Thanksgiving Cookie Ideas: Creative and Festive Treats

Thanksgiving Cookie Ideas – Thanksgiving cookies offer a wonderful opportunity to embrace the cozy, comforting flavors of fall in bite-sized treats. Pumpkin spice cookies are a classic, with soft, chewy centers and warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for the season. Cranberry orange cookies bring a burst of tangy sweetness with dried cranberries and zesty orange, creating a refreshing contrast to richer flavors.

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Pecan pie cookies transform the classic dessert into a handheld treat, with a sweet, nutty topping that mimics the beloved pie. Apple cinnamon cookies are a comforting combination of soft dough and apple chunks, spiced with cinnamon for a classic autumn flavor. Gingerbread cookies, shaped into fall themes, are perfect for decorating and capturing the essence of Thanksgiving. Maple brown sugar cookies add a subtle sweetness with a chewy texture that highlights maple’s rich flavor.

Sweet potato cookies offer a unique twist, with mashed sweet potatoes giving them a moist, spiced finish. Chai spice cookies bring the warmth of chai tea into a cookie form, offering a spicy and aromatic bite. Caramel apple cookies combine the flavors of fall’s two favorite fruits—sweet caramel and tart apples—into a chewy, indulgent cookie. Finally, pumpkin whoopie pies sandwich soft pumpkin cookies with a creamy filling, creating a delightful, dessert-like treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Thanksgiving Cookie Ideas

Here’s a list of 70+ Thanksgiving cookie ideas with descriptions, offering a delightful variety of flavors and styles to enjoy this holiday season:

Spiced & Classic Cookies

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Soft, chewy cookies filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree for a warm, fall flavor.
2. Gingerbread Cookies – A holiday classic with the perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, often decorated in fun shapes.
3. Chai Spice Cookies – Infused with aromatic chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, creating a spicy and fragrant cookie.
4. Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Inspired by cinnamon rolls, these cookies are swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with icing.
5. Apple Cinnamon Cookies – Apple chunks and cinnamon make for a chewy, sweet treat that tastes like a crisp fall day.
6. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies – Soft pumpkin cookies filled with a creamy, spiced filling, offering a cake-like dessert experience.
7. Molasses Cookies – Rich in flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these chewy cookies are a fall favorite.
8. Maple Sugar Cookies – A twist on the traditional sugar cookie, enhanced with maple syrup and a subtle sweetness.
9. Pecan Pie Cookies – A mini version of pecan pie in cookie form, with a gooey filling and crunchy pecans on top.
10. Snickerdoodle Cookies – These cinnamon-sugar rolled cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Fruit & Nut Cookies

11. Cranberry Orange Cookies – Sweet and tangy dried cranberries paired with citrusy orange zest in a chewy cookie.
12. Caramel Apple Cookies – Apple chunks and caramel bits combined in a soft, sweet cookie that screams fall.
13. Pecan Praline Cookies – Buttery cookies with chopped pecans and a praline-like sugary glaze, adding a crunchy, sweet finish.
14. Cherry Almond Cookies – Dried cherries and almonds add a tart and nutty contrast in these chewy, sweet cookies.
15. Raisin Spice Cookies – A spiced cookie filled with plump raisins, perfect for enjoying with a hot drink.
16. Apple Pie Cookies – A cookie version of apple pie, filled with cinnamon-sugar apples and topped with a crumbly streusel.
17. Cranberry Pistachio Cookies – The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the buttery crunch of pistachios in these delightful treats.
18. Fig and Walnut Cookies – Earthy figs and crunchy walnuts make these cookies both chewy and satisfying.
19. Peach Cobbler Cookies – Soft, peach-filled cookies with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking the taste of warm peach cobbler.
20. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Cookies – Zesty orange-flavored cookies dipped in rich dark chocolate for a sweet, citrusy treat.

Decadent & Chocolate Cookies

21. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies – A twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, with pumpkin puree and spices for a fall twist.
22. Double Chocolate Cranberry Cookies – Rich chocolate cookies packed with tangy cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
23. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies – Soft chocolate cookies with gooey caramel centers, sprinkled with sea salt for an irresistible sweet and salty combo.
24. Chocolate Pecan Cookies – A decadent treat with melted chocolate and crunchy pecans in every bite.
25. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – A perfect blend of pumpkin and chocolate chips in a soft, chewy cookie.
26. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies – Rich white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts create a sweet, buttery cookie.
27. S’mores Cookies – Inspired by the campfire treat, these cookies combine chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
28. Chocolate Espresso Cookies – A rich, deep chocolate cookie with a hint of espresso, perfect for coffee lovers.
29. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – A peanut butter cookie filled with chocolate chips for a double dose of sweetness.
30. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies – Buttery shortbread cookies dipped in decadent chocolate for a simple yet luxurious treat.

