Description
Thanksgiving is a celebration of warmth, gratitude, and sweet traditions. While pies often take center stage, cookies offer charm, flexibility, and ease. These unforgettable Thanksgiving cookies are festive, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for guests, gifting treats, or indulging in seasonal flavors, this recipe will become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 large egg (or flax/chia egg for vegan version) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: orange zest, maple extract, or chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. 2. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well. 3. In another bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. 4. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. 5. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix. 6. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. 7. Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thick. 8. Cut into festive shapes. 9. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. 10. Let cool before decorating.
Notes
**Decorating Tips:** – Use royal icing in fall colors like burnt orange, cranberry red, golden yellow, and forest green. – Try a maple glaze or cinnamon sugar dusting for a rustic look. – Cookie decorating can be a fun group activity—set up a decorating station with icing bags, toppings, and cutters. **Make-Ahead & Storage:** – Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. – Store undecorated cookies at room temperature for up to 1 week. – Once icing sets, layer decorated cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container. **Dietary Adaptations:** – Use gluten-free flour and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum. – Replace butter with vegan margarine and egg with flax or chia egg. – Substitute sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. **Flavor Variations:** – Maple Pecan: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans + 1 tbsp maple syrup. – Cranberry Orange: Add dried cranberries + orange zest. – Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 tbsp pumpkin puree + extra cinnamon & nutmeg. **FAQs:** – *Can I freeze the dough?* Yes, up to 3 months. – *How long do decorated cookies last?* About 1 week at room temperature. – *Can I use buttercream?* Yes, but it’s softer—best for immediate serving. – *What’s the best way to gift them?* Use tins or cellophane bags with ribbon. – *Can I double the recipe?* Yes! It scales easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie