There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during Thanksgiving. While pies often steal the spotlight at this festive celebration, cookies deserve their moment of glory too! I’ve spent years perfecting cookie recipes for the holiday season, and I’m thrilled to share my collection of 65 delicious Thanksgiving cookie recipes that will have your guests reaching for more.
Why Cookies at Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude, and what better way to show appreciation than with homemade treats? Cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving because:
- They’re easy to make ahead of time
- They’re portable for guests to take home
- They’re ideal for little hands to help with
- They offer bite-sized sweetness after a heavy meal
- They’re versatile enough to incorporate seasonal flavors
I find that cookies also make wonderful hostess gifts, place card holders, and pre-dinner nibbles while everyone waits for the turkey to finish cooking. Let’s dive into my favorite Thanksgiving cookie recipes!
Classic Fall Flavor Cookies
These cookies highlight the traditional flavors of autumn that we all associate with Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Nothing says “fall” quite like pumpkin spice. These soft, cake-like cookies feature real pumpkin puree and a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. I love topping them with a maple cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
I always make a double batch of these because they disappear so quickly!
Cinnamon Maple Sugar Cookies
These cookies combine the comfort of sugar cookies with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of maple syrup. They’re rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking for a perfect crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
I’ve given the classic snickerdoodle a seasonal twist by adding concentrated apple cider and apple pie spice to the dough. The result is a chewy, tangy cookie with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup and cooled
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For rolling: ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon
Sweet Potato Cookies with Marshmallow Drizzle
Inspired by sweet potato casserole, these cookies incorporate mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, and pecans, then get drizzled with melted marshmallow cream for that classic Thanksgiving flavor combination.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup mashed, cooked sweet potato
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- For drizzling: 1 cup marshmallow cream, melted
Cranberry-Based Cookies
Cranberries add a tart pop to sweet cookies, making them perfect for balancing out the richness of a Thanksgiving feast.
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
These hearty cookies combine chewy oats, tart cranberries, and sweet white chocolate chunks for a satisfying texture and flavor contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
The bright citrus notes of orange zest complement the tart cranberries beautifully in these buttery shortbread cookies. I like to dip half of each cookie in white chocolate for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Optional: 8 oz white chocolate for dipping
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Perfect for dunking in coffee after your Thanksgiving meal, these twice-baked Italian cookies feature the festive colors of red cranberries and green pistachios.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- Optional: white chocolate for drizzling
Spiced Holiday Cookies
These warmly spiced cookies will fill your home with the aromas of the season.
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Rich with molasses and warm spices, these chewy cookies with crackly tops are a Thanksgiving tradition in my home. The robust flavor makes them perfect with a cup of hot apple cider.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies
I’ve infused traditional sugar cookies with the exotic flavors of chai tea for a unique twist. The cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper create a complex flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Curd
This twist on traditional gingerbread cookies features a depression filled with tangy lemon curd, creating a delightful flavor contrast that cuts through the richness of the spiced dough.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup lemon curd
Nutty Delights
Nuts are abundant during fall harvest, making them perfect ingredients for Thanksgiving cookies.
Brown Butter Pecan Sandies
These delicate, buttery cookies get an enhanced nutty flavor from brown butter and toasted pecans. They practically melt in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups toasted pecans, chopped
Maple Walnut Icebox Cookies
Make the dough ahead of time and keep it in your freezer for freshly baked cookies whenever you need them. The maple-walnut combination is quintessentially autumn.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
Hazelnut Chocolate Thumbprints
Reminiscent of Nutella, these chocolate-hazelnut cookies feature a rich chocolate ganache center nestled in a tender hazelnut cookie base.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned and finely chopped
- For filling: 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate + ¼ cup heavy cream
Thanksgiving-Themed Decorated Cookies
These showstopper cookies will be the perfect festive addition to your dessert table.
Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies
Use maple leaf cookie cutters to create these beautifully decorated cookies. A maple-flavored royal icing in autumn colors makes them extra special.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp maple extract
For royal icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
- 5-6 tbsp warm water
- ½ tsp maple extract
- Gel food coloring in autumn shades
Turkey Hand Cookies
Kids will love helping make these adorable turkey cookies. Start with a simple sugar or gingerbread cookie base, then decorate with royal icing to create turkeys inspired by the classic handprint craft.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of sugar cookie or gingerbread dough
- Royal icing in various colors
- Candy eyes
- Small candies for decoration
Pilgrim Hat Chocolate Cookies
Create these cute pilgrim hat cookies using chocolate sugar cookies as the base, topped with an inverted chocolate-dipped marshmallow and a yellow royal icing buckle.
Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Large marshmallows
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- Yellow royal icing for buckles
Thanksgiving Leftover-Inspired Cookies
These unique cookies transform the flavors of Thanksgiving leftovers into sweet treats!
Cranberry Sauce Thumbprint Cookies
Use your leftover cranberry sauce as the filling for buttery thumbprint cookies. The tart filling provides the perfect contrast to the sweet cookie base.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce
Stuffing-Spiced Cookies
Don’t worry—these don’t actually contain stuffing! Instead, they incorporate the herbs and spices typically found in stuffing (sage, thyme, rosemary) into a sweet cookie base with dried fruit and nuts.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Sweet Potato Casserole Cookies
These cookies capture the essence of sweet potato casserole with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a marshmallow topping. They’re like having Thanksgiving dessert in cookie form!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Cookies
Everyone deserves cookies at Thanksgiving, including those with dietary restrictions!
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Made with certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend, these pumpkin oatmeal cookies are so good that no one will know they’re gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Gluten-Free Pecan Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are naturally gluten-free, made with ground pecans instead of flour. They’re dusted with powdered sugar to look like little snowballs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Gluten-Free Cranberry Almond Macaroons
These chewy coconut macaroons get a Thanksgiving makeover with the addition of dried cranberries and sliced almonds. They’re naturally gluten-free and incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup egg whites (about 5-6 large eggs)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Cookie Bars for a Crowd
When you’re feeding a large Thanksgiving gathering, cookie bars are an efficient way to make lots of treats at once.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bars
These beautiful bars feature a gingersnap crust topped with layers of pumpkin cookie dough and cheesecake batter swirled together. They’re a showstopper on any dessert table!
Ingredients for crust:
- 2 cups gingersnap crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Ingredients for pumpkin layer:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredients for cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Inspired by a popular coffee shop treat, these cookie bars feature white chocolate, cranberries, and a cream cheese frosting. They’re rich and festive!
Ingredients for bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Ingredients for frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 oz white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Pecan Pie Bars
All the flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-serve cookie bar format! These feature a shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan filling.
Ingredients for crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Ingredients for filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups corn syrup
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups pecans, chopped
Thanksgiving Cookie Platters and Presentations
Cookie Platter Composition Guide
| Cookie Type | Quantity | Placement | Color/Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large decorated cookies | 3-5 | Center or back | Use as focal points |
| Medium cookies | 10-15 | Middle ring | Mix colors and shapes |
| Small cookies | 20-25 | Front and filler | Use to fill gaps |
| Bar cookies | Cut into 1″ squares | Group together | Contrast with round cookies |
| Biscotti | 8-10 | Standing upright | Add height variation |
Thanksgiving Cookie Gift Packaging Ideas
| Container Type | Decoration | Quantity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason jar | Raffia bow, leaf tag | 8-10 small cookies | Individual gifts |
| Bakery box | Ribbon, stamped label | 12-24 mixed cookies | Family gifts |
| Cellophane bags | Washi tape closure | 4-6 medium cookies | Party favors |
| Pie box | Twine, mini pumpkin | 1 large cookie + 6 small | Hostess gift |
| Cookie tin | Fall leaf garland | 18-24 assorted | Transport to dinner |
Freezing Instructions for Make-Ahead Planning
| Cookie Type | Freeze Dough | Freeze Baked | Storage Method | Thawing Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drop cookies | Up to 3 months | Up to 2 months | Airtight container with parchment between layers | Room temp 1-2 hours |
| Cutout cookies | Up to 3 months | Up to 2 months | Freeze flat, then stack with parchment | Room temp 1 hour |
| Bar cookies | Not recommended | Up to 3 months | Wrap whole uncut slab, then slice after thawing | Room temp 2-3 hours |
| Decorated cookies | Not recommended | Up to 1 month | Single layer in airtight container | Room temp 1-2 hours |
| Thumbprints | Before filling, 2 months | With firm fillings only, 1 month | Airtight container with parchment | Room temp 1-2 hours |
Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Cookies
- Prep ahead: Most cookie doughs can be made 2-3 days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Measure properly: For the most accurate results, weigh your flour rather than using measuring cups. If you don’t have a scale, spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife.
