35+ Easy & Fun Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids: Kid-Friendly Treats Your Family Will Love

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food! While the main course often steals the spotlight, the dessert table holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, especially the little ones. If you’re searching for delightful and easy Thanksgiving desserts for kids, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. We’ve curated an amazing collection of over 35 dessert ideas that are not only incredibly simple to make but also packed with festive charm. From timeless pumpkin pie variations to adorable turkey-shaped treats, these recipes are guaranteed to be a hit and add a memorable, sweet touch to your holiday celebrations.

Get ready to whip up some of the cutest and most effortless Thanksgiving desserts that will have everyone, young and old, reaching for seconds. Our selection ranges from classic cookie recipes to fantastic no-bake dessert recipes and so much more. These kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert recipes are perfect for involving your children in the holiday preparations, creating cherished memories in the kitchen. We’ve been making many of these festive treats for years, and they never disappoint. For even more ideas, check out our collections of 51 Easy Thanksgiving Cupcakes and 45 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts.

Why We Love These Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts

These kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert recipes are truly special for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly simple to prepare, making holiday baking stress-free for parents. More importantly, they are perfectly suited for children of all ages to enjoy, whether they’re helping in the kitchen or simply savoring the sweet results. Each recipe brings a sense of fun and festivity to your holiday table without requiring extensive effort or elaborate ingredients. From charming turkey designs to delightful pumpkin shapes, these treats capture the spirit of Thanksgiving beautifully. Whether you’re looking for something cute and memorable for Thanksgiving dinner or a fun activity for a holiday party, this collection offers a plethora of fantastic options that will delight everyone and create lasting memories.

1. Festive Thanksgiving Cake Pops

These delightful cake pops are a fantastic way to kick off your Thanksgiving dessert lineup. They feature a rich spice cake base, perfectly complemented by creamy cream cheese frosting, all enrobed in a smooth chocolate shell. Shaped like adorable turkeys, these treats are sure to be a conversation starter and a favorite among the younger crowd. They’re bite-sized, easy to handle, and offer a burst of festive flavor in every pop.

2. Adorable Turkey Sugar Cookies

Bring some playful charm to your dessert table with these festive Turkey Sugar Cookies. Starting with a simple sugar cookie base, these treats are transformed with a generous coating of rich chocolate frosting and imaginative candy decorations. It’s an easy and engaging activity for kids to help with, turning plain cookies into delightful works of art that are both tasty and visually appealing.

3. Charming Candy Acorns

These tiny, whimsical candy acorns are incredibly simple to make, often taking less than 10 minutes to prepare a whole batch. They are a delightful edible addition to any Thanksgiving table, especially the kids’ table. Their charming appearance also makes them perfect as a finishing touch for classic pumpkin pies or other fall-themed desserts, adding a sweet and autumnal flourish.

4. Cute Turkey Cupcakes

Transform ordinary chocolate cupcakes into an adorable flock of Thanksgiving turkeys with this creative recipe. These charming treats are a guaranteed family favorite and make a delightful addition to any dessert table. The decorating process is simple enough for kids to participate, adding candy feathers and eyes to personalize each turkey, making it a fun and interactive holiday activity.

5. Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

This classic, beloved treat gets a delightful seasonal update by being molded into cute pumpkin shapes. These kid-friendly Thanksgiving desserts are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are perfect for little hands to help shape and decorate. They’re a sweet and chewy snack that embodies the spirit of fall and the holiday season, guaranteed to disappear quickly from the dessert table.

6. Delightful Oreo Turkey Cookies

These Oreo Turkey Cookies are a phenomenal choice for a fun and easy Thanksgiving dessert or snack that kids will absolutely adore. With their recognizable Oreo base and simple, creative decorations, these treats are a breeze to assemble and look incredibly festive. Everyone, from the youngest guests to the adults, will be charmed by these adorable and delicious turkey cookies.

7. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

For a lighter, fruity, yet equally festive option, these chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys are simply perfect. They are not only incredibly cute and visually appealing but also surprisingly easy to assemble. These fresh and fun treats are ideal for serving on Thanksgiving Day, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday desserts while still embracing the theme.

8. No-Bake Pilgrim Hat Cookies

These adorable no-bake pilgrim cookies are the epitome of quick and easy holiday baking. Requiring minimal ingredients and no oven time, they provide a simple yet delicious way to add a historical and festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. Perfect for busy hosts or for involving younger children in making delicious Thanksgiving desserts for kids.

