Lifestyle

18 Easy Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes

LifestylePublished Nov 17, 2011
By April Peveteaux
thanksgiving cookiesiStock.com/tvirbickis

There is a lot to think about when prepping for Thanksgiving, and all things seem to revolve around the turkey and sides. We cannot forget the other star of the table belonging to this beloved holiday -- cookies! While these sweet treats can seem overwhelming to make (especially considering all that goes into the homemade stuffing), we naturally made this really easy and found incredibly satisfying cookie recipes that are super simple to make.  

There are the traditional favorites that go over really well with the kids -- like adorable Pilgrim's Hat Cookies and Fall Leaves Sugar Cookies -- but there are also some sweets previously assumed to be too challenging to make. As it turns out, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, and those Snowball treats like Grandma used to make aren't so difficult to make at all. Some of these are so easy that attempting to bake more than one batch isn't out of the question.

More from CafeMom: 19 Easy Thanksgiving Activities That Teach Kids to Be Thankful

The simplicity of these recipes also makes it so families can save the baking until after turkey dinner cleanup. Make creating desserts a family activity and fill the house with the sweet scents of the cookies' buttery deliciousness. These are the easiest recipes to help make that fun without adding any cooking stress.

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Pecan Shortbread Cookies-placeholder
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
iStock.com/VezzaniPhotography

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

This classic cookie gets a nutty twist that's sure to leave only a crumb or two behind. We're thankful for this easy Pecan Shortbread Cookie recipe from Country Living that's perfectly in season.

2/18
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies-placeholder
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
iStock.com/yulia-bogdanova

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

These amazing cookie/pie/cake hybrids only look difficult to make. Delish's recipe for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies only calls for 20 minutes of prep. Make extra, though. These feel like they could be breakfast for the indulgent as well.

3/18
Snowball Cookies-placeholder
Snowball Cookies
iStock.com/viennetta

Snowball Cookies

Powdered sugar makes so many thing better -- pancakes, waffles, French toast, and of course, cookies. These Snowball Cookies from The Semi Sweet Sisters are a bit unique since they don't contain nuts, which are typically found in these sweet treats. That makes them extra perfect for those with nut allergies. Plus, there's just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking time. Easy!

4/18
Turkey Cookies-placeholder
Turkey Cookies
Pillsbury.com

Turkey Cookies

You know what's the easiest thing to do? Start with a roll of cookie dough so you don't even have to mix it up. These adorable Turkey Cookies only require a roll of sugar cookie dough, candy corn, chocolate baking bits, and icing.

More from CafeMom: 10 Reasons to Keep Pawning Off Thanksgiving on Loved Ones

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Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
keri./Flickr

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

This is taking your basic oatmeal cookie recipe and pumping it up for the holiday. You'll appreciate that extra ingredient when you bite into this moist flavor-o-rama that is Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.

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Cinnamon Candy Corn Cookie Pops-placeholder
Cinnamon Candy Corn Cookie Pops
takebackyourtable.com

Cinnamon Candy Corn Cookie Pops

With kid and adult versions of these Candy Corn Cookie Pops, everyone will be happy around the Thanksgiving dinner table.

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Almond Snickerdoodles
Brisbane Falling/Flickr

Almond Snickerdoodles

In a lovely festive twist on the traditional cookie, add almond flour to your grocery list and whip these Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles right up.

More from CafeMom: 7 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides & Dessert Recipes

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Chocolate Meringue Cookies-placeholder
Chocolate Meringue Cookies
Cindy Chen/Flickr

Chocolate Meringue Cookies

A decadent treat that has few ingredients and takes no time to make -- Chocolate Meringues. You will, however, be waiting while they cook in the oven for a few hours. That's okay, you can use that time to plan the rest of your menu.

9/18
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Thanksgiving Pilgrim's Hat Cookies
ohsosavvymom.com

Thanksgiving Pilgrim's Hat Cookies

This mom did the smart thing and learned from making "witch hat" cookies for Halloween. Repurposing for T-day, she shows you how to throw together adorable Pilgrim's Hat Cookies in no time. Really, no time at all.

10/18
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies-placeholder
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Fiona Henderson/Flickr

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Let me tell you people, this Peanut Butter Cup Cookie recipe is not only easy but a major crowd-pleaser as well. I have a friend who used to make these, and we begged her all year round to deliver them to our office. Yet, she stuck to the holidays. You can do the same.

More from CafeMom: 15 Thanksgiving Crock-Pot Recipes to Save the Oven for the Bird

11/18
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Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Dan Costin/Flickr

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot cocoa in a cookie? You bet your fall weather butt. The Naptime Chef manages to whip these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies up during, you guessed it, naptime. So you can mix these delicious cookies up super fast as well.

12/18
Pumpkin Cookies-placeholder
Pumpkin Cookies
Didriks/Flickr

Pumpkin Cookies

Straight up pumpkin cookies will please your guests. Throw in some cranberries and they'll be so impressed that they'll beg you for this Cranberry Pumpkin Cookies recipe. Don't give it to them or they'll know how easy it was for you to wow them.

13/18
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies-placeholder
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr

Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies

Maybe you're feeling it's time for a healthier snack since you've got all that pie hanging around. Quick and easy, you can fool your entire family with these healthy yet delicious Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies.

More from CafeMom: Here's What Really Happens When You Take Over the Thanksgiving Feast

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Mini-Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies
NKMPhotos/Flickr

Mini-Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies

Is there anything better than pumpkin pie after your turkey and stuffing? Why, yes, actually, these adorable Mini-Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies! Your guests will think you took baking classes to create these, and only you will know just how easy they were to whip up.

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Fall Leaves Sugar Cookies-placeholder
Fall Leaves Sugar Cookies
landolakes.com

Fall Leaves Sugar Cookies

These Fall Leaves Sugar Cookies are so pretty and festive, they double as decorations for your Thanksgiving table. They're also simple to make and require just a few ingredients -- most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Logan Ingalls/Flickr

Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Mmmm. Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies are an all-time favorite because they marry two of the very best flavors AND make folks feel like kids again who are trying to decide whether to pick out the chocolate kiss and eat it first OR save it for the very last bite.

17/18
Caramel Corn Cookies-placeholder
Caramel Corn Cookies
Katie/Flickr

Caramel Corn Cookies

If you're looking for a slightly more exotic cookie treat, you can't go wrong with these Caramel Corn Cookies, which combine sweet caramel corn, coconut, and hearty oats. Totally in season and delish.

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Apple Pie Cookies-placeholder
Apple Pie Cookies
Rebecca Siegel/Flickr

Apple Pie Cookies

Can't decide whether you want to serve traditional pie or cookies? Give guests the best option of all with these yummy Apple Pie Cookies, which are made with pie crust and are equal parts crispy, gooey, and satisfying. Oh, and easy to make!

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