Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

Transform your holiday dessert table into a playful Thanksgiving centerpiece with these delightful Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies! Featuring a buttery sugar cookie base, these treats are elevated with vibrant, creatively piped royal icing designs to resemble adorable turkeys. Complete with candy-coated chocolates, mini pretzels for feather details, and optional googly candy eyes, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this recipe blends classic baking techniques with whimsical, festive flair. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of 24 cookies ready to charm your guests. Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving or a family feast, these Thanksgiving-themed cookies are sure to be a sweet conversation starter!

Nutriscore Rating: 31/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:42 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 piece large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 batch royal icing
• 4 colors food coloring (orange, red, yellow, brown)
• 1 package mini candy eyes (optional)
• 1 cup mini pretzels (for feathers, optional)
• 1 cup candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&Ms)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 2

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 5

Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a flat disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circle shapes using a cookie cutter (approximately 3 inches in diameter).

Step 8

Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 9

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 10

Prepare royal icing according to your favorite recipe or package instructions, dividing it into separate bowls for each color (orange, red, yellow, and brown). Tint the icing using food coloring.

Step 11

Use brown icing to pipe the turkey's body in the center of the cookie. Use the orange icing to create a beak, the red icing for the wattle, and yellow icing to add feather details around the edge of the circle.

Step 12

Optional: Press mini pretzels into the icing to form additional feathers, and attach candy eyes with a small dot of icing for the face.

Step 13

Allow the decorated cookies to set completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1385.8 grams (1385.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6033

Total Fat 232.80g	298%
Saturated Fat 141.50g	708%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 723mg	241%
Sodium 4071mg	177%
Total Carbohydrate 949.90g	345%
Dietary Fiber 17.20g	61%
Total Sugars 549.00g
Protein 57.50g	115%

Vitamin D 158IU	789%
Calcium 331mg	25%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 980mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.2%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 62.0%