Harvest of Sweetness: Top Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes

As the leaves change color and a crisp chill fills the air, our thoughts turn to cozy gatherings and, of course, delicious food. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and a feast that culminates in an array of sweet delights. While pies often steal the spotlight, a platter of homemade Thanksgiving Cookies offers a fun, festive, and incredibly versatile alternative or addition to your holiday dessert spread. These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also provide a wonderful opportunity for creative expression, from whimsical turkey designs to rich, spiced autumnal flavors.

We’ve meticulously curated the ultimate list of 44 of the best Thanksgiving cookie recipes, designed to simplify your holiday baking and impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll find options here that are super tasty and surprisingly simple, including several fantastic no-bake choices for when oven space is limited or time is short. From charming turkey-themed cookies adorned with candy corn to rich pumpkin-spiced sugar cookies, this compilation promises the tastiest treats to complete your Thanksgiving celebration.

Get ready to jot down your favorites because you’ll undoubtedly want to make several of these irresistible cookies. For even more Thanksgiving desserts, be sure to explore our extensive list, which features classic delights like pumpkin whoopie pies, traditional pecan pie, and much more. You might also enjoy our collections of Thanksgiving Apple Desserts and 22 Easy Thanksgiving Pie Recipes to round out your holiday meal planning.

How to Store Thanksgiving Cookies:

Proper storage is key to keeping your Thanksgiving cookies fresh and delicious. Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. For optimal freshness and to prevent them from sticking together, especially if they are delicate or frosted, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper. Storing them at room temperature is suitable for most varieties for a few days, keeping them soft and flavorful for your holiday guests.

Can you make cookies for Thanksgiving ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing your Thanksgiving cookies in advance can be a huge time-saver during the busy holiday season. While specific recommendations might vary by recipe, most cookies on this list can be made a few days ahead of time if stored correctly. Some doughs can even be prepared and refrigerated or frozen, allowing you to simply bake them fresh on Thanksgiving day. This strategy ensures you have more time to enjoy with loved ones and less stress in the kitchen.

Can you freeze Thanksgiving Cookies?

Many Thanksgiving cookie recipes are excellent candidates for freezing, making them perfect for advanced meal prep or enjoying holiday flavors long after the festivities. To freeze, ensure cookies are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains their texture and flavor. While each recipe can differ slightly, most cookies can be successfully frozen for up to a month, allowing you to bake in batches and enjoy delicious homemade treats whenever you desire.

1. Turkey Cookies

Bring smiles to everyone’s faces with these absolutely adorable Turkey Cookies! Perfect for little hands to help decorate, this clever no-bake recipe is incredibly simple, making it ideal for busy Thanksgiving preparations or a fun school party activity. Crafted with readily available ingredients, these festive treats capture the whimsical spirit of the holiday and are guaranteed to be a hit with children and adults alike, offering a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts.

2. Pilgrim Cookies

Craft these delightful Pilgrim Cookies with just four ingredients for a super quick and charming no-bake treat that takes mere minutes to assemble. The clever addition of a peanut butter cup on top perfectly completes the look of a pilgrim’s hat, making these cookies an adorable and memorable dessert. They are wonderfully simple and add a unique, festive touch to your Thanksgiving table without any baking fuss.

3. Butterscotch Cookies

Indulge in these old-fashioned Butterscotch Cookies, incredibly soft and utterly amazing with every bite packed with rich, sweet butterscotch flavor. These chewy delights are a true classic, brimming with the comforting tastes of fall, making them an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Their simple charm and delightful taste ensure they’ll be a beloved treat for all your holiday guests.

4. Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

For effortless holiday baking, these Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies are an absolute dream to prepare. Starting with a simple cake mix, they deliver a delightful pumpkin flavor that’s utterly perfect for Thanksgiving, guaranteeing a hit with everyone at your gathering. These soft and flavorful cookies combine convenience with the classic tastes of autumn, making them a fantastic choice for a quick yet impressive dessert.

5. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Experience the decadent fusion of autumn’s favorite gourd and classic chocolate with these irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow but yields a deliciously moist and flavorful cookie, where the warm spice of pumpkin perfectly complements the sweet bursts of chocolate chips. They are a must-try for any fall or Thanksgiving dessert table, bringing together two beloved flavors in one perfect bite.

6. Thumbprint Cookies

These classic Thumbprint Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, featuring a delicate, buttery base and a vibrant jam center. Their charming appearance makes them a wonderful addition to any holiday platter, and the best part is their versatility—you can use any type of jam you prefer! We especially love to fill them with sweet raspberry or luscious strawberry jam, creating a burst of fruity flavor with every bite that complements the richness of the cookie.

