Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy comforting meals and delicious desserts with family and friends. While pies are the traditional favorite, cookies bring just as much joy to the holiday table.
They’re fun to bake, easy to share, and can be made in many different flavors to please everyone. From warm spices like cinnamon and ginger to festive tastes of pumpkin, apple, and cranberry, Thanksgiving cookies capture the season beautifully.
They’re also great for decorating with kids or giving as sweet gifts. Whether you love soft, chewy cookies, nutty treats, or chocolatey indulgence, there’s something here to make your holiday extra special.
This collection of 36 Thanksgiving cookies is full of ideas that are simple, festive, and sure to bring smiles.
1. Apple Sugar Cookies
Apple sugar cookies bring apple pie flavors into small bites. Soft dough flavored with apple and cinnamon creates a cozy, sweet cookie. These are perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something simple yet seasonal.
Decorate with icing for extra charm or keep them plain for a rustic touch. Either way, they’ll be loved by kids and adults around the table.
2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are fudgy and soft, with a powdered sugar coating that cracks beautifully as they bake. Their rich, chocolatey flavor makes them irresistible, while their unique look makes them stand out.
Easy to prepare and festive for fall, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something comforting yet eye-catching for the dessert spread.
3. Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Caramel apple pie cookies taste like mini versions of the classic pie. Filled with apple, caramel, and spices, they’re gooey and full of fall flavor. These cookies are indulgent, comforting, and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Portable and fun, they’re great for guests who want apple pie taste in cookie form. A sweet, seasonal twist that everyone will enjoy.
4. Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft gingerbread cookies are chewy, spiced, and cozy. Made with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they bring warm flavors that suit the holiday season perfectly. These cookies are simple but always feel festive.
Serve plain or decorate with icing for added fun. A timeless cookie that belongs on every Thanksgiving table, giving comfort and holiday charm in every bite.
5. Apple Butter Cookies
Apple butter cookies are soft, rich, and flavored with cozy spices. The apple butter makes the dough moist and delicious, giving them a warm, fruity flavor. They’re a fun twist on snickerdoodles with a seasonal touch.
Easy to bake and perfect for pairing with coffee or cider, these cookies add a homemade, nostalgic vibe to Thanksgiving desserts.
6. Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies
Turtle chocolate chip cookies combine gooey caramel, pecans, and chocolate. They’re chewy, nutty, and sweet, making them indulgent treats for the holiday table. Each bite feels rich and satisfying.
These cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something bold and decadent. Guests who love caramel and chocolate will find them irresistible, making them disappear quickly from the platter.
7. Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond crescent cookies are buttery, delicate, and shaped into half-moons. Rolled in powdered sugar, they’re light and sweet with a subtle nutty flavor. These cookies look elegant and festive, making them perfect for Thanksgiving.
They’re simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, offering a lighter option among richer desserts. A charming addition to your holiday cookie spread.
8. Pumpkin Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Pumpkin pie thumbprint cookies are festive and delicious. Soft cookie bases are filled with pumpkin pie filling, giving a mini version of the holiday classic.
They’re fun, bite-sized, and easy to enjoy. Perfect for guests who love pumpkin pie but want something playful and portable. These cookies bring the best fall flavors to Thanksgiving in a creative new way.
9. Blueberry Cookies
Blueberry cookies are soft, fruity, and unique. Their beautiful purple color comes from fresh blueberries blended into the dough, giving them a tart-sweet flavor.
These cookies add variety and brightness to Thanksgiving desserts, standing out among traditional spiced treats. Modern, eye-catching, and tasty, they’re perfect for gatherings where you want something new and fun for guests to enjoy.
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodles
Pumpkin cheesecake snickerdoodles are indulgent and spiced. Rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with creamy cheesecake, they’re rich yet festive. Each bite combines fall flavors with a soft, gooey texture.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, these cookies are creative and satisfying, offering something different from pies. Guests will love their unique taste and cozy appeal, making them a favorite for the holiday.
