Festive & Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Guide

Get ready to delight your family and friends this Thanksgiving with the most adorable and delicious treat: our easy-to-make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Recipe. These charming sugar cookies, creatively decorated as turkeys, are not just a dessert; they’re a festive centerpiece and a fun activity for everyone. Forget complicated baking – this recipe focuses on simplicity and maximum holiday cheer, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, even those new to holiday cookie decorating!

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good company, and, of course, incredible food. While the turkey takes center stage at dinner, these delightful cookie recipe turkeys are guaranteed to steal the show at the dessert table. This recipe has become a cherished annual tradition in our home, bringing smiles and laughter as we gather to create these edible masterpieces. The process is incredibly enjoyable, and the end result is a truly delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that embodies the spirit of the season.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its family-friendly nature. It’s an excellent opportunity to get everyone involved in the holiday preparations. Kids especially will adore the hands-on experience of using colorful icing, an assortment of candy, and their own creativity to bring these turkey cookies to life. Beyond these fun cookies, our family also loves making other festive treats like Chocolate Acorns and an impressive Turkey Cake to round out our holiday spread.

These turkey sugar cookies are not only perfect for your family’s Thanksgiving celebration but also make fantastic treats for school parties, potlucks, or simply as a special Thanksgiving dessert for kids. Pair them with other seasonal favorites like our selection of 89 Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipes or choose from our vast collection of 97 Easy Fall Desserts. For those with dietary restrictions, we even have 35 Gluten Free Thanksgiving Pies. No matter your preference, we have plenty of ideas to make your holiday dessert table unforgettable!

Why We Love This Recipe

If the thought of elaborate holiday baking, complete with intricate royal icing designs and countless steps, has always deterred you, then this easy turkey sugar cookie recipe is your perfect solution! We designed this recipe to be approachable and stress-free, ensuring you can enjoy the creative process without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of precise piping, these cookies simply get a generous coating of rich chocolate frosting, providing the perfect base for the fun candy decorations.

One of the biggest time-savers? You don’t even need to roll out the dough or use cookie cutters! Simply scoop and bake the sugar cookies, creating perfectly round bases for your adorable turkeys. This method eliminates mess and fuss, making it incredibly easy, wonderfully festive, and undeniably delicious. The flavor is a classic sugar cookie with a rich chocolate twist, and the hands-on decorating makes it a delightful activity for families. It’s truly a recipe that combines convenience with charm, resulting in a holiday treat that tastes fantastic and looks incredible on any Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Turkey Sugar Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these festive Thanksgiving sugar cookies. We’ve broken down the components into cookies, frosting, and decorations to make your preparation seamless. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!

For the Sugar Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: Proper measurement is key! Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to dry, dense cookies.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise slightly and achieve a soft, chewy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal performance.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie dough.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create that classic crisp edge and tender center in your sugar cookies.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a light and fluffy dough. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to bake.
• Large Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture and richness.
• Large Egg Yolk: Using an extra egg yolk contributes to a chewier, richer cookie texture without making it too cake-like. Save the egg white for another recipe!
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient for classic sugar cookies, adding warmth and depth.

For the Rich Chocolate Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Again, softened at room temperature is crucial for a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth frosting. This makes decorating much easier.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
• Milk: Any milk will work, but whole milk often yields a creamier, richer frosting. Add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Just like in the cookies, vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• Brown Food Coloring (Optional): A tiny drop can deepen the brown color of your frosting if desired, making it look even more like a turkey body.

For the Adorable Turkey Decorations:

• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These are perfect for forming the body of your turkeys. Make sure to get the miniature size!
• Candy Eyes: These edible candy eyes add so much personality and fun to your turkey creations. They’re readily available at most craft or baking stores during holiday seasons.
• Gummy Worms: Cut these in half to create the wattle (the red fleshy appendage under a turkey’s beak). The varied colors add a playful touch.
• Candy Corn: This classic fall candy is ideal for creating the vibrant tail feathers of your turkeys. Its distinct shape and colors are perfect for the job.
• Orange Mini M&Ms: The mini size of these orange candies fits perfectly to make the turkey’s beak, adding a pop of color and a bit of crunch.