9. Colorful Candy Corn Cookies

These vibrant Candy Corn Cookies are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Made with simple ingredients, their beautiful autumn colors, reminiscent of candy corn, make them an ideal and festive treat for the holiday. They are soft, chewy, and an absolute delight, embodying the sweet flavors of fall in every bite.

10. Pumpkin Pie-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

For those who adore the flavor of pumpkin pie but are looking for a creative, kid-friendly twist, these Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats are an excellent choice. This dessert offers all the classic, comforting tastes of pumpkin pie in a fun, chewy, and easy-to-eat format. They’re perfect for a quick autumn treat or a festive addition to your holiday spread.

11. Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops

These charming mini pumpkin pie pops are an absolute must-have for the fall season, especially when Thanksgiving rolls around. They brilliantly capture all the beloved flavors of traditional pumpkin pie but in a fun, portable, and individually portioned pop format. Kids and adults alike will adore these handheld treats, making them perfect for mingling and easy serving at your holiday gathering.

12. Festive Candy Corn Cupcakes

These vibrant candy corn cupcakes are a perfect sweet treat that’s guaranteed to inject some festive flair into your Thanksgiving gathering. With their distinctive layered colors, they are visually striking and truly embody the spirit of the fall season. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re a delightful way to celebrate with a dessert that’s both delicious and eye-catching.

13. Bite-Sized Apple Pie Cookies

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized cookie format! These apple pie cookies feature a perfectly flaky crust topping and a luscious apple pie filling, offering a delightful taste of autumn with every mouthful. They’re a fantastic alternative to a full pie, making serving easy and portion control a breeze for your Thanksgiving guests.

14. Thanksgiving Pilgrim Hat Cookies (Classic)

These unique and festive Pilgrim Hat Cookies are a charming way to honor the historical roots of Thanksgiving. Their distinctive design is sure to add a touch of whimsy and tradition to your dinner table, making them a delightful conversation starter. They’re also wonderfully simple to create, making them an ideal project for kids to help with and enjoy.

15. Chocolate Covered Turkey Pretzels

These chocolate-covered pretzels are a delightful and visually stunning Thanksgiving treat. Each pretzel rod is dipped in rich dark chocolate and then adorned with bright, colorful sprinkles, creating the illusion of a turkey’s magnificent tail feathers. These festive and easy-to-make snacks are perfect for adding a playful touch to your holiday spread, pleasing both the eyes and the taste buds.

16. Easy Apple Pie Bites

These delightful apple pie bites are the epitome of convenience and flavor. With their perfect bite-sized proportions, they make an excellent snack or dessert for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving. These sweet treats are easy to prepare and can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, offering a warm and comforting taste of fall in a miniature package.

17. Fun Dirt Pudding Cups

These whimsical dirt pudding cups are a surefire hit, especially with kids! Featuring vibrant layers of rich chocolate pudding, crunchy crushed cookies, and playful gummy worms, these dessert cups are as visually appealing as they are delicious. They’re an easy, no-bake option that adds a touch of fun and whimsy to your Thanksgiving treat spread, mimicking a playful “dirt” effect.

18. Sweet Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Embrace the flavors of fall with these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies. These cookies can be whipped up in no time, making them a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a quick and tasty snack or a festive addition to their Thanksgiving dessert table. Their gentle pumpkin spice flavor and soft texture make them irresistible, perfect for dipping in milk or coffee.

19. Harvest Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Take your classic chocolate chip cookie to a grand scale with this impressive Harvest Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Based on a beloved bakery-style recipe, this cake delivers all the deliciousness of the original but with charming autumn modifications. Decorated with fall colors and candies, it becomes a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table, perfect for sharing and celebrating.

20. Whimsical Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs

These creative and utterly delightful chocolate caramel turkey legs are a playful take on the Thanksgiving feast. Crafted from pretzel rods, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, these adorable and tasty treats are a fantastic way to involve everyone in the kitchen. They’re visually engaging, delicious, and a fun nod to the holiday’s main course, but in dessert form!

21. Simple 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

If you’re craving a quick and utterly effortless pumpkin fix, look no further than these amazing two-ingredient pumpkin muffins. With just a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree, you can create moist, flavorful muffins in minutes. They’re the perfect easy fall treat for breakfast, a snack, or a lighter Thanksgiving dessert option that satisfies every pumpkin craving.