Chewy & Soft Cookies

31. Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies – Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with a rich brown sugar flavor and a hint of cinnamon.
32. Carrot Cake Cookies – Moist, chewy cookies inspired by carrot cake, with shredded carrots, walnuts, and a creamy glaze.
33. Sweet Potato Cookies – A unique take on cookies with sweet potato puree, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a soft, comforting texture.
34. Coconut Pecan Cookies – Coconut and chopped pecans make these cookies chewy and full of texture, with a light tropical flavor.
35. Pineapple Coconut Cookies – Tropical-inspired chewy cookies filled with pineapple bits and shredded coconut.
36. Maple Oatmeal Cookies – Soft oatmeal cookies flavored with maple syrup, bringing a cozy, autumnal flavor to a classic treat.
37. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – A hearty, chewy oatmeal cookie with a creamy peanut butter twist.
38. Lemon Ginger Cookies – Soft cookies with zesty lemon and spicy ginger for a refreshing yet warm flavor.
39. Banana Bread Cookies – Chewy cookies with mashed bananas and warm spices, just like the inside of banana bread.
40. Turtle Cookies – A chewy cookie with caramel, chocolate, and pecans, mimicking the flavor of a turtle candy.

Pumpkin & Squash Cookies

41. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – A pumpkin-infused version of the classic snickerdoodle cookie, rolled in cinnamon-sugar.
42. Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft pumpkin cookies filled with chocolate chips, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
43. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – A hearty combination of pumpkin and oats, with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
44. Butternut Squash Cookies – Butternut squash puree adds moisture and flavor to these fall-inspired cookies.
45. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies – A coffee-flavored cookie with a hint of pumpkin spice, perfect for enjoying with your latte.
46. Pumpkin Roll Cookies – Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies with a creamy filling, reminiscent of a pumpkin roll.
47. Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies – These cookies feature a thumbprint of pumpkin pie filling and spices in a buttery cookie base.
48. Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cookies – Soft pumpkin cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spicy finish.
49. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – A rich, cheesecake-style cookie with a swirl of pumpkin puree and cream cheese.
50. Pumpkin Pecan Cookies – A blend of pumpkin and toasted pecans, these cookies are both chewy and crunchy with a fall flavor.

Crispy & Thin Cookies

51. Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies – Thin, crisp cookies with a generous coating of cinnamon-sugar for a simple, sweet treat.
52. Gingersnap Cookies – Crunchy, spiced cookies with a perfect snap and a deep molasses flavor.
53. Almond Lace Cookies – Thin, crispy cookies made with almond slices, offering a delicate crunch.
54. Crispy Hazelnut Cookies – Nutty hazelnuts add a rich flavor and crispy texture to these cookies.
55. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – A crisp, lemon-flavored cookie dotted with poppy seeds for extra crunch.
56. Cinnamon Lace Cookies – Thin, crispy cookies with a delicate lace pattern and a cinnamon flavor.
57. Thin Mints – A copycat of the popular Girl Scout cookie, these minty, thin cookies are coated in rich chocolate.
58. Lemon Sugar Cookies – Thin, buttery cookies flavored with lemon zest and rolled in sugar for a crisp finish.
59. Oatmeal Lace Cookies – Crispy oatmeal cookies with a delicate, lace-like texture and a light chew.
60. Ginger Thin Cookies – A thin, crispy ginger cookie with a hint of spice, perfect for those who love a crunchy bite.

Creative & Fun Cookies

61. Turkey Shaped Sugar Cookies – Fun sugar cookies decorated to resemble colorful turkeys, perfect for Thanksgiving-themed baking.
62. Thanksgiving Leaf Cookies – Fall-inspired cookies shaped like leaves and decorated with vibrant autumn colors.
63. Pumpkin Patch Cookies – Cute cookies shaped like pumpkins and topped with green frosting for leaves and vines.
64. Autumn Sugar Cookies – Simple, buttery sugar cookies decorated with autumn leaves, acorns, and pumpkins.
65. Candy Corn Sugar Cookies – Fun and festive cookies decorated to look like candy corn, using icing in orange, yellow, and white.
66. Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookies – Simple shortbread cookies in the shape of maple leaves, perfect for fall.
67. Autumn Spice Cut-Out Cookies – Spice-flavored cookies cut into fall shapes like acorns and pumpkins, perfect for decorating.
68. Pecan Tassies – A miniature pecan pie inside a cookie shell, bite-sized and perfect for a sweet finish.
69. Cranberry Orange Shortbread – A twist on classic shortbread with dried cranberries and a touch of orange zest for a tangy flavor.
70. Cinnamon Roll Pinwheel Cookies – Rolled cookies filled with cinnamon sugar and baked to resemble mini cinnamon rolls.

With so many creative Thanksgiving Cookie Ideas, you can mix and match flavors, textures, and decorations to make your Thanksgiving cookie spread truly spectacular!

Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.

Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and egg; mix well.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
4. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out dough on a floured surface.
6. Cut into shapes and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Decorate when cool.

Chai Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugars in another bowl until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Ingredients:
For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients to form dough.
3. Roll dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
4. Roll tightly into a log, chill for 1 hour, then slice into rounds.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Drizzle with icing when cool.

Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in diced apples.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:
For the cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugars, oil, egg, and vanilla.
4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet.
5. Scoop small dollops of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. For the filling, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well.
7. Once cookies are cooled, sandwich the filling between two cookies.

Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Roll dough into balls and roll in granulated sugar.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

 Maple Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely before serving.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Ingredients:
For the dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg yolk and mix. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
3. Roll dough into small balls and press the center to make an indentation.
4. For the filling, mix pecans, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla.
5. Spoon filling into each cookie indentation.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
4. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
5. Roll dough into balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.