15 Best Thanksgiving Cookies Recipes
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pies—it’s also the perfect time for cookies. I’ve found that while everyone expects pumpkin pie or pecan tart, it’s the unexpected tray of cookies that gets people talking (and sneaking back for seconds).
Over the years, I’ve baked everything from spiced ginger cookies to chewy cranberry creations, and they’ve become one of my favorite ways to bring a little variety to the dessert table.
They’re easy to make ahead, fun to decorate, and always a hit with both kids and adults. That’s why I’ve rounded up 15 of the best Thanksgiving cookie recipes—treats that balance cozy fall flavors with festive flair.
Whether you’re looking for something classic, creative, or simply irresistible, these cookies will make your holiday spread even sweeter.
1. Coconut Pecan Cookies With Brown Butter
These brown butter coconut pecan cookies are wonderfully chewy with crisp, golden edges and a rich nutty aroma. The brown butter adds depth, balancing beautifully with the toasted coconut and crunchy pecans. Each bite is soft yet textured, making them incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for holiday cookie trays, these cookies feel comforting and nostalgic. They pair wonderfully with coffee or warm cider during festive gatherings.
2. Cherry Pie Cookies (Bite-Sized Cherry Pie!)
Cherry pie…in handheld form! These cherry pie cookies capture the classic summer dessert in a sweet, bite-sized treat.
The buttery cookie base holds a luscious cherry filling, giving you all the flavor of a full pie in one perfect bite. They’re festive, colorful, and ideal for holiday parties or dessert platters.
3. Keto Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft and chewy keto pumpkin chocolate chip cookies deliver all the cozy fall flavors without the extra carbs. Pumpkin spice blends with melty chocolate chips for a warm, comforting bite.
They’re perfect for anyone on low-carb or keto lifestyles who still wants to enjoy holiday baking. Lightly sweet and deeply aromatic, they make a guilt-free seasonal favorite.
4. Pumpkin Pie Dip with Homemade Ginger Snap Cookies
Pumpkin Pie Dip paired with homemade ginger snaps creates a perfect harmony of creamy and crunchy textures. The dip tastes like silky pumpkin pie filling, while the warm spices of the ginger snaps enhance every bite.
This is an excellent appetizer or dessert for parties, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. It’s fun, shareable, and brings all the flavors of fall in a simple, elegant way.
5. Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cookies (Grandma’s Recipe)
These chocolate chip butterscotch cookies are soft, chewy, and wonderfully crispy on the edges. The combination of chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, and pecans gives each cookie a layered, nostalgic sweetness.
Based on a classic grandmother-approved recipe, they’re comforting, familiar, and perfect for cookie lovers of all ages. Ideal for Christmas tins or late-night snacking.
6. Eggless Snickerdoodle Cookies
Everything you love about a classic snickerdoodle—just without the eggs! These cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar and bake up soft, chewy, and perfectly tender.
They’re ideal for those with egg allergies or when you’re simply out of eggs but craving something sweet. The warm cinnamon aroma makes them a cozy holiday treat.
7. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
This cinnamon roll cookie recipe has been a family favorite for over a decade, and once you taste them, you’ll know why. Each cookie is swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling, just like a mini cinnamon roll.
They’re soft, fragrant, and beautifully festive, making them perfect for holiday brunches or dessert tables. A drizzle of icing adds the final bakery-style touch.
8. Brown Butter Pecan Spice Cookies
Filled with toasted pecan pieces, nutty brown butter, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves, these cookies are an autumn dream. The spices give them warmth while the brown butter brings luxurious depth.
Soft, aromatic, and slightly crunchy, they’re perfect for cozy nights or gifting during the holidays. Each bite feels like a warm hug.
9. Homemade Biscottini
These biscottini are among the easiest cookies you can bake—ideal for beginners or busy holiday schedules. Made with dried fruits and nuts, they balance sweetness with a delightful chewy crunch.
They’re perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate during festive mornings. Their simplicity and elegance make them a charming homemade gift.
10. Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These chocolate cherry cookies bring together rich cocoa flavor with sweet, bright cherries for a beautifully balanced treat. A household favorite, they’re reminiscent of classic cookie-jar recipes that never grow old.
Soft, indulgent, and slightly fruity, they add a pop of color and flavor to any dessert spread. Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday baking.
11. Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Pumpkin pie cookies feature cinnamon sugar cookie cups filled with creamy pumpkin filling and topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They taste like mini pumpkin pies but with a fun cookie twist.
These adorable treats are festive, flavorful, and perfect for fall celebrations. They’re ideal for entertaining since each cookie is a ready-to-serve dessert bite.
12. Best White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These white chocolate cranberry cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery with pops of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. The combination creates a festive cookie that’s both rich and refreshing.
Perfect for Christmas baking, they look stunning on holiday platters and taste even better. Every bite delivers a sweet-tart balance that feels wonderfully seasonal.
13. Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies
Soft and chewy, these oatmeal pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are full of comforting fall flavors. They require no mixer, making them a quick and easy baking choice.
Oats add heartiness while pumpkin brings moisture and warm spice. Ideal for snacking, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink during chilly weather.
14. Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles
These salted caramel snickerdoodles are ultra-soft, chewy, and infused with gooey caramel inside. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they strike a perfect balance between sweet, salty, and spiced.
Perfect for caramel lovers, they bring a gourmet twist to the classic cookie. A great addition to holiday spreads or cookie exchanges.
15. Apple Cookies (With Caramel)
Soft and mildly sweet, these apple cookies are filled with warm fall spices and tender bits of apple. A drizzle of caramel adds richness, making each bite comforting and nostalgic.
They’re perfect for fall parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. These cookies feel like a cross between apple pie and a soft-baked cookie—simple yet delightful.
Tips for Baking Perfect Thanksgiving Cookies
- Use Seasonal Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves add that signature autumn flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating cookie dough helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Try Creative Add-Ins: Pecans, cranberries, white chocolate, pumpkin purée, and toffee bits add delicious fall flair.
- Bake in Small Batches: Ovens can vary—test one small batch first to adjust time and temperature if needed.
FAQs
Q1: What flavors work best for Thanksgiving cookies?
Warm spices, pumpkin, maple, pecans, cranberries, caramel, and brown butter are all perfect for creating cozy fall-inspired cookies.
Q2: Can Thanksgiving cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes—most cookie doughs can be refrigerated for 2–3 days or frozen for up to three months. Baked cookies also store well in airtight containers.
Q3: How do I keep cookies soft and fresh?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow to maintain moisture and softness for several days.
Q4: Are there gluten-free Thanksgiving cookie options?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour blends or make flourless cookies with oats, nut flour, or peanut butter bases for delicious results.
Q5: What’s the best way to package cookies for gifting?
Place them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. Add festive ribbons or labels for a warm, seasonal presentation.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving cookies bring a touch of sweetness and creativity to the holiday table, offering flavors inspired by autumn spices, cozy traditions, and festive gatherings. Whether you enjoy soft pumpkin cookies, spiced pecan delights, or gooey caramel-filled treats, each recipe adds warmth to the celebration.
These cookies make wonderful gifts, dessert platter additions, or after-dinner bites to enjoy with a warm drink.
With their inviting aromas and comforting flavors, Thanksgiving cookies help capture the essence of the season in every bite—making the holiday even more memorable.