22. Cute Candy Pretzel Turkey Bites

These delightful candy pretzel turkey bites offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them an irresistible holiday treat. The combination of salty pretzels, smooth chocolate, and colorful candies creates a harmonious taste sensation that everyone will love. Plus, their adorable turkey design makes them an instant hit on any Thanksgiving dessert table, especially with children.

23. Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft and chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are an absolute fall classic. Each cookie is generously packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor and just the right amount of decadent chocolate chips. They’re incredibly moist, simple to make, and perfect for sharing during the Thanksgiving holiday, offering a comforting and irresistible treat for everyone.

24. Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

Achieve a show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert with minimal effort using this incredible three-ingredient pumpkin cake. With just a simple box of cake mix, a can of pumpkin puree, and a touch of pumpkin pie spice, you can create a moist, flavorful, and mouth-watering cake that’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a foolproof recipe for busy holiday bakers!

25. Quick Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

When time is of the essence but you still want homemade treats, these pumpkin cake mix cookies are your answer. With just three simple ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch of freshly baked cookies bursting with delightful pumpkin flavor. They’re soft, easy, and the perfect last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

26. Playful Reese’s Candy Turkeys

These charming Reese’s Candy Turkeys are a truly playful and delectable confection that kids will love to make and eat! Fashioned with scrumptious peanut butter cups, colorful candy corn for feathers, and expressive candy eyes, they’re an incredibly fun no-bake project. These sweet little turkeys are an easy way to add holiday cheer and a touch of whimsy to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

27. Spiced Pumpkin Cake Pops

These pumpkin cake pops are a festive and flavorful treat that embodies the essence of fall. The cake’s unique blend of warm pumpkin spice offers the perfect balance of seasonal flavors, while a creamy frosting and candy melt coating make them irresistible. They’re a delightful, bite-sized dessert, easy to serve, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

28. Unique Harvest Corn Cakes

Bring a truly unique and charming dessert to your Thanksgiving table with these Harvest Corn Cakes. These adorable corn cob-inspired treats are cleverly crafted with frosting and peanut butter candy “kernels,” making them look delightfully realistic. They’re a fun and creative way to celebrate the harvest season, and kids will be amazed by their clever disguise!

29. Delectable Caramel Apple Slices

These caramel apple slices are a fantastic, less-mess alternative to traditional caramel apples, making them perfect for kids and parties. They feature the ideal blend of crisp, fresh apples generously coated in decadent caramel and often drizzled with chocolate. Easy to eat and customize with various toppings, they’re a refreshing and satisfying dessert that captures the essence of autumn.

30. Creative Turkey Donuts

Turn simple donuts into festive works of art with these adorable turkey donuts! This easy and engaging activity is perfect for getting the kids involved in Thanksgiving preparations. They’ll love adding their unique touches with colorful sprinkles, candy eyes, and other toppings to create their own personalized turkey treats. It’s a fun craft and a delicious dessert all in one!

31. Loaded Caramel Apple Nachos

These caramel apple nachos offer a fun, deconstructed twist on a classic fall treat. This easy-to-make dish features crisp apple slices generously drizzled with decadent caramel sauce and sprinkled with chocolate chips and other delightful toppings. It’s a delicious and interactive snack or dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during your Thanksgiving celebration.

32. Classic Popcorn Balls

These classic popcorn balls are a timeless treat that brings nostalgic charm to any holiday spread. Whether you’re planning to make them for Thanksgiving, a festive party, or simply as a fun family snack, these chewy and sweet popcorn balls are always a delicious choice. They’re easy to customize with different flavors or coatings, making them versatile for any time of year.

33. Rich Pecan Pie Brownies

Indulge in the best of both worlds with these decadent pecan pie brownies. The rich, buttery sweetness of classic pecan pie is perfectly blended with the moist, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies. This irresistible combination creates a truly luxurious and satisfying dessert that will be a highlight of your Thanksgiving spread, appealing to all ages.

34. Mini Pumpkin Pie Cookies

These pumpkin pie cookies offer all the beloved flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie in a delightful, handheld cookie form. To create these charming treats, you only need a few simple ingredients, including a convenient refrigerator pie crust and luscious pumpkin pie filling. They’re a quick and easy way to enjoy the taste of Thanksgiving without the hassle of baking a whole pie.

35. No-Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream

Cool down and enjoy the flavors of fall with this incredible no-churn pumpkin ice cream. It’s wonderfully rich, exceptionally creamy, and boasts a fantastic, authentic pumpkin flavor. The best part? You don’t even need an ice cream maker to create this delightful frozen treat! It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, especially if you want a departure from traditional baked goods.

