If you’re searching for a delightful treat that captures the warm, festive spirit of the season, this Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe is your perfect go-to. These cookies blend a rich medley of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the buttery softness of a classic cookie, accented by the crunch of nuts and the sweetness of chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking to add a cozy touch to your holiday dessert table or want an easy, crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe promises delightful aromas and flavors that resonate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and incredibly accessible, each playing a crucial role in building the cookie’s beloved texture and flavor profile. From the creamy butter to the aromatic spices, every component is essential for that perfect Thanksgiving cookie experience.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness with a bit of crunch.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances aroma and rounds out flavors.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the cookie dough’s structure.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft yet slightly chewy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Elevates all the sweetness and strengthens flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that iconic, warm fall spiciness.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Adds gentle, aromatic depth to the spice blend.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Provides a subtle, spicy kick that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup white or dark chocolate chips: Offers melty pockets of sweetness throughout.
- Festive sprinkles or icing for decorating (optional): For adding that extra touch of holiday cheer.
How to Make Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Begin by beating the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, lending your cookies a tender texture. Once fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. This aromatic blend of spices is what transforms standard cookie dough into those unmistakable Thanksgiving cookies bursting with seasonal goodness.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make your cookies tough, so fold in carefully. If you opted to include chopped nuts and chocolate chips, this is the time to fold them in, distributing those delightful surprises evenly through the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap or cover your dough and refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats, allowing the cookies to hold their shape during baking and develop even more flavor depth. This step gives you cookies that look as fantastic as they taste.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow expansion. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. This balance is key to that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 6: Decorate and Enjoy
After the cookies have cooled on a wire rack, feel free to decorate them with festive sprinkles or icing if you want to add a cheerful holiday touch. Otherwise, their rustic charm and wonderful spice will shine beautifully on their own.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar dusting or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate these cookies effortlessly. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top after icing. A handful of festive sprinkles can also make them look irresistibly holiday-ready for kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a mug of rich hot chocolate for that ultimate cozy vibe. They also work wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning homemade cookies into an indulgent dessert after a hearty Thanksgiving meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning holiday cookie platter, arrange your Thanksgiving cookies recipe in a circular pattern around a small bowl of whipped cream or dip. You can also sandwich two cookies together with pumpkin or cinnamon cream cheese filling for an extra special treat. Tying a few together with colorful ribbon makes a lovely gift or party favor, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy the festive flavor days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever a craving hits. Baked cookies freeze well too when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back softness and melts the chocolate chips, making them taste freshly out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Just make sure it’s one meant for baking to maintain the right texture and moisture. You might also want to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
What nuts work best in this Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are classic because their flavor complements the warm spices beautifully. However, if you have a preferred nut like almonds or hazelnuts, those work wonderfully too. Toasting the nuts first can add extra crunch and depth.
Can I omit the nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, this recipe is flexible! Leaving out nuts or chocolate chips won’t hurt the texture or basic flavor. The cookies will still be warmly spiced and delicious. You can also experiment with dried fruits like cranberries for a festive twist.
How do I get the perfect soft center with golden edges?
Watch the cookies closely toward the end of baking. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain just set but soft. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so starting with 10 minutes and adjusting slightly is best.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales well, so just double the ingredients and be sure to use appropriately sized baking sheets. Remember to chill the dough as directed and rotate pans midway through baking for even results.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that trying this Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe will bring warmth, spice, and a little magic to your holiday kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic even on the first bite, perfect to share with friends, family, or just to treat yourself. So grab those ingredients and start baking — your cozy, delicious fall moments are waiting!
Print
Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully spiced Thanksgiving Cookies featuring warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with optional nuts and chocolate chips. These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to bake, and can be beautifully decorated with icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup white or dark chocolate chips
Decoration
- Festive sprinkles or icing for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop or roll portions of the dough onto the sheet, spacing them appropriately. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, decorate them with festive sprinkles or icing as desired, or enjoy them plain for a simple, rustic feel.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading and maintain a thicker cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to use only chocolate chips or only nuts depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Decorations are optional and can be customized for different holidays or occasions.
