There’s something about Thanksgiving that makes me want to bake nonstop!
Between the pumpkin pies, pecan tarts, and apple crisps, the dessert table usually steals the show — but cookies deserve their moment too.
They’re easy to make ahead, simple to share, and the perfect little treat for kids and adults alike.
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When I think back to my own family gatherings, I remember sneaking cookies from the dessert table long before the turkey was carved (and honestly, I still do).
From soft pumpkin spice cookies to festive cut-outs and classic pecan sandies, Thanksgiving cookies are a fun way to add variety to the holiday spread — or to package up as thoughtful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or guests heading home.
If you’re looking for the best Thanksgiving cookie recipes to bake this year, I’ve gathered ideas that range from classic and cozy to creative and unexpected.
1. Turkey Cookies
CREDIT: FUN COOKIE RECIPES
Golden Oreos, candy corn feathers, and chocolate centers make these turkey cookies a festive hit on any Thanksgiving table. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
MORE AMAZING RECIPES:
2. Miniature Cornucopia Cookies
CREDIT: CHELSEA’S MESSY APRON
These creative cookies are made to look like tiny cornucopias overflowing with colorful candies. They’re a sweet way to celebrate Thanksgiving’s theme of abundance.
3. Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies
CREDIT: SWEET SUGARBELLE
These adorable cookies look just like tiny pumpkin pie slices—complete with “whipped cream” dollops on top! They’re a fun and festive way to bring the classic Thanksgiving dessert into bite-sized cookie form.
Psst! Did you know we have tons of FREE Thanksgiving coloring pages your kids will love? Click here to check out the printable collection for hours of screen-free fun!
4. No-Bake Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies
CREDIT: PLAY PARTY PLAN
These adorable little turkeys are made with Nutter Butter cookies, pretzels, and candy decorations. No baking required — just lots of fun and a super cute treat for kids to help with.
5. Chocolate Acorns
CREDIT: BELLY FULL
Mini vanilla wafers and chocolate kisses transform into these cute little acorn cookies. They’re easy to assemble and bring instant fall vibes.
6. Brown Butter, Pistachio & Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies
CREDIT: HOW SWEET EATS
Rich, nutty brown butter pairs beautifully with pistachios and big melty chunks of chocolate in these decadent shortbread cookies. A more “grown-up” Thanksgiving treat.
7. Autumn Leaf Cookies
CREDIT: A MUMMY TOO
Leaf-shaped cookies in fall colors capture the beauty of the season. They’re simple, colorful, and perfect for cozy Thanksgiving gatherings.
8. Cinnamon Spiced Sugar Cookies With Browned Butter Frosting
CREDIT: HALF-BAKED HARVEST
Soft, spiced cookies topped with dreamy browned butter frosting — these beauties are full of cozy, nostalgic flavors perfect for Thanksgiving.
9. Cranberry Bliss Cookies
CREDIT: GIMME SOME OVEN
Inspired by the famous bars, these cookies combine tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a drizzle of icing. Festive and irresistible!
10. Maple Cinnamon Star Cookies
CREDIT: SALLY’S BAKING
Dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with gold, these maple cinnamon stars are sparkly, spiced, and oh-so festive for the holiday season.
11. Minneapolis Blackout Cookies
CREDIT: PLAYS WELL WITH BUTTER
Rich, dark, and ultra-chocolatey, these cookies are perfect for anyone who can’t get enough cocoa. The deep chocolate flavor with bits of crunch makes them a decadent addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
12. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cookies
CREDIT: MINIMALIST BAKER
These spiral cookies combine pumpkin spice flavor with cinnamon roll coziness. Drizzled with icing, they’re as pretty as they are tasty.
13. Decorated Scarecrow Cookies
CREDIT: SWEET SUGARBELLE
Almost too cute to eat, these decorated scarecrow cookies bring personality and charm to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
14. Mini Pumpkin-Shaped Cookies
CREDIT: EATS DELIGHTFUL
Pumpkin-shaped cookies with little pretzel stems make for the cutest fall treat. They’re simple to make, but look so impressive on a dessert table.
15. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
CREDIT: YUMMY ADDICTION
These cookies are like little hand pies, stuffed with apple filling and topped with salted caramel drizzle. They’re a warm and comforting treat perfect for fall.
16. Chai Spiced Maple Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: HALF-BAKED HARVEST
Spiced with chai flavors and maple sweetness, these cookies taste like autumn in every bite. Perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or cider.
17. Pecan Pie Cookies
CREDIT: CARLSBAD CRAVINGS
Think of these as mini pecan pies in cookie form! With buttery cookie bases and gooey, nutty centers, they deliver all the goodness of pecan pie in a handheld bite.