7. Molasses Cookies

These aromatic Ginger Molasses Cookies boast the perfect blend of warm spices, creating an exquisitely flavorful and soft cookie that embodies the essence of autumn. They are an absolute must for Fall celebrations and your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma as they bake. The rich molasses and ginger notes make them a comforting and memorable dessert, perfectly suited for the cozy atmosphere of Thanksgiving.

8. Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Experience pure indulgence with these incredibly soft and fluffy Cream Cheese Cookies, featuring the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that is truly decadent. These cookies are a sophisticated yet approachable treat, guaranteed to impress your Thanksgiving guests with their delicate flavor and tender crumb, making them an elegant addition to your holiday dessert selection.

9. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Forget the bakery; these decadent Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are incredibly satisfying and easy to make at home. Each cookie is generously packed with plump raisins and wholesome oats, creating a hearty and wonderfully chewy texture that makes them an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Their comforting, rustic flavor is perfect for the autumn season and a warm addition to your Thanksgiving dessert offerings.

10. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Delight in all the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, perfectly captured in these fabulous Cinnamon Roll Cookies. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, tasting just as incredible as they look with their beautiful swirls and sweet glaze. The rich, aromatic cinnamon notes make them an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, adding a touch of cozy indulgence to your holiday table.

11. Brown Sugar Cookies

If you’re in search of a truly soft and wonderfully chewy cookie, this Brown Sugar Cookie recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are perfectly sweet with a deep, caramelized flavor from the brown sugar, making them incredibly tasty and satisfying. They offer a comforting, homemade feel that’s ideal for the holiday season, adding a delightful warmth to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup.

12. Apple Pie Cookies

These adorable Apple Pie Cookies are not only charming to look at but taste exactly like a slice of classic apple pie, but in a convenient, handheld form. Each delightful bite combines a sweet and tender apple pie filling with a luscious caramel topping, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. They offer a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making them an ideal, less messy alternative to pie and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving dessert array.

13. Chocolate Chip Cookies

We confidently declare this the absolute best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe you’ll ever try! It strikes the perfect balance, with just the right amount of melty chocolate chips baked into a soft, chewy, and irresistibly gooey cookie. This classic dessert is a timeless favorite for a reason, offering comforting familiarity and pure indulgence that makes it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving spread, sure to please every guest.

14. Cookies and Cream Cookies

Whipping up homemade cookies is a breeze with simple recipes like these decadent Cookies and Cream Cookies. Not only are they effortless to prepare, but each bite is generously packed with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, delivering an explosion of flavor and texture. These incredibly popular treats are sure to be a favorite at your Thanksgiving gathering, offering a familiar yet exciting twist on classic cookie indulgence.

15. Lofthouse Cookies

These beloved Lofthouse Cookies are a perennial favorite, especially with kids, thanks to their incredibly soft texture and sweet, delectable icing. What makes them even better for Thanksgiving is how easily you can customize them with festive Fall colors and sprinkles, instantly transforming them into holiday-themed treats. Their tender crumb and delightful sweetness make them a cheerful and delicious addition to any holiday dessert spread.

16. Carrot Cake Mix Cookies

If you’re a devoted fan of carrot cake, these Carrot Cake Mix Cookies are destined to be a massive hit at your Thanksgiving celebration. This incredibly easy recipe starts with a simple cake mix, transforming it into tender, spiced cookies generously topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. They capture all the beloved flavors of traditional carrot cake in a delightful cookie form, tasting just like autumn and making them a perfect, convenient holiday treat.

17. Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Dedicated chocolate fans will absolutely want to prioritize this recipe for Chocolate Kiss Cookies! From the rich, soft chocolate cookie base to the delightful Hershey’s Kiss pressed gently on top, each bite is an explosion of pure chocolatey goodness. These cookies are a classic holiday favorite that combines satisfying texture with intense flavor, making them an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

18. Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

When time is of the essence, these Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies come to the rescue, delivering a luscious dessert in mere minutes. This incredibly simple peanut butter version is absolutely irresistible, boasting a rich, creamy texture and intense peanut butter flavor that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for Thanksgiving, these cookies offer a quick and delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings without ever turning on the oven.

19. Butter Cookies Recipe

These rich and tender Butter Cookies are visually stunning with their elegant swirled designs, making them a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert spread. Each cookie can be enjoyed plain for a pure buttery experience or dipped in chocolate and adorned with festive sprinkles for an extra touch of indulgence. The vibrant sprinkles would be especially perfect for adding a celebratory flair to your Thanksgiving table, combining classic flavor with joyful presentation.

20. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

This delightful combination of a soft peanut butter cookie and a sweet jam filling creates a treat that is super tasty and nostalgic. Each Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie is then elegantly drizzled with a smooth glaze over the top, transforming it into an extra decadent and eye-catching dessert. These cookies offer a charming, comforting flavor that makes them a wonderful and unique addition to your Thanksgiving dessert collection, appealing to all ages.

