Festive Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Festive Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Servings

24

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

140

Cuisine

American

Category

Dessert

These Thanksgiving sugar cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Featuring whimsical designs of turkeys, pumpkins, and fall leaves, they bring an artistic touch to your holiday table.


The soft, buttery cookies pair perfectly with the crisp sweetness of the royal icing. Their vibrant fall colours and glittery accents make them a show-stopping dessert or a thoughtful edible gift.

Festive Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

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    • 3 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • 1/4 tsp salt

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

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    • 3 cups powdered sugar

    • 2 tbsp meringue powder

    • 4–6 tbsp water

    • Food colouring (fall colours like orange, yellow, brown, and red)

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    • Edible glitter or sprinkles

    • Piping bags and tips

    Directions

    1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.

    2. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

    3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use Thanksgiving-themed cookie cutters (like leaves, turkeys, or pumpkins) to cut out shapes.

    4. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

    5. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 4 tablespoons of water. Add more water, a few drops at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. Divide icing into bowls and tint with food colouring.

    6. Fill piping bags with the coloured icing and decorate the cookies with fall designs: turkeys, leaves, pumpkins, etc. Sprinkle with edible glitter or sprinkles as desired.

    7. Allow the icing to set for 1–2 hours before serving or storing.

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    10 Cooking Tips

    1. Chill Dough: Chilling prevents spreading during baking, ensuring crisp shapes.
    2. Avoid Overbaking: Cookies should just begin to turn golden at the edges.
    3. Test Icing Consistency: For outlining, use thick icing; for flooding, thin it slightly with water.
    4. Plan Designs: Sketch ideas or practice on parchment before decorating cookies.
    5. Use Gel Food Colouring: For vibrant hues without thinning the icing.
    6. Piping Bags: Use different tips for detailed work or larger flood areas.
    7. Drying Time: Allow icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging cookies.
    8. Storage: Store undecorated cookies at room temperature and iced cookies in an airtight container.
    9. Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months.
    10. Gift Idea: Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons for a personal touch.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Pair with warm apple cider or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
    • Arrange on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning Thanksgiving display.
    • Use as edible place cards—add guests’ names with a fine-tipped icing pen!

     

    FAQ’s

    Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    A: Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

    Q: Do I have to use royal icing?
    A: No, you can use buttercream or even glaze icing for simpler decorating.

    Q: Can I decorate cookies without piping bags?
    A: Absolutely! Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped or spread icing with a knife for a rustic look.

    Q: How long do decorated cookies last?
    A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    Q: Are there nut-free alternatives?
    A: Yes, omit almond extract and check all ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

    Chef's Recommendation

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    Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

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