11. Maple Pecan Cookies
Maple pecan cookies are crisp, nutty, and full of fall flavor. Maple syrup brings sweetness, while pecans add crunch and depth. These cookies are rustic yet elegant, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Serve them with coffee or hot cider for a cozy pairing. Easy to bake and loved by many, they bring classic seasonal ingredients to your holiday cookie platter.
12. Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Mini pumpkin whoopie pies are soft, spiced cookies sandwiched with a fluffy filling. They’re festive, fun, and easy to eat, making them great for gatherings.
Each bite is like a mini cake filled with sweetness. Perfect for Thanksgiving, they highlight pumpkin flavor while offering a playful twist on cookies. Kids and adults alike will reach for these tasty treats.
13. Italian Peach Cookies
Italian peach cookies are beautiful, soft, and filled with sweet flavor. Decorated to look like little peaches, they’re colorful and eye-catching on the Thanksgiving table.
They take more effort to prepare but are worth it for their charm and taste. A festive and elegant addition to your holiday desserts, these cookies impress guests while adding a pop of fun.
14. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are crisp, buttery, and elegant. Half-dipped in rich chocolate, they’re both simple and indulgent. These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect after a big meal.
Easy to bake yet impressive in presentation, they add sophistication to Thanksgiving desserts. A classic treat that looks as good as it tastes on the holiday table.
15. Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Orange creamsicle cookies are zesty, soft, and sweet. With hints of citrus and vanilla, they bring a refreshing twist to Thanksgiving treats. Their bright flavor balances heavier desserts and adds variety to the spread.
Simple to make and cheerful to serve, these cookies are perfect for gatherings when you want something light and different. A fun, colorful option for fall.
16. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
White chocolate cranberry cookies are chewy and festive. The tart cranberries pair perfectly with sweet white chocolate, creating a balanced flavor. These cookies are colorful, seasonal, and easy to make.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, they bring brightness and sweetness to the table. A cheerful option that feels both classic and fresh, making them a favorite among guests of all ages.
17. Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Pumpkin spice biscotti are crunchy, spiced, and perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. Twice-baked and full of fall flavors, they’re sturdy and delicious. These cookies are unique for Thanksgiving, adding something different to the dessert spread.
Perfect for guests who like a less-sweet treat with strong seasonal flavor, biscotti make an elegant addition to your holiday table.
18. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon chocolate chip cookies mix sweet and savory in one bite. Crispy bacon bits add saltiness to the classic cookie, creating a bold and fun flavor. These cookies are surprising yet tasty, perfect for adventurous eaters.
A conversation starter at Thanksgiving gatherings, they’re unique without being complicated. Simple, creative, and addictive, they’re sure to stand out on your dessert table.
19. Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are soft, moist, and flavorful. The spiced pumpkin base pairs perfectly with creamy frosting, making them taste indulgent and festive. These cookies are great for Thanksgiving when pumpkin flavors are a must.
They’re simple to decorate, making them a favorite for parties. A seasonal classic that adds richness and sweetness to the holiday.
20. Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies
Thanksgiving turkey cookies are playful and perfect for kids. Sugar cookies are decorated with frosting and candies to look like little turkeys. They’re fun to make, colorful, and add whimsy to the dessert table.
Perfect as a family activity, these cookies combine creativity and sweetness. A festive way to celebrate the holiday and keep children engaged before the big meal.
21. Banana Pudding Cookies
Banana pudding cookies are soft, sweet, and creamy. With banana pudding mix in the dough, they’re moist and flavorful. These cookies are a creative twist on the classic dessert, offering something unexpected at Thanksgiving.
Easy to bake and fun to serve, they’re a unique option that adds variety and nostalgia to the holiday dessert spread.
22. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies are chewy, hearty, and comforting. Made with oats, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon, they’re a wholesome choice for Thanksgiving. These cookies balance richer desserts with something classic and less indulgent.
Loved across generations, they’re simple to bake and always popular. A familiar favorite that belongs on the holiday table, offering warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
23. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are timeless and loved by everyone. Soft, chewy dough filled with chocolate chips is simple yet irresistible. While not unique to Thanksgiving, they’re a classic that belongs on any dessert table.