- Room temperature ingredients: Unless specified otherwise, ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature for proper creaming and mixing.
- Chill the dough: For many cookies, especially cutouts, chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and maintains shape.
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Rotate pans: Halfway through baking, rotate your cookie sheets for even browning.
- Cool properly: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Store separately: Store different types of cookies in separate containers to prevent soft cookies from making crisp ones soggy.
- Spice it up: Add an extra pinch of spice to enhance the fall flavors in your cookies.
- Balance the sweetness: For Thanksgiving, consider making cookies slightly less sweet to balance the overall sweetness of the holiday meal.
Questions & Answers
Q: How far in advance can I make cookies for Thanksgiving?
Most cookies can be made 3-5 days in advance if stored properly in airtight containers. For longer storage, many cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. If you’re making cutout or decorated cookies, you can make and freeze the dough ahead of time, then thaw, bake, and decorate closer to the holiday. Just be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Q: What’s the best way to transport cookies to a Thanksgiving gathering?
Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of cookies. For decorated or delicate cookies, consider packing them in a single layer in a shallow box. To prevent shifting during transport, fill any empty spaces with crumpled parchment paper. Keep the container level during transport, and if possible, place it on the floor of your vehicle rather than on a seat where it might slide.
Q: How can I make my cookies more festive for Thanksgiving?
There are several easy ways to make your cookies more festive:
- Use fall-colored sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Cut cookies into Thanksgiving shapes like leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys
- Add a drizzle of orange or brown colored white chocolate
- Incorporate seasonal flavors like maple, pumpkin, or cranberry
- Package cookies with Thanksgiving-themed ribbons or tags
Q: What cookies pair well with after-dinner coffee or tea?
Biscotti are perfect for dunking in coffee, while shortbread cookies pair beautifully with tea. Spiced cookies like gingerbread or molasses cookies complement the bitterness of coffee nicely. For tea, try something with fruit like cranberry orange shortbread. If you’ve served a very rich dinner, lighter cookies like meringues or macaroons might be appreciated.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for allergen-free Thanksgiving cookies?
Yes! For gluten-free options, try macaroons, flourless peanut butter cookies, or recipes using gluten-free flour blends. For dairy-free needs, substitute solid coconut oil for butter in most recipes. Egg allergies can be accommodated by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or commercial egg replacers. For nut allergies, simply omit nuts or substitute seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds where appropriate. Always check that your other ingredients haven’t been processed on equipment that also processes allergens.
Q: What’s the best way to keep cookies fresh until Thanksgiving Day?
The key to freshness is proper storage. Cool cookies completely before storing them in airtight containers. For soft cookies, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture (replace the bread if it becomes stale). Store different types of cookies separately—crisp with crisp, soft with soft. For cookies with icing or frosting, place them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage, making sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
Cookies bring a special kind of joy to any holiday table, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Whether you’re continuing family traditions or starting new ones, these 65 cookie recipes offer something for everyone. From classic pumpkin spice to innovative Thanksgiving leftover-inspired treats, there’s a cookie here to complement your feast and delight your guests.
I hope these recipes inspire you to add some cookie magic to your Thanksgiving celebration this year. Remember, the best cookies are made with love and shared with those who matter most. Happy baking, and happy Thanksgiving!
