dough seems too stiff.
6. Fold in the finely diced apple.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Cool completely before storing.

Serving tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.

5. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty aroma to classic chocolate chip cookies, making them extra special for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
2. Pour into a heat-safe bowl and cool until no longer hot.
3. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir both sugars into the brown butter.
5. Add the egg and vanilla.
6. Mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
7. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F and scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
10. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Finish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

6. Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet potato adds moisture and gentle sweetness to these soft cookies, making them a fun alternative to pumpkin treats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, cooled
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add the egg, sweet potato, and vanilla.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are set.
8. Cool on the baking sheet before moving to a rack.

Serving tip: Add a light cinnamon glaze for extra sweetness.

7. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Chewy ginger molasses cookies are filled with warm spices and have a slightly crisp sugar-coated exterior.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add molasses and egg.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if it is too sticky.
7. Roll into small balls and coat in granulated sugar.
8. Place on lined baking sheets and bake for 9–12 minutes.
9. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving tip: These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.

8. Pecan Sandies

Pecan sandies are buttery, crumbly cookies with toasted pecans and a delicate sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in vanilla and salt.
4. Gradually add flour.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Shape the dough into small balls and place on lined baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
9. Cool for 5 minutes before moving to a rack.

Serving tip: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.

9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate chips create a soft, flavorful cookie that combines fall spices with sweet chocolate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Mix in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Scoop onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until set.
9. Cool completely before serving.

Serving tip: Use semisweet chocolate chips to balance the pumpkin’s sweetness.

10. Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are soft, buttery cookies coated in cinnamon sugar. Their simple flavor makes them an easy addition to any Thanksgiving cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For coating

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Combine the coating sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Roll the dough into balls and coat them in cinnamon sugar.
8. Place on lined baking sheets.
9. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are set.
10. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Serve these cookies alongside pumpkin pie or a warm cup of cider.

11. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Buttery macadamia nuts and sweet white chocolate create a rich cookie that looks elegant on a Thanksgiving dessert tray.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until lightly golden.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Serving tip: Add a few extra white chocolate chips to the tops before baking.

12. Maple Oatmeal Cookies

These chewy oatmeal cookies have a comforting texture and the warm sweetness of maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients.
6. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Fold in 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans if desired.

13. Caramel Apple Cookies

Caramel apple cookies combine cinnamon-spiced apple pieces with sweet caramel for a delicious fall-inspired treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 small apple, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup soft caramel bits

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in diced apple and caramel bits.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 11–14 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Cool completely before storing.

Serving tip: Drizzle with a little melted caramel once the cookies have cooled.

14. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies have a rich chocolate center and a snowy powdered sugar coating that makes them beautiful for holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions

1. Mix cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and oil in a bowl.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Roll dough into small balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
7. Place on lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are cracked and the edges are set.
9. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar just before baking for the most visible crinkle pattern.

15. Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread gets a festive twist from dried cranberries and fresh orange zest.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
3. Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
4. Gradually add flour and salt.
5. Fold in chopped cranberries.
6. Shape the dough into a log, wrap, and chill for 30–45 minutes.
7. Slice into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Place on lined baking sheets and bake for 12–16 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden.
9. Cool completely.

Serving tip: Dip one edge in melted white chocolate for an elegant holiday look.

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16. Peanut Butter Cookies

Soft peanut butter cookies offer a familiar, nutty flavor that balances the sweeter treats on a Thanksgiving dessert platter.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll the dough into balls and place on lined baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
8. Bake for 9–12 minutes.
9. Cool for several minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving tip: For a chocolate twist, press a few chocolate chips into each cookie before baking.

17. Almond Crescent Cookies

These delicate crescent-shaped cookies have a buttery texture and a subtle almond flavor, making them lovely for a holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in almond extract.
4. Stir in flour, ground almonds, and salt.
5. Shape small pieces of dough into crescents.
6. Place on lined baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12–16 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool for 5 minutes, then dust gently with powdered sugar.

Serving tip: Arrange these cookies on a platter with chocolate and cranberry cookies for variety.

18. Toasted Coconut Cookies

Toasted coconut gives these cookies a fragrant, lightly crunchy texture and a sweet flavor that works well alongside fall desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast for 4–6 minutes, stirring once. Cool completely.
3. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
5. Add egg and vanilla.
6. Mix in the dry ingredients.
7. Fold in toasted coconut.
8. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a delicious finishing touch.

19. Chai Spice Cookies

Chai spice cookies feature cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves for a fragrant treat that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto lined baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set.
8. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar before baking.

20. Double Chocolate Cookies

These rich cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and make a delicious addition to a Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

Serving tip: Add a few chocolate chips to the tops before baking for a bakery-style finish.