21. Brownie Cookies

Brownie enthusiasts, prepare to fall in love with these rich and fudgy Brownie Cookies! Each cookie is packed with intense chocolate flavor, boasting a wonderfully gooey center that truly melts in your mouth. They offer all the beloved decadence of a classic brownie but in a convenient, portable cookie form. These are the ultimate chocolate treat for your Thanksgiving dessert table, guaranteed to satisfy even the most serious chocolate cravings.

22. Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

These adorable Homemade Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, also known as Peanut Butter Blossoms, are a picture-perfect addition to any dessert table, especially for Thanksgiving. This easy recipe yields heavenly cookies that combine the irresistible flavor of soft peanut butter with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center. They are wonderfully creamy and are sure to become a cherished family favorite for years to come, making your holiday spread even more special.

23. 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

You can create wonderfully delicious homemade 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies with astonishing ease! This incredibly simple recipe requires just three basic ingredients and no eggs, making it a fantastic option for quick baking or for those with dietary considerations. The resulting cookies are soft, sweet, and perfectly customizable, serving as an excellent base for holiday decorating and a stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving dessert collection.

24. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate combination of sweet and salty with these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter perfectly unite in these cookies, creating a truly decadent and satisfying treat. This is one of the most amazing and incredibly easy recipes you’ll find, making it a guaranteed hit for any Thanksgiving dessert table and a favorite among all peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

25. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Give classic old-fashioned peanut butter cookies a delectable new look and flavor with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. The addition of rich chocolate to the traditional peanut butter base creates a super tasty and harmonious combination that will delight all your guests. This updated classic is a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving, offering a comforting yet exciting twist on a beloved favorite that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes.

26. Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

These delightful Snickerdoodle Cookies are a heavenly blend of classic sugar cookies rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar. This recipe yields a cookie that is wonderfully soft and incredibly delicious, offering an extra special dessert experience. Their warm, spiced flavor makes them a perfect and comforting choice for the autumn season and a beloved addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread.

27. 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

With just three incredibly simple ingredients, these 3 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies are astonishingly fast and easy to whip up! Each wholesome bite is packed with the hearty goodness of oats, making them a perfect and satisfying treat for the fall season. This minimalist recipe is ideal for busy holiday schedules, ensuring you can still enjoy delicious, homemade cookies without any fuss, perfectly suited for your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

28. Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving those famously tasty cookies from the Nestle Toll House bakery? Now you can easily learn how to replicate them at home with this beloved recipe for Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are wonderfully soft, incredibly gooey, and generously packed with chocolate chips, promising a sweet and satisfying dessert experience. They offer a comforting familiarity that makes them a perfect and universally loved addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

29. Double Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

For ardent chocolate fans, these Double Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are an absolute must-make! They require only four simple ingredients, making them incredibly quick and effortless to prepare while delivering an intensely rich chocolate experience. These fudgy, chewy cookies are perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving and are an ideal, stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal effort.

30. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These vibrant Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only bursting with beautiful color but each bite is also incredibly delicious, offering a refreshing twist on classic chocolate. The invigorating mint flavor perfectly complements the rich chocolate chips, and the recipe itself is remarkably easy to prepare. If you’re a lover of mint desserts, these soft and fluffy cookies are an absolute must-try, providing a cool and delightful contrast to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.

31. M&M Cookies

Everyone adores M&M candies, and they undoubtedly make cookies even better! These cheerful M&M Cookies are not only bursting with vibrant color, making them look incredibly bright and festive, but each bite is also loaded with delightful chocolate candy goodness. They are a playful and universally appealing treat that will add a pop of color and fun to your Thanksgiving dessert table, beloved by guests of all ages.

32. Banana Pudding Cookies

Fans of classic banana pudding will absolutely adore these unique Banana Pudding Cookies! You can now savor all the beloved flavors and comforting creaminess of this iconic Southern dessert, perfectly encapsulated in a convenient cookie form. These innovative cookies offer a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, making them a wonderfully unexpected and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread that guests will rave about.

33. Monster Cookies

Prepare for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Monster Cookies, generously loaded with some of everyone’s favorite ingredients! From rich chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s to hearty oatmeal and more, this recipe truly packs a delightful punch in every single cookie. They offer a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making them a fun, satisfying, and universally loved addition to your Thanksgiving dessert collection that guests will eagerly devour.

34. No Bake Cookies

Whip up a batch of these classic Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies for a wonderfully easy yet incredibly satisfying dessert option. These cookies are simple to prepare right on the stovetop, making them a fantastic and quick Thanksgiving treat when oven space is precious. Their rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless favorite, guaranteeing a delicious and stress-free addition to your holiday spread.