Familiar and comforting, they balance seasonal treats with a crowd favorite. Easy to make and always satisfying, they ensure everyone finds a cookie they love.
24. Pistachio Macarons with White Chocolate Ganache
Pistachio macarons with white chocolate ganache are delicate, colorful, and elegant. Their light shells filled with creamy ganache make them a refined option for the holiday table.
Though more effort to prepare, they add sophistication and variety to desserts. Nutty, sweet, and festive, these macarons are perfect for Thanksgiving when you want something unique that impresses guests visually and in taste.
25. Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are chewy, rich, and flavorful. Butterscotch chips add caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate. These cookies are comforting and simple, making them a great choice for Thanksgiving.
They’re easy to bake in big batches and loved by both kids and adults. A cozy cookie that feels just right for holiday celebrations and family gatherings.
26. No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies
No-bake peanut butter coconut cookies are quick, chewy, and tasty. Peanut butter and oats combine with coconut to create simple cookies that don’t require baking.
They’re convenient when you’re short on oven space during Thanksgiving cooking. Sweet, satisfying, and easy to make ahead, they’re a perfect option for busy holidays. A no-fuss treat that’s still full of flavor.
27. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
White chocolate cranberry cookies are sweet, tart, and festive. The chewy cranberries balance the creamy white chocolate chips for a delicious cookie. Their bright red and white colors look perfect for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings.
These cookies are easy to bake but feel special, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert platter. A cheerful favorite for guests.
28. Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon sugar cookies are bright, soft, and zesty. Fresh lemon juice and zest give a clean citrus flavor that cuts through richer desserts.
They’re easy to bake, pretty with a simple glaze, and bring a refreshing note to your Thanksgiving spread without any fall spices.
29. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are chewy and nostalgic. A warm peanut butter cookie is topped with a chocolate kiss for the perfect sweet-salty bite.
They’re simple crowd-pleasers that bake well in big batches and fit right in on any holiday cookie tray.
30. Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons are chewy inside with a lightly crisp exterior. Sweet shredded coconut is baked into mounds, then dipped in melted chocolate for a glossy finish.
Naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead, they add texture and elegance to the dessert table.
31. Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
Matcha white chocolate cookies are soft, subtly earthy, and modern. Green tea powder gives a delicate flavor and color, while white chocolate adds creamy sweetness.
They’re unique without being complicated and offer a nice change of pace from traditional holiday flavors.
32. Espresso Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Espresso chocolate chunk cookies are bold, aromatic, and deeply chocolatey. A touch of espresso powder enhances the cocoa notes and balances sweetness.
Perfect after dinner, they pair beautifully with coffee and satisfy anyone who loves a richer cookie.
33. Cookies & Cream Chunk Cookies
Cookies & cream chunk cookies are fun, soft, and studded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
The creamy vanilla base holds big crunchy bits for great texture in every bite. They’re playful, kid-friendly, and a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
34. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
White chocolate macadamia nut cookies are buttery, chewy, and luxurious. Creamy white chocolate contrasts with crunchy, lightly salted macadamias for a balanced bite.
They feel special yet bake up easily, making them ideal for a polished holiday platter.
35. Funfetti Sprinkle Cookies
Funfetti sprinkle cookies are soft, colorful, and joyful. Vanilla dough packed with rainbow sprinkles bakes into cheerful rounds that look party-ready.
They’re simple, festive, and perfect when you want something light-hearted that everyone—especially kids—will love.
36. Tahini Sesame Cookies
Tahini sesame cookies are tender, nutty, and not too sweet. Toasted sesame seeds and tahini create a halva-like flavor with a delicate crumb.
They’re refined, dairy-free friendly, and offer an elegant alternative to classic chocolate or spice-based cookies.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving cookies bring fun, variety, and sweetness to the holiday. From cozy apple and pumpkin treats to playful decorated options and indulgent chocolate favorites, these 36 recipes offer something for everyone. They’re simple, festive, and easy to share, making them a perfect choice for gatherings. Cookies may be small, but they add big joy to your Thanksgiving celebration. Bake, serve, and enjoy.
