Thanksgiving has always been my favorite time of year. There’s just something so special about gathering with loved ones, enjoying a delicious feast, and making memories that will last a lifetime. And you know what’s the cherry on top of this cozy, heartwarming holiday? Thanksgiving Cookies!
I can still remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make her famous Thanksgiving Cookies. I must have been around 8 or 9 years old, and I was so excited to learn this special family recipe. I can picture myself standing on a stool next to her in the kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and watching as she walked me through each step. The smell of warm cinnamon and buttery dough filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to taste the final result.
When the cookies finally came out of the oven, golden brown and irresistibly crisp, I couldn’t resist sneaking one straight away. The first bite was absolute perfection – the perfect balance of sweet and spice, with a delightfully tender center and a satisfying crunch. From that moment on, Thanksgiving Cookies became a non-negotiable part of our holiday traditions. I looked forward to making them with Grandma every single year, and now it’s a tradition I carry on with my own family.
Why This Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these Thanksgiving Cookies is the perfect blend of warm spices and rich, buttery goodness. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of a touch of nutmeg and a sprinkle of ground cloves, which give the cookies a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. Plus, the dough is chilled before baking, which results in a wonderfully crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
The Secret Behind Perfect Thanksgiving Cookies
The key to making these Thanksgiving Cookies stand out is all in the technique. By chilling the dough for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours), you’re allowing the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, resulting in cookies that are out-of-this-world delicious. And the addition of just a touch of nutmeg and ground cloves takes these cookies to the next level, adding a warmth and complexity that perfectly complements the classic cinnamon and brown sugar notes.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: This provides the rich, decadent base for the cookies.
- Brown sugar: For a deep, caramel-y sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: To balance out the brown sugar and create the perfect texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a lovely rise and soft, chewy center.
- Ground cinnamon: An essential Thanksgiving spice that warms up the cookies.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cloves: Just a small amount lends a cozy, aromatic quality.
- Salt: To balance out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Thanksgiving Cookies
These Thanksgiving Cookies are easy to make, but they do require a bit of patience and planning ahead. The total prep and baking time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time for the dough. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a large mixing bowl, a couple of baking sheets, and some parchment paper.
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This chilling step is crucial for the perfect texture.
5- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6- Scoop the chilled dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours) is key for achieving the ideal texture.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- For an extra-festive touch, try rolling the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- If you want to get ahead, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Serving and Storing Your Thanksgiving Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving Cookies
These Thanksgiving Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a warm mug of apple cider or a big slice of pumpkin pie. They also make a delightful addition to any holiday cheese board or charcuterie platter. And of course, they’re an absolute must-have on the Thanksgiving dessert table!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Thanksgiving Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed in the recipe.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Thanksgiving Cookies
Creative Thanksgiving Cookies Variations
While the classic Thanksgiving Cookies recipe is absolutely delicious as is, you can also get creative with fun variations. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, or swap in pumpkin pie spice for a more autumnal flavor profile. You could even drizzle the baked cookies with a simple glaze or dip them in melted chocolate for an extra special touch.
Making Thanksgiving Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Thanksgiving Cookies gluten-free, you can swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use non-dairy butter and flax or chia eggs in place of the regular egg. And for a lower-carb option, you can use a sugar-free brown sugar substitute and reduce the amount of flour in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, I recommend sticking with unsalted to better control the overall salt content of the cookies. If you do use salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?
A: The dough needs to chill for at least 1 hour, but you can also chill it for up to 24 hours. The longer chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, resulting in a better texture.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Absolutely! Thanksgiving Cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size you scoop them. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to accommodate your needs.
Q: My cookies spread too much while baking. What did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies spread excessively, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) before baking for the best results.
Thanksgiving Cookies
- Total Time: 17
- Yield: 18
Description
These homemade Thanksgiving Cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and full of warm spices, they come together in just 5 minutes for a quick and easy baking project the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. – Scoop rounds of dough, about 1-2 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
7. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive touch, you can roll the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Cookies are an absolute must-have for any holiday celebration. This recipe is sure to become your new go-to, with its perfect blend of warm spices, rich buttery goodness, and a wonderfully crisp-yet-chewy texture. Whether you’re baking them for a big family gathering or whipping up a batch for a cozy night in, these Thanksgiving Cookies are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. So what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowls and get ready to create some holiday magic in the kitchen!
