Thanksgiving Themed Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Joy

Name: Thanksgiving Themed Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Food coloring (orange, yellow, brown)

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about baking festive cookies for Thanksgiving, don’t you think? The smell of warm dough wafting through the house, the vibrant colors of fall decorating each cookie, and the joy of sharing them with family and friends—it’s pure bliss! My fondest memory is from a few years ago when I invited my cousins over for a baking marathon. We laughed, danced, and decorated our creations with every shade of autumn. Those *thanksgiving themed cookies* became our family’s favorite tradition, and now I can’t imagine the holiday without them. Trust me, once you try making these delightful cookies, you’ll want to whip them up year after year!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Themed Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie magic! Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious *thanksgiving themed cookies*:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit out for a bit to get nice and creamy!)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor!)
Food coloring in shades of orange, yellow, and brown (to bring the colors of fall to life!)

Make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing. It makes the process so much smoother, and you won’t have to scramble around looking for that missing ingredient. Happy baking!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Themed Cookies

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part: preparing these delicious *thanksgiving themed cookies*! I promise, the process is just as enjoyable as the final result. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your heart—and your taste buds—soar!

Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out just right. While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until everything’s well mixed—this helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

Next, it’s time to cream the butter and sugar together. In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to look pale and airy—this is what gives your cookies that delightful texture! Trust me, the smell of this buttery goodness will have you dreaming of cookies before you even start baking.

Mixing in Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s add in the fun flavors! Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract along with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy at this stage; that’s perfectly normal! Just make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all that creamy butter and sugar goodness.

Forming and Coloring the Dough

Once your wet ingredients are mixed in, it’s time to bring that beautiful fall color to life! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet one, mixing until just combined. Then, divide the dough into portions based on how many colors you want to use. Add a few drops of food coloring—orange, yellow, and brown—to each portion and knead gently until the colors are vibrant and well incorporated. It’s like a mini art project, and you’ll love seeing the transformation!

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Now comes the exciting part—shaping those cookies! Use your hands to roll the colored dough into your desired shapes (think leaves, pumpkins, or whatever festive designs you fancy!). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Oops! Don’t forget to let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle!

Tips for Success

Want to ensure your *thanksgiving themed cookies* turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some of my top tips!

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit too soft to handle, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to shape and gives the cookies a nice texture after baking, plus less spreading!
Use Royal Icing: For decorating, royal icing is your best friend! It dries hard and gives your cookies that beautiful, polished look. You can color it to match your autumn theme and pipe it into fun designs!
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale if you have one—it can make a big difference in the final result!
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They might look a bit underdone when you take them out, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Aim for a light golden edge!
Experiment with Shapes: Have fun with cookie cutters or even your hands! Try different shapes to make your cookie platter extra festive. It’s all about creativity during the holiday season!

With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your cookies will be a hit at Thanksgiving! Enjoy the process and, of course, the yummy results!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful *thanksgiving themed cookies*, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re indulging in! However, please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guideline. Here’s what you can expect for each cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 2g

Remember to savor every bite! These cookies are meant to be a sweet treat during the holidays, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations.

FAQ Section

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser, but they’ll still taste delicious!

How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can bake these *thanksgiving themed cookies* a few days ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to decorate them later, I recommend waiting until the day of serving to add your icing.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Freezing the dough is a great way to save some time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then shape and bake as usual!

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Get creative! You can use royal icing for a smooth finish or even simple powdered sugar glaze. For a more festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter in fall colors. The sky’s the limit!

Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if you didn’t chill it beforehand. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping, and also check that your butter is softened but not melted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation Time: You’ll have these cookies mixed and ready to bake in just about 30 minutes—perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
Delightful Flavors: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a warm, comforting taste that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Festive Presentation: With vibrant fall colors, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any Thanksgiving table, sure to impress your guests.
Fun for Everyone: Baking these cookies is a joyful activity to share with family and friends, making it a memorable part of your holiday traditions.
Customizable Designs: You can let your creativity shine by using different shapes and decorations, making each cookie a unique work of art!
Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, there’s plenty to go around for everyone to enjoy, making them ideal for gatherings and festivities.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked your delicious *thanksgiving themed cookies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Cookies: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they’re likely to disappear way before that!
Layering: If you’re stacking them in the container, put a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Nobody wants a cookie mishap!
Freezing for Later: Want to save some for another day? You can freeze the cookies! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just let it thaw at room temperature.

If you need to reheat your cookies, here’s a quick tip:

Reheating: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked taste and make them soft and delicious again!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your delightful *thanksgiving themed cookies*! Enjoy!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.