Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies: 7 Sweet Memories Await

Name: Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies: 7 Sweet Memories Await
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Food coloring (optional); 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)

novembre 9, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious treats. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is baking a batch of Thanksgiving buttercream cookies. These little beauties are not just cookies; they’re sweet tokens of love that bring everyone together around the table. I can still remember the smell of warm cookies wafting through my childhood home as my mom and I whipped up the dough, laughter echoing in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s something magical about decorating these cookies with colorful buttercream frosting—it transforms them into festive masterpieces! They make the perfect addition to any dessert table, and they’re so fun to share with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients List

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This little ingredient helps our cookies rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugar.
1 cup granulated sugar – This will sweeten our cookies and help create that lovely texture.
1 large egg – It binds everything together and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that warm, cozy flavor that makes cookies feel like home.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Just a hint of almond adds a lovely depth to the flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Food coloring (optional) – If you want to add a pop of color to your buttercream, this is where the fun begins!
4 cups powdered sugar – Essential for making our creamy, dreamy buttercream frosting.
2 tablespoons milk – Just enough to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency for the buttercream.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream) – A little extra vanilla always makes everything better!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheating your oven is super important! It ensures that our cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden edge. So, go ahead and crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, you can get started on mixing your ingredients!

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is our dry mixture, and it’s crucial for getting the right texture! In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this step adds air and makes your cookies tender. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined. Now, gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just mixed; we want to avoid overworking the dough. Here’s the secret: cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking!

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness—this helps ensure uniform baking. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. If the dough gets too sticky, don’t be shy to sprinkle a little more flour on top!

Bake and Cool

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—there’s nothing worse than overbaked cookies! Once they’re done, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream

While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that delicious buttercream! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.

Decorate the Cookies

Now for the fun part—decorating! Use a piping bag or a simple spatula to spread the buttercream on your cooled cookies. Feel free to get creative with colors by adding food coloring to your frosting! You can pipe swirls, write messages, or even create little fall-themed designs. The sky’s the limit! Enjoy this playful process, and remember, there’s no right or wrong way to decorate!

Tips for Success

Getting those Thanksgiving buttercream cookies just right can be a delightful adventure! Here are some pro tips to help you nail the process:

Dough Handling: Keep your workspace floured, but don’t overdo it! Too much flour can make your dough tough. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle just enough flour to make it manageable.
Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It really helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. If you can, let it chill for a full hour for even better results!
Frosting Consistency: When making your buttercream, aim for a smooth and fluffy texture. If it’s too thick to spread, add a little more milk a teaspoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too runny, just mix in more powdered sugar until it’s perfect for decorating.
Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Decorating Tips: If you’re using food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you get your desired shade. It’s easier to darken than to lighten! Plus, you can always mix colors to get creative!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Thanksgiving buttercream cookies ever! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to have fun—after all, that’s what holiday baking is all about!

FAQs About Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh until you’re ready to frost and serve.

What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or don’t have it on hand, you can simply replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. It’ll still give your cookies a lovely flavor!

How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but just let them sit out for a bit before enjoying to bring back that delicious softness.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies before or after frosting. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to three months!

What if my buttercream is too thick?
If your buttercream is too thick to spread, no worries! Just add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach that smooth, spreadable consistency. It should be light and fluffy!

Can I use different shapes for the cookies?
Of course! Get as creative as you like with your cookie cutters. Whether it’s fall leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys, the festive shapes will only add to the holiday spirit!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying Thanksgiving buttercream cookies, it’s nice to have a little insight into what we’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data based on typical values for the ingredients used:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on how you make your cookies. It’s all about balance, so enjoy these festive treats in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and sweet frosting makes every bite a delightful experience. You’ll find yourself reaching for just one more cookie!
Fun to Decorate: Decorating these cookies is a blast! You can unleash your creativity with vibrant colors and fun designs, making each cookie truly your own.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a fantastic treat to bring to gatherings. Everyone will love them, and they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it a great project for bakers of all skill levels. Trust me, you can do this!
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavors or decorations to make them uniquely yours. You can even add spices for a seasonal twist!
Great for Holiday Traditions: Baking these Thanksgiving buttercream cookies can become a cherished tradition, just like it is in my family. It’s a wonderful way to create memories in the kitchen.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough or even the cookies a day in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving buttercream cookies, the possibilities are as delightful as the cookies themselves! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy these sweet treats:

With Coffee or Tea: There’s nothing quite like pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich buttercream complements the warmth of your drink perfectly, making for a cozy afternoon snack.
As Part of a Dessert Table: If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your dessert table. Mix and match with other holiday sweets like pies, tarts, and brownies for a colorful spread that everyone will love!
Gift Them: Package a few cookies in a cute box or bag to share with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a sweet little gesture that spreads holiday cheer and shows you care!
Decorate a Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a platter and add some festive touches like mini pumpkins, fall leaves, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to make the presentation pop. It’s a simple way to elevate your cookie game!
As a Fun Activity: Set up a cookie decorating station with extra frosting, sprinkles, and toppings for kids (and adults!) to enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to engage everyone in the festive spirit and create memories together.

No matter how you choose to serve your Thanksgiving buttercream cookies, just remember that sharing them with loved ones is the sweetest way to enjoy them. Happy baking and happy feasting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Thanksgiving buttercream cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once your cookies are completely cooled, I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture and keep the buttercream from getting too firm. If you’re stacking them, just make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They should stay tasty for about a week!

If you want to keep them longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie (or a few!), simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat—just enjoy that fresh-baked flavor!

Now, if you do find yourself needing to reheat them for any reason—maybe you want that warm, gooey texture again—just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them, though; you don’t want to overdo it! You want them just warm enough to feel like a cozy hug without turning into a chewy mess. Trust me, nothing beats a warm cookie and a glass of milk!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.