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Festive Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies: Easy 3-Ingredient Holiday Treat

thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies - featured image

These simple, festive turkey-shaped sugar cookies are a stress-free holiday treat perfect for baking with kids. With just a few pantry staples, you get crisp edges and soft centers that are crowd-pleasers for any Thanksgiving gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Gel food coloring (orange, yellow, red, brown) for decoration

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough out to about a quarter-inch thickness and cut into turkey shapes using a cookie cutter.
  8. Place cookies on baking sheets, leaving an inch of space between them.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain dough texture. Cookies can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey sugar cookies, holiday baking, easy sugar cookies, kid-friendly recipes, fall desserts, gluten-free options