36. No-Bake Chocolate Acorns

These charming chocolate acorns are the perfect bite-sized treat for a delightful fall snack or an easy Thanksgiving dessert. As a no-bake dessert, they’re incredibly simple to assemble with just four ingredients, making them a fantastic activity for kids to help with. Their rustic appearance and sweet chocolatey flavor make them a lovely addition to any autumn-themed celebration.

More Thanksgiving Desserts for Everyone

Cakes

Chantilly Cake

No Bake Dessert

Cheesecake Fluff

Cookies

Caramel Apple Cookies

Making Thanksgiving Memories with Kids’ Desserts

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the feast; it’s about making cherished memories with loved ones. Involving children in the kitchen, especially with delightful dessert preparations, can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the holiday. These easy Thanksgiving desserts for kids offer more than just sweet treats; they provide opportunities for creativity, learning, and bonding. Imagine the joy on their faces as they decorate turkey cookies, shape pumpkin rice krispie treats, or assemble candy acorns. These moments become the stories shared for years to come, making the holiday truly special and personal.

Tips for Easy Thanksgiving Baking with Kids

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when preparing these kid-friendly Thanksgiving treats, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose age-appropriate tasks: Younger children can help stir, pour pre-measured ingredients, or decorate. Older kids can take on more complex steps like mixing and shaping.
• Prep ahead: Measure out ingredients beforehand, or have them ready in easily accessible bowls. This minimizes mess and keeps little helpers engaged.
• Embrace the mess: Baking with kids is inherently messy. Lay down newspaper or a washable tablecloth, and have wipes or a damp cloth handy.
• Focus on fun, not perfection: The goal is to create memories and enjoy the process. Don’t worry if the turkey isn’t perfectly symmetrical or the sprinkles are unevenly distributed.
• Read recipes together: This can be a great way to practice reading and following instructions.
• Delegate decorating: Many of these recipes shine during the decorating phase. Provide a variety of candies, sprinkles, and edible markers, and let their imaginations run wild!

Creating a Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table

Once your array of festive Thanksgiving desserts is complete, presenting them beautifully can enhance the holiday atmosphere. Consider arranging them on different levels using cake stands or overturned bowls covered with a festive tablecloth. Group similar items together, like all the turkey-themed treats, for a cohesive look. Add some fall foliage, mini pumpkins, or pinecones for a natural, autumnal touch. Don’t forget to highlight the desserts made by the kids – a small label indicating “Made by [Child’s Name]” adds an extra layer of charm and pride!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids

• What are the easiest Thanksgiving desserts for toddlers to help make?

  For toddlers, focus on no-bake options or simple decorating tasks. Rice Krispie Pumpkins (#5), Candy Acorns (#3), Oreo Turkey Cookies (#6), and decorating Turkey Donuts (#30) are excellent choices where they can stir, sprinkle, and place candies.

• How can I make Thanksgiving desserts healthier for kids?

  You can incorporate more fruit-based desserts like Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys (#7), Caramel Apple Slices (#29), or Caramel Apple Nachos (#31). For baked goods, use whole wheat flour alternatives, reduce sugar slightly, or add hidden vegetables like shredded zucchini to muffins.

• Can these desserts be made ahead of time?

  Many of the no-bake options like Candy Acorns, Oreo Turkey Cookies, and Rice Krispie treats can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Cookies and cupcakes can often be baked a day ahead and decorated closer to serving time. Check individual recipes for specific storage instructions.

• What are some popular Thanksgiving dessert themes for kids?

  Turkey-themed treats (cupcakes, cookies, pretzels), pumpkin-shaped items (Rice Krispies, sugar cookies), fall leaves, acorns, and corn cobs are always popular and instantly recognizable themes for children’s Thanksgiving desserts.

• Are there any gluten-free options in this list?

  While specific modifications might be needed for some, many naturally gluten-free options exist or can be adapted. For instance, fruit-based desserts (Caramel Apple Slices) or using gluten-free cereals for Rice Krispie treats. For more extensive options, refer to our dedicated 45 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts list.

As you can see, there are so many fun, delicious, and easy Thanksgiving desserts for kids to enjoy and create. We hope this extensive list inspires you to get into the kitchen and share some sweet moments with your family this holiday season. What delightful treat do you plan to make first for your little ones? Leave a comment below and let me know – we love hearing about your festive baking adventures!