21. Brown Sugar Butter Cookies

These simple butter cookies have a rich caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and a tender, buttery texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Scoop the dough into small balls and place on lined baking sheets.
7. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Sprinkle the tops with a little coarse sugar before baking for a delicate crunch.

22. S’mores Cookies

These fun cookies combine chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows for a playful treat that guests of all ages can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy.
4. Add egg and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and gently stir in the marshmallows.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving plenty of space.
8. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Cool for several minutes before transferring, as the marshmallows will be hot and sticky.

Serving tip: Press extra chocolate chips into the tops just before baking.

23. Lemon Sugar Cookies

Bright lemon sugar cookies offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate, caramel, and spice flavors often served at Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll dough into balls and place on lined baking sheets.
7. Flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are just set.
9. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a lightly crisp exterior.

24. Red Velvet Cookies

Red velvet cookies add a festive pop of color to a Thanksgiving dessert tray and pair beautifully with white chocolate chips.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring, or as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips.
7. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Add a few extra white chocolate chips to the tops before baking.

25. Thanksgiving Leaf-Shaped Sugar Cookies

These decorative sugar cookies can be cut into autumn leaves and decorated in warm fall colors. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables and edible gifts.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the optional icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
• Food coloring in orange, red, yellow, and brown

Instructions

1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt separately.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
8. Cut into leaf shapes using cookie cutters.
9. Place on lined baking sheets and bake for 8–11 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
10. Cool completely.
11. Mix powdered sugar with enough milk or water to make a thick icing. Divide and color as desired.
12. Decorate the cookies and allow the icing to set.

Serving tip: Arrange the decorated leaves around a dessert platter for a beautiful autumn presentation.

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Best Thanksgiving Cookies for a Holiday Dessert Table

If you’re baking for family, friends, or a Thanksgiving potluck, these cookies are especially good choices:

• Pumpkin Spice Cookies: A classic choice for pumpkin lovers.
• Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies: Festive colors and a sweet-tart flavor.
• Maple Pecan Cookies: Perfect for guests who enjoy nutty fall flavors.
• Ginger Molasses Cookies: Chewy and full of warm spices.
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Beautiful powdered sugar coating.
• Pecan Sandies: Buttery and easy to serve.
• Leaf-Shaped Sugar Cookies: Great for decorating with kids.
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A familiar favorite with extra flavor.

Tips for Baking Perfect Thanksgiving Cookies

1. Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make cookies dry and dense. Spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down.

2. Use Room-Temperature Butter When Needed

Softened butter creams more easily with sugar. However, brown butter recipes require melted butter that has cooled before mixing.

3. Chill Sticky Dough

Pumpkin cookies, cutout sugar cookies, and some butter-rich doughs benefit from chilling. Follow the recipe’s recommended chilling time.

4. Don’t Overbake

Many cookies continue setting after they come out of the oven. Remove them when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft, unless the recipe calls for crisp cookies.

5. Use Parchment Paper

Parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

6. Leave Space Between Cookies

Cookies spread while baking. Leave approximately 2 inches between dough portions unless the recipe specifies otherwise.

7. Let Cookies Cool Properly

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

8. Add Festive Decorations

Use a drizzle of white chocolate, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or autumn-shaped cookie cutters to create a holiday-ready presentation.

Can You Make Thanksgiving Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! Many Thanksgiving cookies are ideal for preparing ahead.

• Three to five days ahead: Bake sturdy cookies such as shortbread, pecan sandies, and sugar cookies. Store them in an airtight container once completely cool.
• One to two days ahead: Bake soft cookies such as pumpkin cookies and apple cookies, following their storage requirements.
• Ahead of time: Prepare cookie dough and refrigerate it for the period recommended in the recipe.
• For longer storage: Freeze suitable cookie dough portions or fully baked cookies in airtight packaging.

Cookies made with fresh fruit or moist pumpkin dough may have a shorter shelf life than crisp shortbread cookies. Refrigerate any cookies containing perishable cream cheese fillings or frostings.

How to Store Thanksgiving Cookies

Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of your holiday cookies.

• Room temperature: Most plain cookies can be stored in an airtight container for about 3–5 days, depending on the recipe.
• Refrigerator: Store cookies with cream cheese frosting or other perishable fillings in a covered container.
• Freezer: Many baked cookies freeze well for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
• Cookie dough: Freeze dough in individual portions, then bake according to the recipe, adding a little time if baking from frozen.
• Gift packaging: Let cookies cool completely before packing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Store crisp and soft cookies separately to help preserve their textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best cookies to make for Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin spice cookies, cranberry white chocolate cookies, maple pecan cookies, ginger mol