35. Italian Cookies

These exquisite Italian Cookies, with their rich buttery flavor, delicate texture, and sweet glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, are guaranteed to be the hit of your Thanksgiving gathering. Their festive appearance can be easily customized for any occasion by simply changing the sprinkle colors. Whether for a holiday party or a casual family meal, these decadent and tasty cookies add a touch of elegance and joy to any dessert table.

36. Divinity Candy

While not strictly a cookie, these delightful Divinity Candy pieces are so heavenly and fluffy that they literally melt in your mouth, offering a unique textural experience. This old-fashioned confection is incredibly simple to make and tastes absolutely divine, with a light, airy sweetness that sets it apart. Including Divinity Candy on your Thanksgiving dessert spread adds a touch of classic charm and a beautiful, ethereal treat that everyone will remember.

37. Brownie Mix Cookies

For a delightful shortcut to deliciousness, these simple Brownie Mix Cookies require only five ingredients! Each cookie offers a rich, fudgy brownie flavor and a wonderfully soft texture, making them a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Topping them with a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, making them look as pretty as they taste. They are a convenient and impressive dessert choice for your Thanksgiving festivities, combining ease with irresistible flavor.

38. Double Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

For true chocolate lovers, these Double Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are a dream come true. Starting with a simple cake mix, this recipe makes it incredibly easy to create intensely chocolatey cookies studded with extra chocolate chips. They deliver maximum chocolate flavor with minimal effort, offering a wonderfully soft and chewy texture. These cookies are a perfect, fuss-free option for your Thanksgiving dessert table, guaranteed to satisfy every cocoa craving.

39. Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe

Create this incredibly easy and incredibly tasty Chocolate Covered Oreos dessert for a perfect no-bake option that everyone will love. Starting with classic Oreo cookies, these treats are transformed into decadent delights with a simple coating of chocolate. They are wonderfully satisfying and require minimal effort, making them an ideal and stress-free dessert choice for your Thanksgiving celebration, especially when time is precious.

40. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Add a beautiful burst of color and delightful flavor to your Thanksgiving dessert table with these vibrant Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, featuring luscious white chocolate chips. The rich, creamy cheesecake flavor in every bite is simply divine, offering a decadent and refreshing alternative to traditional holiday sweets. These eye-catching and incredibly tasty cookies are a unique way to impress your guests and bring a touch of unexpected sweetness to your festive spread.

41. Pumpkin Pie Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Pie Cookies are a beloved family favorite, offering all the warm, spiced flavors of traditional pumpkin pie in a convenient, hand-held cookie format. Soft, tender, and bursting with autumnal goodness, they are a fantastic alternative to a whole pie. Perfect for Thanksgiving, these cookies allow guests to enjoy the classic taste of pumpkin pie without the need for a fork, making them a wonderfully easy and popular addition to your holiday dessert table.

42. Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

Get the kids involved in the holiday baking fun by helping to decorate these festive Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies! These classic sugar cookies serve as the perfect canvas for creative designs, especially when transformed into charming turkeys with colorful orange “feathers” or other autumnal motifs. They are a delightful and engaging treat that adds a personal and festive touch to your Thanksgiving dessert spread, making sweet memories for everyone.

43. Pumpkin No Bake Cookies

These wonderfully easy Pumpkin No Bake Cookies are made with simple ingredients, offering a fantastic and fuss-free dessert option for your Thanksgiving celebration. Bursting with rich pumpkin flavor, these cookies allow you to enjoy all the comforting tastes of autumn without ever needing to turn on the oven. They are a quick, convenient, and utterly delicious way to add a seasonal touch to your holiday dessert table, perfect for busy hosts.

44. Star Crunch Cookies

These delightful copycat Star Crunch Cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser and a fantastic Thanksgiving cookie option for your holiday dessert spread. They capture all the beloved flavors and textures of the classic Little Debbie treat, with a perfect blend of chocolate, caramel, and crispy rice. These homemade versions are a wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying addition, sure to bring smiles to faces and perfectly complement your festive feast.

More Easy Recipes for Thanksgiving:

• 50 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
• 20 DIY Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
• DIY Fall Centerpiece Ideas That Anyone Can Make

As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, remember that the most cherished moments are often made around the shared experience of good food and warm company. These 44 Thanksgiving cookie recipes are more than just desserts; they are an invitation to create, share, and savor the joy of the season. Whether you opt for a classic pumpkin spice, a whimsical turkey design, or a simple no-bake marvel, each cookie offers a bite of happiness and a chance to make your Thanksgiving table truly special. Happy baking, and may your holiday be filled with delicious treats and unforgettable memories!