17+ Best Cookie Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. If you’re looking to impress your guests with some sweet treats, these mouth-watering cookie recipes will be the highlight of your holiday gathering.

Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies from In Bloom Bakery –

Rating: 4.8 (635 reviews). Total Time: 42 min.

The BEST Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

The BEST Chewy Pumpkin Cookies from Scientifically Sweet

Rating: 4.9 (60 reviews). Total Time: 24 min.

Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Brown Butter and Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies from Butternut Bakery

Rating: 5 (208 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

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If autumn had a flavor, it would surely be pumpkin spice. These cookies capture the essence of fall with their delightful combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The taste is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Made with real pumpkin puree, these cookies are moist and chewy, with an aroma that fills the kitchen with holiday spirit. The addition of brown sugar adds a rich sweetness, while a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of spices and the perfect chewiness, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin or just love a good cookie, these are a must-add to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Classic Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8 (120 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies from Creme De La Crumb

Rating: 5 (103 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (1459 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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Cranberries and Thanksgiving go hand-in-hand, so why not bring them to your cookie platter? These cookies are a delightful mix of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy white chocolate. They’re like a festive party in your mouth!

The recipe includes dried cranberries, which give a burst of tanginess, complemented perfectly by the smooth chunks of white chocolate. Adding a touch of orange zest elevates the flavors, making these cookies refreshingly different from the ordinary.

These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their vibrant red cranberries and snowy white chocolate. Perfect for both kids and adults, they add a splash of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.

Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple Pecan Cookies from Broken Oven Baking

Rating: 4.9 (44 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

The Best Maple Pecan Cookies

The Best Maple Pecan Cookies from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Rating: 5 (6 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 20 min.

Maple, pecan & raisin oaty cookies

Maple, pecan & raisin oaty cookies from BBC Good Food

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

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Maple and pecans are a classic combination that evokes the coziness of fall. These cookies are like a bite-sized version of a pecan pie, with a rich maple flavor that is both sweet and comforting.

The secret to these cookies lies in the pure maple syrup, which gives them a deep, authentic flavor. Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, making each bite a textural delight. A dash of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the maple, making these cookies hard to resist.

What makes this recipe a hit is its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of the season. They’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cider or coffee, making them an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies from Gimme Some Oven

Rating: 4.8 (682 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies

Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.5 (394 reviews).

Chewy Molasses Cookies

Chewy Molasses Cookies from Love and Lemons

Rating: 4.9 (283 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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Nothing says holiday quite like the spicy-sweet flavor of ginger molasses cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the bold flavors of ginger and molasses, making them a timeless classic.

With a blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies have just the right amount of spice. The molasses keeps them moist and gives them a deep, rich color that is both beautiful and appetizing.

The charm of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the way their flavors develop over time. Bake them a day in advance, and they’ll taste even better the next day, making them perfect for prepping ahead of the holiday rush.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies

Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies from Two Sisters Crafting

Rating: 4.4 (26 reviews). Total Time: 22 min.

Turkey Cookies

Turkey Cookies from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr.

Thanksgiving Cookies Decorated

Thanksgiving Cookies Decorated from This Vivacious Life

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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For those who appreciate a more wholesome treat, oatmeal raisin cookies are the way to go. These cookies are hearty and satisfying, with the perfect blend of oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon.

The rolled oats give these cookies a chewy texture, while the plump raisins provide bursts of sweetness. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth, making them a cozy addition to any holiday cookie platter.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily add nuts or chocolate chips for a twist, making them adaptable to any taste preference. They’re simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies from Baking With Butter

Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Hazelnut Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hazelnut Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Buttermilk by Sam

Rating: 5 (2 reviews).

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies from Completely Delicious

Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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If you’re a fan of Nutella, these cookies will steal your heart. The rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors combine to create a decadent cookie that’s perfect for Thanksgiving indulgence.

Using a generous amount of cocoa powder and chopped hazelnuts, these cookies are both rich and crunchy. A hint of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast.

These cookies are special because they bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to your Thanksgiving table. They’re perfect for chocolate lovers and will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Cookies

Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies

Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies from Two Sisters Crafting

Rating: 4.4 (26 reviews). Total Time: 22 min.

Turkey Cookies

Turkey Cookies from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr.

Thanksgiving Cookies Decorated

Thanksgiving Cookies Decorated from This Vivacious Life

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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Master the Balance of Flavors

Each cookie has its unique flavor profile. When baking your cookies, ensure your spices and sweeteners complement each other without overpowering the main ingredient, be it pumpkin, chocolate, or maple.

Pay Attention to Texture

Texture can make or break a cookie. Make sure to follow the recipe’s instructions on mixing and baking times to achieve the desired chewy, crispy, or cakey texture that each cookie promises.

Store Them Right

To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container. For soft cookies, add a slice of bread to the container to keep them moist, and for crisp cookies, use a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.