You can find the precise measurements and full ingredient list for this delightful recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page, making it easy to gather everything you need.

How to Make These Easy & Festive Turkey Sugar Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create your charming Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a fun and rewarding baking experience for everyone!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a separate, large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a handheld or stand mixer), beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until all these wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be very careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.

Step 4: Form and Place Cookies. Use a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons in size) to portion out the cookie dough. Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This recipe requires no chilling or rolling, making it super quick!

Step 5: Bake and Cool. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for approximately 9-11 minutes. They are ready when the edges are very lightly golden brown and the centers appear set. Avoid overbaking if you want soft, chewy cookies. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting Base. In a clean mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Begin on low speed to prevent a cloud of powdered sugar, then gradually increase to medium speed. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 7: Achieve Fluffy Frosting. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting becomes light, airy, and fluffy. If desired, you can add a small amount of brown food coloring at this stage to achieve a deeper, more turkey-like brown hue for your frosting. Adjust the milk amount slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the prepared chocolate frosting over the top of each cookie. You can use an offset spatula, the back of a spoon, or a butter knife for this step. Aim for an even coating that will serve as the base for your turkey’s body.

Step 9: Decorate Your Turkeys! This is where the fun begins! Arrange several pieces of candy corn around the top edge of each frosted cookie to create the turkey’s vibrant tail feathers. Next, place a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup in the lower center of each cookie; this will be the turkey’s body. Use a tiny dab of leftover frosting (or a small amount of melted chocolate) to adhere the candy eyes onto the Reese’s cup. Position an orange Mini M&M below the eyes for the beak, and half of a gummy worm to create the wattle. Feel free to get creative with your candy placements! Finally, allow the frosting to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until firm, before serving. Enjoy your adorable and delicious Thanksgiving treats!

Storage Tips for Your Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies

To keep your festive turkey sugar cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Once the frosting has completely set (which might take a few hours at room temperature, or a bit faster if briefly refrigerated), carefully transfer any leftover cookies to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. It’s crucial to arrange the cookies in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the decorations from sticking together or getting smudged. For longer storage, you can freeze undecorated sugar cookies (baked or unbaked dough) for up to 2-3 months, then thaw and decorate them when ready to serve. This is a great way to get a head start on your holiday baking!

Pro Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

Here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies turn out perfectly and make your baking experience even more enjoyable:

• Get Creative with Candy: Don’t limit yourself to the candies listed! You can experiment with various types of candy to create unique turkey designs. Reese’s Pieces or regular M&M’s in fall colors can be used as alternative “feathers.” Rolo candy can be a fun substitute for the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the turkey’s body, offering a caramel twist. For the eyes, if you don’t have candy eyes, you can use small dots of white and black icing with a piping bag or even mini chocolate chips.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, tender ones.
• Consider Store-Bought Shortcuts: If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker route, this recipe works wonderfully with pre-made sugar cookie dough. Simply follow the package instructions for baking, then proceed with our frosting and decorating steps. Likewise, you can absolutely purchase ready-made chocolate frosting from the grocery store to save even more time in the kitchen. No judgment here – the goal is delicious, festive cookies with minimal stress!
• Use Food Coloring for Icing Variations: Instead of relying solely on candy, you can use icing with food coloring to decorate your cookies. For example, yellow, orange, or red icing can create vibrant, piped feather designs. Add a small amount of gel food coloring at a time until you achieve your desired shade. You can use different piping tips to create various feather textures or a simple round tip for classic dots.
• Bake Ahead for Easy Entertaining: These cookies are excellent for making in advance. You can bake the cookies a day or two before Thanksgiving and store them undecorated in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting separately and store it in the refrigerator. Then, on the day of your celebration, gather the family for a fun decorating session!
• Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended for Shape): While this recipe is designed to be no-roll, if you find your dough a bit too soft to handle or want slightly less spread, you can briefly chill it for 15-30 minutes before scooping. This helps maintain a more uniform shape during baking.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Sugar Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these festive Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies:

• Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
  A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping, or proceed directly if it’s still pliable enough. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Q: How long do these turkey sugar cookies stay fresh?
  A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these decorated sugar cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness, enjoy them within 2-3 days.
• Q: Can I use different types of candy for decoration?
  A: Yes, definitely! The beauty of these cookies is how customizable the decorations are. Feel free to use M&M’s, Skittles, mini chocolate candies, or even sprinkles for the feathers. Chocolate-covered raisins or mini chocolate chips can serve as eyes. Get creative with what you have on hand or what your family enjoys!
• Q: What if I don’t have candy eyes?
  A: No problem! You can easily make eyes using small dots of frosting (white first, then a tiny black dot for the pupil), or even use mini chocolate chips placed upside down for a cute look.
• Q: Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
  A: While this specific recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can often adapt it using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results. Keep an eye on baking times, as gluten-free cookies can sometimes bake a little differently.
• Q: How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
  A: To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. If your dough feels particularly soft or warm, a brief 15-30 minute chill in the refrigerator before scooping can help. Baking on parchment paper also helps to maintain shape.

More Easy Thanksgiving Desserts You’ll Love

Looking for more delightful and easy dessert ideas to complete your Thanksgiving feast? We have a fantastic collection of recipes that are perfect for the holiday season:

• Turkey Cupcake Recipe: Another charming turkey-themed treat, these cupcakes are always a hit.
• Thanksgiving Cake Pops Recipe: Bite-sized and fun, these cake pops are perfect for a festive touch.
• Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats: A no-bake classic with a fall twist, quick and easy for any occasion.
• Turkey Cookies: Even easier turkey cookies using store-bought Oreos!
• Pilgrim Cookies: Another adorable cookie idea that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
• Thanksgiving Cake Recipes: A variety of impressive yet approachable cake recipes for your holiday table.

We hope you have a blast making these adorable Turkey Sugar Cookies! They’re truly a tasty and festive treat that brings joy to the holiday season. Once you’ve had a chance to bake and decorate them, please come back and leave a comment to share your experience and any creative twists you added. Happy Thanksgiving baking!

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Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Transform classic sugar cookies into adorable turkeys with this easy recipe. Perfect for a festive Thanksgiving dessert that’s fun for the whole family to decorate!

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Allow to Cool 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 24

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 473

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

FOR THE COOKIES:

• ▢ 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
• ▢ 2 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups Sugar
• ▢ 1 cup Butter softened at room temperature
• ▢ 1 large Egg
• ▢ 1 Large Egg Yolk
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

FOR THE CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

• ▢ 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter softened at room temperature
• ▢ 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• ▢ 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ▢ 2 Tbsp Milk
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ▢ Brown Food

FOR THE DECORATIONS:

• ▢ 24 Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• ▢ 48 Candy Eyes
• ▢ 1 bag Candy Corn
• ▢ 24 Orange Mini M&Ms
• ▢ 24 Gummy Worms cut in half

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Instructions

FOR THE COOKIES:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
• Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Using a cookie scoop (approx. ½ Tbsp size balls), place cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are very slightly brown and cookies are set.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

FOR THE FROSTING:

• Cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until combined and smooth.
• Add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

FOR THE DECORATIONS:

• Spread chocolate frosting on each cooled cookie.
• Arrange candy corn around the top of the cookies to create the turkey’s tail feathers.
• Place a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup in the lower center of each cookie for the body.
• Use a tiny dab of frosting to attach candy eyes, an orange M&M for the beak, and half a gummy worm for the wattle onto the Reese’s cup.
• Allow frosting to set at room temperature before serving and enjoying your festive treats!

Recipe Notes

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure not to overlap the cookies when storing to protect their delicate decorations.

These cookies are wonderful for making ahead, especially during the busy holiday season. Preparing them the night before your gathering is a fantastic way to save time and reduce stress!

For an even quicker preparation, feel free to use pre-made sugar cookie dough and/or store-bought chocolate frosting. This will significantly cut down on kitchen time without sacrificing fun or flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 473kcal, Carbohydrates 72g, Protein 5g, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 52mg, Sodium 265mg, Potassium 101mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 55g, Vitamin A 446IU, Vitamin C 0.1mg, Calcium 44mg, Iron 1mg

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