Oh, I can’t tell you how much I adore baking during Thanksgiving! It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories we create together. Every year, my family and I gather in the kitchen, flour dusted everywhere, and we whip up these delightful Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated with colorful icing. It’s like an edible art project, and trust me, the kids love getting their hands messy! I remember one year, my niece went a little wild with the sprinkles and ended up with a glittery cookie that had more color than cookie! We laughed so hard, and that cookie became a family treasure. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a way to celebrate the holiday spirit and bond with loved ones. So, grab your apron and let’s make some sweet memories!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Decorated
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 cups icing sugar
- Food coloring (various colors)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Decorated
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out just right, golden and delicious!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s combined; this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is my favorite part! The buttery aroma fills the air, and you can really feel the holiday spirit kicking in.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in 1 egg, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Trust me, the combination of these flavors is going to make your cookies taste heavenly!
Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. I usually do this in thirds, stirring gently until just combined. You want everything to come together without overmixing. It should look beautiful and slightly sticky!
Step 6: Form Cookies
Now it’s time to form the cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, giving them a little space to spread. You’re going to love how cute they look!
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Grab the bottom of a glass and gently flatten each dough ball. This helps them bake evenly. Pop the cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overbaked in a flash!
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once they’re done baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This is crucial—if you skip this step, they might break! Once they’re completely cool, it’s time for the fun part: decorating with icing! Let your creativity shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? These Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated are not just cookies; they’re a celebration on a plate! First off, they’re so much fun for kids. I mean, who doesn’t love getting creative with icing and sprinkles? It’s like letting their imaginations run wild while also making something delicious to eat! Plus, the festive appearance of these cookies is just perfect for the holiday season. Picture a platter full of beautifully decorated cookies shaped like turkeys, pumpkins, and leaves. It instantly brightens up any gathering!
And let’s talk about the taste. They’re soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to satisfy that sweet tooth without being overwhelming. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and maybe another after that!). Honestly, they’re a delightful way to bring everyone together during Thanksgiving, sparking conversations and laughter around the table. So, whether you’re baking with family, sharing them with friends, or just indulging in a little holiday cheer, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this recipe.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels overly sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while mixing. You want it to hold its shape when you roll it into balls.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough seems too warm after mixing, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and gives you a nice, thick cookie.
- Baking Times: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. Every oven is a little different, and you want them to be just golden on the edges. If you see them starting to brown too much, take them out right away!
- Icing Techniques: When decorating, use different piping tips for fun designs! A simple round tip is perfect for outlines, while a star tip creates beautiful rosettes. Don’t be afraid to mix colors too—layering icing gives a lovely depth!
- Let Icing Dry: After decorating, allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies. This prevents smudging and keeps your beautiful designs intact.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Adding a bit of citrus zest or a splash of flavored extract can give your cookies a unique twist that your family will love.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your festive cookie creations. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated! While we all know they’re a treat meant for celebration, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re indulging in. Here’s an estimated breakdown for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and how you decorate your cookies. But one thing’s for sure: each bite is filled with love and holiday cheer, making them worth every calorie!
FAQ Section
Can I use different flavors for the cookies?
Absolutely! While vanilla and almond are classic choices, you can totally switch things up. How about adding a splash of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist? Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using a bit of peppermint extract for a holiday-inspired flavor! Just remember to keep the quantities similar so the balance stays right. Your taste buds will thank you!
How can I store my decorated cookies?
To keep your beautiful Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container. I usually layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if they have icing. They’ll last about a week at room temperature, or you can pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure the icing is completely dry before stacking them to keep those lovely designs intact!
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
You bet! Making the dough ahead of time is a fantastic idea. Just prepare the dough as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make it even earlier, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, and you’re all set to roll out those cookies! It’s a real time-saver during the busy holiday season.
Suggestions for Serving
When it comes to serving your delightful Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated, the presentation can truly elevate the experience! Here are some fun ideas to make your cookie display irresistible.
- Cookie Platter: Create a beautiful platter by arranging the cookies in various shapes and sizes. You can even add some festive touches with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins or fall leaves for that extra holiday spirit!
- Gift Boxes: Package your cookies in cute little boxes or bags tied with colorful ribbons. They make perfect homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors. Who wouldn’t love a taste of your holiday baking?
- Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie decorating station at your Thanksgiving gathering! Provide extra icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations so guests can get creative. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults, and everyone leaves with their own masterpiece!
- Accompaniments: Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of apple cider or a cozy hot chocolate. The blend of flavors is so comforting and adds to the festive vibe!
- Pair with Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert experience, serve a few cookies with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!
No matter how you choose to serve them, your Thanksgiving sugar cookies decorated are sure to bring joy to your table and create lasting memories. Happy serving!
Print
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Decorated: 7 Sweet Memories
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Thanksgiving sugar cookies are decorated to celebrate the holiday.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 cups icing sugar
- Food coloring (various colors)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
- Cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Decorate with icing once cooled.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for a festive look.
- Let the icing dry completely before stacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sugar cookies, decorated cookies, holiday cookies
