60 Best Thanksgiving Cookies to Make for Your Holiday Spread
Be thankful for a little bite of something sweet!
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While the main star of the Thanksgiving dessert spread is often pie, don't sleep on cookies! They're bite sized, perfect for guests to just grab and go without a lot of serving drama, and that way, you don't have to wait until Christmas to get your cookie fix. You can serve them alone or with a bigger spread showcasing Thanksgiving pies and cakes to wow your guests. Wondering what kind of cookies will work with your Thanksgiving menu? Check out the wide variety of Thanksgiving cookie recipes right here.
You'll find plenty of Thanksgiving cookies on this list loaded with seasonal flavor like cinnamon, maple, and cranberry. There's even a cookie that tastes (and looks) like mini pecan pies! Perfect, right? If you're after a cookie recipe to add to your list of pumpkin desserts, check out the pumpkin snickerdoodles, the Nutella pumpkin cookie bars, or the spiced pumpkin cut-out cookies—they double as a fun Thanksgiving activity to do with the kids!
Then again, if apple recipes are what you want, you'll love the caramel apple cookies. You'll also find a few hacks like using cake mix to speed up the prep process and even one that skips the oven completely for a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert. Whether you're looking for a fun treat to bring to your Friendsgiving potluck or you simply want to create an unexpected holiday spread—pick your favorite cookie recipe from this list of fall desserts and get baking!
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
As Ree says, "They're the ultimate fall dessert!" That's thanks to a buttery marshmallow creme that's sandwiched between two perfectly pumpkin flavored cookies.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Several fall fruits come together to make these citrusy sweet cookies that are a step up from a classic oatmeal flavor. White chocolate drizzle adds a wonderful finishing touch!
Get Ree's Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
If you thought classic sugar cookies couldn't get any better, think again! Here, the addition of brown butter gives a decadently rich, nutty, almost caramel-like flavor that's just so right for the season!
Get Ree's Brown Butter Sugar Cookies recipe.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Who doesn't love cinnamon rolls? Your guests will be delighted to have them in cookie form to munch on after dinner. They have a buttery rich outside and a warm, spiced inside. And don't forget that sweet glaze!
Get the Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
No more oven space on Thanksgiving? No problem! These sweet and salty no-bake cookies are made on the stovetop using quick oats and crunchy pretzels that are bound by a rich peanut butter mixture.
Get the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic American holiday calls for a classic American cookie! Ree's version are extra large with crisp edges, soft centers, and chocolate in every bite which is exactly what every turkey at the table will want.
Get Ree's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
Peanut Butter Cookies
A little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot nostalgic, this version uses a fun hack: a potato masher! That makes the criss-cross pattern have a crisp outer layer and a soft, chewy center.
Get the Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Another classic you can't go wrong with are oatmeal raisin. The warm cinnamon fits perfectly with the seasonal holiday, too. Just make sure everyone knows they are raisins, not chocolate chips! You know how some people get without a fair warning.
Get Ree's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe.
Macaroons
Coconut lovers, this one is for you! You can make these in under 40 minutes from start to finish, and they are naturally gluten free for anyone with sensitivities.
Get the Macaroons recipe.
Lemon Meltaways
While lemon may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Thanksgiving, it actually makes a ton of sense! You can add a little zesty, sweet contrast to all the heavy, savory foods.
Get Ree's Lemon Meltaways recipe.
Mint Fortune Cookies
Here's a cute idea: Make homemade fortune cookies and fill them with thoughtful Thanksgiving messages. The subtle mint flavor will be a refreshing end to a big meal, too.
Get the Mint Fortune Cookies recipe.
Butterscotch Pudding Cookies
If you're a fan of butterscotch, you must make these. They're studded with creamy white chocolate and crunchy pecans. And the ingredient that truly transforms them is butterscotch pudding mix! It makes them easy as can be.
Get the Butterscotch Pudding Cookies recipe.
Nutella Thumbprints
It's just a fact that Nutella makes everything better. In this case, it's an extra dose of chocolaty goodness. Don't be afraid to play around with the sprinkles for decoration.
Get Ree's Nutella Thumbprints recipe.
Sugar Cookie Biscotti
Get two cookies in one! You get the sweetness from sugar cookies and the crunchy dunkability of a biscotti in one bite. They'll go perfectly with your after-dinner cup of coffee.
Get the Sugar Cookie Biscotti recipe.
Danish Butter Cookies
Remember that blue tin of cookies you longed for when you were younger with those simple yet rich, buttery cookies inside? Yes, you can make them yourself and treat everyone to a bite of nostalgia.
Get the Danish Butter Cookies recipe.
Soft Sugar Cookies
You can never go wrong with sugar cookies! Though simple, everyone at your feast will be all smiles when they bite into these treats. Plus, they're perfect when you're in a cooking crunch.
Get Ree's Soft Sugar Cookies recipe.
Gingersnaps
The ultimate cozy cookie, gingersnaps are so scrumptious and a snap to make, too! They come together using a warm mix of spices and rich molasses, then are topped off with sparkling sugar.
Get Ree's Gingersnaps recipe.
Nutella Cookies
If you've got any chocolate lovers on your guest list, this is the treat for them! They're as delicious as they are easy thanks to a five-ingredient, no-mess recipe that consists of chocolate-hazelnut spread and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Get Ree's Nutella Cookies recipe.
Cream Cheese Cookies
Happen to be making a cream cheese dip for your feast? Well, you can use leftover cream cheese to whip up this dessert. They have a delicate flavor and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that Ree describes as "utterly dreamy."
Get Ree's Cream Cheese Cookies recipe.
Caramel Apple Cookies
From the fresh grated apples and brown butter to the caramel icing—everything about these cookies evokes fall comfort food. They even have little bits of dried apple pieces sprinkled on top!
Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.
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