There’s something truly magical about making thanksgiving cookies decorated easy with family during the holiday season. The laughter, the flour-covered countertops, and the sweet smell of baking cookies fill the kitchen with joy and warmth. I remember the first time I baked these with my kids; we ended up with cookies shaped like turkeys, pumpkins, and leaves, each one a little masterpiece. Not only do these cookies add a festive touch to our Thanksgiving table, but they also create lasting memories. Trust me, there’s no better way to celebrate than by rolling up your sleeves and decorating cookies together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Royal icing for decoration
- Food coloring for icing
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cookies Decorated Easy
Making these delightful Thanksgiving cookies is super simple and oh-so-fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful cookies ready to share with family and friends. Let’s get started!
Prepping the Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to really incorporate air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise nicely! Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky—if it feels a bit tacky, just sprinkle in a little more flour!
Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface. This is key to prevent sticking! Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, and then grab your favorite seasonal cookie cutters. I love using shapes like leaves and pumpkins for Thanksgiving! Cut out your cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start turning a lovely golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid any mishaps when decorating!
Decorating Tips
Now for the fun part—decorating! Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to unleash your creativity with royal icing. Prepare your icing and divide it into bowls, adding food coloring for fun designs. I like to use a piping bag for detailed work, but a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well! Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking the cookies; this usually takes about 1-2 hours. Trust me, the wait is worth it for those beautiful holiday treats!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.
- Flour Your Surface: Don’t skimp on flouring your work surface and rolling pin! This keeps the dough from sticking and makes cutting shapes a breeze.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the cookie shapes while baking.
- Airtight Storage: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week!
- Decorating Fun: Get creative with your royal icing! Use different piping tips for various designs and don’t hesitate to add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. For each cookie, you can expect about 150 calories, 7g of fat, and 2g of protein. Enjoy your baking while being mindful of these delicious treats!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of icing?
Absolutely! While royal icing is great for decorating, you can also use buttercream or fondant if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
How should I store the cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
What if my icing is too runny?
If your royal icing is too runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth but hold its shape!
Can I substitute the butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free alternative if you need to. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor and texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just over 30 minutes!
- Easy to decorate, making it a fun family activity.
- Perfect for creating festive shapes that add cheer to your Thanksgiving table.
- Great for sharing with friends and family, spreading holiday joy!
- Customizable icing colors mean endless creative possibilities!
Equipment List
- Baking sheets—preferably lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowls—one large for dough and a few smaller for icing.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rolling pin—essential for rolling out the dough evenly.
- Seasonal cookie cutters to create fun shapes for the holidays.
- Cooling rack for letting your cookies cool completely.
- Piping bags or zip-top bags for decorating with icing.
thanksgiving cookies decorated easy for Joyful Family Fun
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy decorated cookies for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Royal icing for decoration
- Food coloring for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely.
- Decorate with royal icing and food coloring.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use seasonal cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Let icing dry completely before stacking cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cookies decorated easy
