Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies: 7 Joyful Traditions to Try

Name: Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies: 7 Joyful Traditions to Try
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract

novembre 13, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Saut à la Recette·Imprimer La Recette

Ah, Thanksgiving cutout cookies! They’re like little edible canvases that bring so much joy to the holiday season. I can still remember the first time I made these with my family. We gathered around the kitchen table, flour dusting our noses, laughter filling the air as we cut out turkeys, leaves, and pumpkins, all while the sweet aroma of baking cookies danced through the house. It’s one of those heartwarming traditions that truly makes Thanksgiving special.

What I love most about these cookies is how versatile they are. You can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for sharing too—whether it’s with friends at a gathering or as a delightful treat for your neighbors. Plus, kids absolutely adore getting involved in the decorating process, and trust me, it’s a great way to keep them busy and entertained!

So, grab your favorite cookie cutters and let’s dive into making these festive delights. You won’t just be baking cookies; you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful Thanksgiving cutout cookies. Trust me, having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the process so much smoother!

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the star of the show! Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This little ingredient helps your cookies rise perfectly and gives them that nice, tender texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use good quality butter for the best flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it creams nicely with the sugar.
1 1/2 cups sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely crisp edge on your cookies.
1 egg: This binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Oh, the aroma! It adds a warm, comforting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
1 teaspoon almond extract: A little almond extract goes a long way in elevating the taste. It’s a secret weapon, trust me!

Keep these ingredients handy, and let’s get ready to create something special together!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies

Prepping Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want the cookies to bake evenly and perfectly. While that’s warming up, clear off a nice big space on your countertop. You’ll want room to roll out the dough and cut those festive shapes. Grab your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and let’s get ready for some cookie magic!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is key because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring every cookie rises beautifully. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll get back to it soon!

Creaming Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s move on to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light. You want to see a bit of fluffiness here—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, the texture is everything here; it’ll make your cookies nice and tender!

Combining Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugar are looking dreamy, it’s time to add in that egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. You’ll get that wonderful, warm aroma wafting through the kitchen, and oh boy, does it smell delightful! Just be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely texture we’ve created.

Forming the Dough

Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about a cup at a time, mixing until everything is just combined. You’ll start to see your dough come together, and it’ll be a little sticky—that’s perfect! Once it’s all mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out later. Plus, it keeps your cookies from spreading too much while baking!

Shaping the Cookies

After your dough has chilled, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. I love using turkey, leaf, and pumpkin shapes for Thanksgiving! Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe.

Baking the Cookies

Once your baking sheet is filled with those adorable shapes, pop them into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different, and you don’t want them to overbake. It’s okay if they look a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Cooling and Decorating

After you take them out, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely. Once they’re completely cool, it’s time for the best part—decorating! Whether you choose royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or just a sprinkle of powdered sugar, have fun with it! Each cookie can be a little work of art, and I promise they’ll taste even better with those personal touches.

Tips for Success

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for our Thanksgiving cutout cookies, let’s talk about some tips that’ll take your cookie game to the next level. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!

Chill the dough: I can’t stress this enough! Chilling the dough not only helps with rolling it out but also prevents those lovely shapes from spreading too much in the oven. If you have time, you can even chill it longer—just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Use quality cookie cutters: Invest in a good set of cookie cutters for those sharp, clean edges. This ensures your cookies look as delightful as they taste. I love using metal ones for that reason!
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies while they’re in the oven. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so trust your instincts!
Decorate after cooling: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before diving into the decorating. Warm cookies can lead to melted icing, and we want those designs to shine!
Get creative with flavors: If you want to switch things up, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive twist! Just a teaspoon can transform the flavor profile.
Have fun with decorating: This is where you can really let your creativity flow! Use a mix of icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to make each cookie unique. Don’t worry about perfection—embrace the imperfections; they make your cookies even more special!
Store wisely: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you’re not decorating them right away, you can even freeze the baked cookies for later use; just remember to thaw them before decorating.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly memorable Thanksgiving cutout cookies. Happy baking, my friend! Can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our delightful Thanksgiving cutout cookies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect when you indulge in these festive treats!

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Sugar: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

So there you have it! Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and remember that the joy of baking and sharing with loved ones is just as important as the numbers on the nutrition label. Happy Thanksgiving baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about Thanksgiving cutout cookies? No problem! I’m here to help you with all the common queries and concerns you might have. Let’s dive in!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the cookies a bit denser, so you might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. A 50/50 blend works great!

What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?

Don’t worry! If your dough feels sticky, simply dust your work surface and rolling pin with a little extra flour. You can also chill the dough for a bit longer to make it easier to handle.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

You bet! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and cutting your shapes.

How can I ensure my cookies keep their shape while baking?

Chilling the dough before rolling it out and after cutting your shapes is key! This helps the cookies maintain their form in the oven. Also, make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can use royal icing for detailed designs, simple powdered sugar glaze for a quick finish, or even melted chocolate. Sprinkles and edible glitter add a fun touch too! Just let your creativity shine!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to decorate until the day you plan to serve them for the best results!

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?

Oh no! This can happen if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or if the butter was too warm when you started. Make sure to chill the dough adequately, and use softened but not melted butter for the perfect texture.

How long do the decorated cookies last?

Once decorated, your cookies should last about a week when stored in an airtight container. Just keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness!

There you have it! If you have any more questions, just reach out. Happy baking, and enjoy every moment of creating these festive delights!

Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Cutout Cookies

Quick to Make: With just a little prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Perfect for those last-minute cravings or gatherings!
Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity flow! From icing to sprinkles, decorating these cookies is an enjoyable activity for both kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a fantastic treat to bring to Thanksgiving dinners, share with neighbors, or gift to friends. Everyone loves a homemade cookie!
Customizable Flavors: You can easily personalize the flavor with different extracts or spices, making each batch unique to your taste!
Festive Shapes: The variety of cookie shapes you can create adds a delightful visual appeal to your holiday spread. Turkeys, leaves, and pumpkins—each cookie tells a story!
Great for Bonding: Bake and decorate with family or friends. It’s a perfect way to create lasting memories during the holiday season.
Deliciously Versatile: While they’re perfect for Thanksgiving, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round with seasonal themes and decorations!

Imprimer