Thanksgiving is all about comfort, family, and good food. While pies get most of the attention, cookies are the quiet heroes of the holiday dessert table. They’re easy to bake, share, and customize with your favorite fall flavors.
If you want to sweeten your celebration this year, here are more than 25 Thanksgiving cookie recipes that taste like autumn in every bite.
Why Thanksgiving Cookies Deserve a Spot on Your Dessert Table
A fun twist on classic holiday treats
Cookies offer a refreshing break from the usual pies and cakes. You can mix flavors, decorate them, and even send guests home with a warm treat fresh from the oven.
Cookies store well and are perfect if you’re hosting a big gathering. Make them the night before and keep them ready for a stress-free dessert moment.
Classic Thanksgiving Cookie Flavors
Warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice take cookies to another level during the holidays.
Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and an aroma that makes your kitchen smell like fall.
Pumpkin puree brings softness and moisture, giving cookies a delicious seasonal flavor.
25+ Best Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes
1. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar. The pumpkin twist gives this classic cookie a fall makeover.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe.
2. Maple Pecan Cookies
These cookies have crisp edges and soft centers with roasted pecans and maple syrup in every bite.
Get the Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe.
3. Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
A mix of chocolate and pumpkin spice creates a cozy and comforting treat.
Get the Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
4. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Brown butter deepens the flavor and pecans add a nice crunch.
Get the Brown Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe.
5. Cranberry Orange Cookies
Bright citrus and tart cranberries balance sweetness beautifully.
Get the Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.
6. Apple Pie Cookies
Think of these as bite-size versions of your favorite pie, with spiced apple filling baked into a soft cookie.
Get the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe.
7. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Chewy oats, sweet white chocolate, and tart cranberries make a perfect trio.
Get the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies Recipe.
8. Caramel Stuffed Sugar Cookies
Break these open and warm caramel flows out, making them irresistible.
Get the Caramel Stuffed Sugar Cookies Recipe.
9. Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
Butterscotch chips melt into the dough, adding rich sweetness.
Get the Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
10. Ginger Molasses Cookies
Soft and spicy with a shiny sugar coating. They taste like holiday cheer.
Get the Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe.
11. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
A cream cheese filling tucked inside a pumpkin cookie is the best surprise.
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
12. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Sweet dough-inspired cookies with a swirl of cinnamon sugar and icing on top.
Get the Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe.
13. Toffee Pecan Cookies
Crunchy, nutty, and loaded with toffee bits.
Get the Toffee Pecan Cookies Recipe.
14. Chocolate Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies
Two soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched with chocolate filling.
Get the Chocolate Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies Recipe.
15. Maple Glazed Sugar Cookies
Sweet and simple sugar cookies drizzled with maple icing.
Get the Maple Glazed Sugar Cookies Recipe.
16. Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet, salty, gooey, and chocolatey all at once.
Get the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
17. Apple Cider Cookies
Made with real apple cider reduction for an authentic fall flavor.
Get the Apple Cider Cookies Recipe.
18. Almond Cranberry Biscotti
Great for dipping in coffee or tea. Crisp, nutty, and lightly sweet.
Get the Almond Cranberry Biscotti Recipe.
19. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies
Peanut butter and pumpkin make a surprisingly delicious pair.
Get the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies Recipe.
20. Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Buttery cookies flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Get the Spiced Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
21. White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
White chocolate chunks give these soft cookies an extra sweet twist.
Get the White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe.
22. S’mores Thanksgiving Cookies
Gooey marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and chocolate chunks make these a crowd favorite.
Get the S’mores Thanksgiving Cookies Recipe.
23. Brown Sugar Bourbon Cookies
Soft brown sugar cookies with a hint of bourbon for grown-up flavor.
Get the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cookies Recipe.
24. Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Cookies
Dip soft pumpkin cookies in melted chocolate for a simple upgrade.
Get the Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Cookies Recipe.
25. Chai Spiced Cookies
A cozy blend of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Get the Chai Spiced Cookies Recipe.
26. Pecan Pie Cookies
A cookie version of the Thanksgiving classic, with gooey pecan filling on top.
Get the Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.
Tips for Baking the Best Thanksgiving Cookies
Use warm spices for fall flavor
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are the heart of Thanksgiving baking.
Don’t skip chilling the dough
Chilling helps cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
Try seasonal add-ins
Dried cranberries, pumpkin puree, caramel, toasted nuts, and maple syrup all work well in fall cookies.
How to Store and Serve Thanksgiving Cookies
Storing for freshness
Most cookies stay fresh for up to a week in airtight containers.
Freezer-friendly options
Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to three months.
Perfect pairings for serving
Serve with apple cider, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, or coffee for a warm, comforting treat.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving cookies add sweetness and creativity to your holiday table. Whether you like pumpkin, maple, caramel, or warm spices, there’s a cookie here that fits the cozy flavor of the season. Mix and match a few of these recipes to build the ultimate Thanksgiving cookie platter this year.
FAQs
Yes, most cookie doughs and baked cookies can be prepared in advance.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and ginger.
Absolutely. Freeze dough or baked cookies for months.
Add extra moisture with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, or applesauce.
Pumpkin, pecan, maple, caramel, cranberry, apple, and chai spice.
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