14+ Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating gratitude and sharing delightful dishes with loved ones. What better way to sweeten the gathering than with a batch of creative sugar cookies that capture the spirit of the season?

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Soft Sugar Cookies from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.5 (31 reviews).

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipe

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipe from Fresh April Flours

Rating: 4.8 (34 reviews).

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Rating: 5 (1 reviews).

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These cookies are the epitome of fall, combining classic sugar cookie sweetness with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie spice. The ingredients include the usual sugar, butter, and flour, but the magic lies in the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

What makes these cookies a seasonal favorite is their ability to bring the essence of a pumpkin spice latte into a chewy, delicious treat. The spices not only smell like autumn but also taste like it, making each bite a cozy experience. Perfectly paired with a hot cup of cider, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Easy to shape and decorate, you can have fun creating little pumpkins, leaves, or turkey designs. The spicy aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is enough to make anyone feel thankful.

Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies from Mom On Timeout

Rating: 5 (423 reviews).

Orange Cranberry Cookies

Orange Cranberry Cookies from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 4.9 (50 reviews).

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Imagine the tartness of cranberries meeting the bright, citrusy flavor of oranges in a cookie. These sugar cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, featuring fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla.

The combination of cranberry and orange is a match made in flavor heaven. The tangy cranberries are balanced by the sweetness of the sugar cookie base, while the orange zest adds a refreshing zing. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it introduces a unique taste that stands out among traditional Thanksgiving desserts.

These cookies not only taste fantastic but also look beautiful with bits of crimson cranberries peeking through. They’re perfect for adding a splash of color to your dessert table and are sure to impress your guests with both their appearance and taste.

Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies

Decorated Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Decorated Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies from The Monday Box

Rating: 5 (5 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr.

How to Decorate Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies

How to Decorate Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies from Goodie Godmother

Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.5 (11 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

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If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, these cookies are going to be your new favorite. Made with real maple syrup and chopped pecans, they capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

The maple syrup gives these cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans. This recipe is special because it transforms basic sugar cookies into a gourmet treat that feels luxurious yet comforting. Maple and pecan are a classic duo, and when combined in a cookie, they create a taste that’s both sophisticated and nostalgic.

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies from My Cookie Journey

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 20 min.

Apple Cookies

Apple Cookies from Boulder Locavore

Rating: 5 (179 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles (+Video)

Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles (+Video) from The Country Cook

Rating: 5 (21 reviews). Total Time: 26 min.

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The flavor of apple pie baked into a sugar cookie, these cookies feature dried apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. They’re a delightful way to enjoy the classic apple cinnamon combination without the need for pie crust.

What makes these cookies irresistible is their texture and taste. The dried apples add a chewy element, while the cinnamon provides warmth and spice. A sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking gives them a lovely caramelized finish that’s simply mouthwatering. These cookies capture the essence of a homemade apple pie, making them a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup.

Brown Butter and Sage Sugar Cookies

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies from Barley & Sage

Rating: 5 (198 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 20 min.

Slice and Bake Brown Butter Sage Shortbread Cookies

Slice and Bake Brown Butter Sage Shortbread Cookies from Beloved Plate

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

Brown Butter & Sage Shortbread

Brown Butter & Sage Shortbread from Recette Magazine – Suvie

Total Time: 15 min.

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This unique recipe takes sugar cookies to a gourmet level with the addition of nutty brown butter and earthy sage. The ingredients list includes browned butter, fresh sage, and a touch of sea salt, creating a cookie that’s both savory and sweet.

The use of brown butter adds a rich, toasty flavor that elevates the entire cookie, while the sage introduces a subtle herbal note that is both surprising and delightful. This recipe is a favorite among those looking for something different yet delicious, as it combines the simplicity of a sugar cookie with complex flavors.

Perfect for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, these cookies offer a sophisticated taste that pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes. They’re an excellent choice for adventurous eaters and make for a memorable treat.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

How to Decorate Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies

How to Decorate Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies from Goodie Godmother

Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

Decorated Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Decorated Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies from The Monday Box

Rating: 5 (5 reviews).

Spiced Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Spiced Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies from Food Network

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 30 min.

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Master the Art of Icing

For beautifully decorated cookies, practice your icing skills. Use royal icing for a smooth, professional look, and consider using piping bags and tips to create intricate designs that will wow your guests.

Chill the Dough

Ensure your cookies hold their shape by chilling the dough before baking. This not only makes the dough easier to work with but also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Experiment with Flavors

Feel free to experiment by adding different spices or extracts to your dough. A dash of cardamom or a hint of almond extract can add a unique twist and personalize your cookies to suit your taste.