Why Make This Recipe
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. With their festive decorations and sweet taste, they bring joy to friends and family alike. The warm smell of cookies baking fills the kitchen, adding a cozy atmosphere to the festivities.
These cookies not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also offer fun opportunities for creativity. Decorating them can become a family activity, making memories as you pipe icing and place candy for embellishment.
Equipment Needed for Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
To create delicious Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies, you will need some essential kitchen tools.
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy baking)
- Cooling rack
- Decorating tools (piping bags or zip-top bags)
What You Need to Make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
To prepare Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Orange food coloring
- Miniature Reese’s
- Candy eyeballs
- Candy corn
- Brown sprinkles
How to Cook Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg, and almond extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until they become fluffy and well combined.
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop when combined.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. If you want crunchier cookies, roll the dough thinner. For softer cookies, aim for about 3/8 inches thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut shapes from the rolled dough.
Carefully transfer the cookie cutouts to a greased baking pan, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Next, it’s time to make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract using your hand mixer until you have a smooth frosting. For some festive flair, take 1/4 cup of the frosting and add a few drops of orange food coloring, mixing until it reaches the desired shade.
After the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the white frosting on each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle brown sprinkles on top of the frosting. Now comes the fun part! Decorate each cookie by placing a miniature Reese’s in the center, then arrange candy corn around the top in a circle. Use the frosting as glue to stick candy eyeballs onto the Reese’s. Finally, pipe on little feet made from the orange frosting to complete the look.
How to Make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Making Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies is simple and enjoyable. Start with the cream cheese and butter mixture for a soft and tender cookie base. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps, and it’s important to pay attention to the thickness of the dough.
Cutting the dough carefully will give you nice, even cookies that bake beautifully. Letting them cool completely is vital before frosting, as warm cookies can cause the icing to melt. The fun really comes into play with decorating, allowing everyone to express their creativity.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They make for an excellent dessert choice at your Thanksgiving meal. Arrange them on a festive platter, and consider adding a small sign that highlights their festive theme.
You can also pack them into clear bags with a ribbon for guests to take home. They become a sweet token of appreciation for your friends and family. No matter how you serve them, they are sure to be a hit!
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
While Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, they pair beautifully with a few beverages. Hot apple cider or a warm cup of cocoa complements their sweetness perfectly. For an adult twist, consider offering spiced wine or a festive cocktail alongside the cookies.
These cookies can also be served alongside traditional Thanksgiving desserts, such as pumpkin pie or pecan pie. They add a varied texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dessert experience of your holiday feast.
How to Store Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
To keep your Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last for about a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze them for up to three months. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
When making Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. This will create a fluffier batter.
Don’t forget to check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer. Ovens can sometimes run hotter or cooler than the set temperature, which can affect baking times.
For perfect cutting, dust your cookie cutter in flour to prevent sticking. If you plan to decorate, consider using thicker frosting so your decorations hold up well.
Variation
You can customize Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies by altering flavors and decorations. Instead of almond extract, try using vanilla extract or even peppermint for a seasonal twist.
For the frosting, mix in food colors to create different shades or use various flavored extracts to complement the cookies. Consider using fall-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a unique touch.
Best Time to Make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
The best time to make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies is a day or two before your holiday gathering. This allows you to enjoy fresh cookies without the last-minute rush.
However, baking them even a week ahead is possible since they store well. Just remember to frost them the day you plan to serve them, ensuring they look and taste their best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are common pitfalls to watch for when making Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies. One is overmixing the dough; it can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and tender ones.
Another mistake is working with warm dough, which can be hard to cut and shape. If your dough is too soft, chill it for a little while before rolling it out.
Finally, ensure you do not skip the cooling period before frosting. Warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and lose its texture.
Nutritional Notes
These Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, but moderation is key. Each cookie provides a sweet taste but can contribute to your daily sugar intake.
Using cream cheese does provide some calcium and fat, but keep an eye on serving sizes if you are tracking nutritional intake.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of extract?
Yes, feel free to substitute almond extract with vanilla or any other favorite flavor.
How do I make my cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the dough slightly or choose a less sweet frosting option.
Can I decorate these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can decorate them a day in advance, but it’s best to serve them freshly decorated for the best presentation.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies are not just desserts; they are part of the holiday spirit. Their sweetness, along with the joy of decorating them, brings people together in a delightful way.
Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition. Their whimsical decorations and delicious flavor make them a memorable part of your Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy every bite!
For the cookie dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the frosting
- 1/3 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- to taste orange food coloring for decoration
Decorations
- as needed Miniature Reese's for the center decoration
- as needed Candy eyeballs for decoration
- as needed Candy corn for embellishing
- as needed Brown sprinkles for decoration
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg, and almond extract. Beat until fluffy and well combined.
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Baking
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3/8 inches thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut shapes from the rolled dough.
Transfer the cookie cutouts to a greased baking pan, spaced about an inch apart. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Frosting and Decorating
In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract using a hand mixer until smooth.
Add orange food coloring to 1/4 cup of frosting to achieve the desired shade.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of the white frosting on each cookie.
Decorate with brown sprinkles, place a miniature Reese's in the center, arrange candy corn around the top, and use frosting to attach candy eyeballs.
Pipe on little feet made from the orange frosting.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
