Oh, there’s just something magical about baking during Thanksgiving, isn’t there? The aroma of spices wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered around the kitchen—it’s pure joy! And let me tell you, my *thanksgiving cutout cookies* are the stars of the show! Shaped like adorable turkeys and pumpkins, they not only taste delicious but also add a festive touch to any gathering. I remember the first time I made these cookies for my family; my little niece couldn’t stop giggling as we decorated them with colorful icing. It turned into a fun-filled afternoon, and now it’s a cherished tradition. Trust me, once you get a taste of these delightful cookies, you’ll want to whip them up every year! They’re simple, fun, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decoration
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making those adorable *thanksgiving cutout cookies*! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and I’ll walk you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the cookies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Just whisk them together until they’re nicely combined. This helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for those perfect cookie puffs!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer if you have one, and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look pale and airy, almost like a cloud!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point—it’s starting to smell amazing!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches—start with a little flour mixture, mix, and then add more until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you just want it blended together nicely.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Here’s where the magic happens: wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This is crucial because it helps the cookies hold their shape when baking. Plus, it makes the dough easier to roll out!
Step 7: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour your surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out those fun turkey and pumpkin shapes. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place your cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—look for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. That’s your cue!
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Once they’re baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important so they don’t melt your icing! Once cool, it’s time to have some fun decorating with royal icing. Let your creativity flow—these cookies are a canvas for your holiday spirit!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making *thanksgiving cutout cookies*, I want to share some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little pointers can make a big difference!
- Dough Thickness: When rolling out your dough, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. If it’s too thin, the cookies can burn, and if it’s too thick, they won’t bake evenly. Use a ruler if you want to be precise, but I usually just eyeball it!
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re short on time, you can even chill them in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes!
- Flour Your Surface: Make sure to flour your rolling surface and your rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. You can also sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough as you roll it out. Just don’t go overboard; too much flour can make your cookies tough!
- Decorating Tips: When using royal icing, make sure it’s the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread slightly. If it’s too runny, your designs won’t hold, and if it’s too stiff, you won’t be able to pipe it smoothly. Practice makes perfect!
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different shapes and decorations! You can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even use food coloring to tint your icing. The holiday season is all about creativity, so have fun with it!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some stunning and delicious *thanksgiving cutout cookies*! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of your delightful *thanksgiving cutout cookies*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the size of your cookies and how you decorate them, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for enjoying during the holiday season. They’re rich and delicious, but like everything, moderation is key! Enjoy them as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute butter with margarine?
Absolutely, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe! However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be a bit different. Butter gives the cookies a rich, creamy taste, while margarine can sometimes result in a slightly softer and less flavorful cookie. If you decide to go this route, just make sure you’re using a stick form of margarine, not the spreadable kind, for best results!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Storing your leftover *thanksgiving cutout cookies* is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you live in a really humid area, you might want to pop them in the fridge to keep them from getting too soft. And if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to two months—just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I use to decorate the cookies?
Oh, the decorating possibilities are endless! I love using royal icing because it hardens nicely and gives a beautiful finish, but you can also use buttercream or even store-bought frosting if you’re short on time. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar to add some fun flair! You can even use melted chocolate for drizzling, or fondant for a more polished look. Just let your imagination run wild—these cookies are your canvas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why *thanksgiving cutout cookies* are a must-make for your holiday festivities! First off, they’re super quick to whip up, making them perfect for those busy days leading up to Thanksgiving. You can have the dough mixed and chilled in no time—trust me, it’s a breeze!
But here’s where the real fun begins: decorating! You can let your creativity shine with royal icing, sprinkles, and all those fun toppings! It’s a fantastic way to get the whole family involved—my kids love helping out, and it always ends in laughter and sticky fingers. Plus, each cookie can be a little masterpiece of its own, showcasing everyone’s personality.
And let’s not forget about the smell wafting through your kitchen while they bake—pure holiday magic! With every bite, you’ll be reminded of those cozy family gatherings, making these cookies not just a treat, but a cherished tradition. So gather your loved ones and let’s make some memories with these delightful cookies!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful *thanksgiving cutout cookies*, the possibilities are just as exciting as the cookies themselves! I love pairing them with a warm cup of spiced cider or a festive pumpkin latte. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a cozy atmosphere that just screams holiday cheer!
If you’re hosting a big gathering, consider setting up a dessert table with a variety of treats. Picture this: your adorable cookies alongside a rich pumpkin pie, a fluffy pecan pie, and maybe even some decadent chocolate truffles. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Also, don’t forget about drinks! A nice, creamy eggnog or even a classic hot chocolate can be the perfect complement. And for the adults, a light, fruity wine or a spiced mulled wine can really elevate the dessert experience. Trust me, your guests will be raving about the whole spread!
So, gather your friends and family, serve up those *thanksgiving cutout cookies*, and enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season together. It’s all about creating those sweet moments and delicious memories!
Print
Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies: 9 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving cutout cookies shaped like turkeys and pumpkins.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring to tint the royal icing.
- Experiment with different shapes and decorations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cutout cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes
