8 Sweet Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes to Enjoy This Holiday

Thanksgiving cookies bring the spirit of the holiday right to your kitchen! These tasty treats are a fun way to celebrate with family and friends, featuring flavors that capture the essence of the season. From pumpkin spice to classic pecan, these cookies offer a delicious way to share gratitude and joy. Get ready to bake up some sweet memories this Thanksgiving!

Maple Walnut Cookies

Maple walnut cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. The combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy walnuts creates a warm and inviting flavor. These cookies are not just tasty; they also bring a cozy vibe to any gathering, especially during Thanksgiving.

Making these cookies is simple and fun. You’ll find that the ingredients are easy to gather, and the steps are straightforward. Whether you’re baking with family or whipping up a batch for friends, these cookies are sure to impress.

As you mix the dough, the sweet aroma of maple fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste. Once baked, the cookies have a lovely golden color and a slightly crisp edge, while remaining soft in the center. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup and eggs, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry orange oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat for the Thanksgiving season. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange brings a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the chewy oatmeal base. These cookies are not just tasty; they also add a festive touch to any holiday gathering.

Making these cookies is simple and fun. Start by gathering your ingredients, which include rolled oats, flour, fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a few pantry staples. The process begins with mixing the dry ingredients, followed by creaming the butter and sugar. Then, you’ll combine everything, adding in the cranberries and orange zest for that seasonal flair.

Once your dough is ready, scoop it onto a baking sheet and bake until golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit. Let them cool slightly before enjoying with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt together.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan pie cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. They bring the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie into a cookie form. These treats are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With a buttery base, topped with sweet caramel and crunchy pecans, they are sure to impress your friends and family.

Making these cookies is a breeze. Start by mixing your ingredients to create a soft dough. Once shaped, bake them until golden. The finishing touch is a drizzle of caramel and a whole pecan on top, making them look as good as they taste. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a festive touch to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• Whole pecans for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies and place a whole pecan on top of each one. Allow the caramel to set before serving.

Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Gingerbread cookies are a classic treat during the holiday season. Their warm spices and sweet flavor make them a favorite for many. These cookies are not just tasty; they also bring a festive touch to any gathering. The royal icing adds a beautiful finish, making each cookie a little work of art.

Making gingerbread cookies can be a fun activity, especially when you involve family or friends. You can create various shapes like trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men. The decorating part is where the creativity shines. With royal icing, you can pipe intricate designs, making each cookie unique.

Here’s how to make these delightful cookies:

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• Water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add molasses and egg, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until the icing is smooth and holds peaks. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
6. Decorate: Use piping bags to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Let the icing dry completely before storing or serving.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy cozy flavors, and pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices that make them a seasonal favorite. Topped with creamy frosting, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

To make these cookies, you’ll need ingredients like pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, and a mix of spices including cinnamon and nutmeg. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking! These cookies are not only delicious but also a fun way to get into the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and egg, mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice cookies!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Chocolate chip pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the flavors of fall. The warm spices and rich pumpkin create a soft, chewy cookie that’s hard to resist. These cookies are not just tasty; they also fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that makes everyone feel at home.

Making these cookies is simple and fun. You’ll want to gather your ingredients first. The key components include pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, and classic baking staples like flour and sugar. Mixing these ingredients together is a breeze, and soon enough, you’ll have a dough that’s ready to be shaped into cookies.

Once baked, these cookies come out golden brown with gooey chocolate chips melting into the soft pumpkin base. They are perfect for sharing at Thanksgiving gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cider. Everyone will love the combination of chocolate and pumpkin, making these cookies a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sweet Potato Cookies with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. Their vibrant orange color and soft texture make them a festive addition to any Thanksgiving table. Topped with mini marshmallows, these cookies not only look appealing but also offer a sweet, gooey surprise in every bite.

The combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows brings a comforting flavor that reminds many of classic Thanksgiving dishes. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a great choice for gatherings. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a few mini marshmallows on top of each cookie. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the marshmallows are slightly toasted.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles

Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. These treats combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple, making them perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with the taste of fresh apples and a hint of spice. They are not just cookies; they bring a cozy, festive feel to your holiday table.

These cookies are easy to make and require simple ingredients. The addition of apple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon gives them that classic snickerdoodle flavor. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.