Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth, family laughter, and the irresistible aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this festive season is my thanksgiving buttercream cookies. These delightful cookies are not just sweet; they’re like little clouds of happiness topped with rich, creamy buttercream frosting that makes everything feel extra special. What I love most about them is how versatile they are—you can decorate them with colorful sprinkles or even personalize them for your loved ones. They’re perfect for sharing at the dinner table or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cider. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a Thanksgiving tradition in my home!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies
Let’s gather our ingredients for these scrumptious thanksgiving buttercream cookies! You’ll find that they’re all simple and easy to come by, making this recipe a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that lovely structure and texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for that rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This adds the sweetness and a slight creaminess to the cookies. You can adjust it a bit if you want them sweeter.
- 1 large egg: The egg helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Trust me, this is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor to a whole new level.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This is what gives our cookies a little lift, making them nice and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Gather these goodies, and let’s get ready to bake some unforgettable cookies!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting part—making these delicious thanksgiving buttercream cookies! I promise you, it’s easier than you think, and the results are oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for perfect frosting later!
Now that you’ve got your cookies ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity with frosting! Just wait until you taste these beauties!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday baking!
- Deliciously soft and buttery cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Festive and colorful, ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite buttercream flavors and decorations.
- Guaranteed to impress family and friends at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make sure your thanksgiving buttercream cookies turn out absolutely perfect! First off, always measure your flour correctly. I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—no packing it down! This little trick prevents dense cookies.
Make sure your butter is softened but not too melty; it should be easy to cream but still hold its shape. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if you find your dough is too sticky—it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. And remember, keep an eye on them in the oven! Ovens can vary, so check for that lovely golden edge, but don’t let them overbake. Trust me, the perfect cookie is soft in the center and just firm on the edges. Happy baking!
Variations on Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies
Now, let’s have some fun with these thanksgiving buttercream cookies and explore a few tasty variations! You can easily switch things up to keep your cookie game exciting. For a hint of spice, try adding 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for that cozy autumn flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Want to make them even more festive? Incorporate 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the dough for a delightful surprise in every bite! You can also experiment with your frosting: try chocolate or maple-flavored buttercream for a unique twist. These little adjustments can take your cookies from delicious to unforgettable—enjoy the creativity!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your thanksgiving buttercream cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm cookie with that creamy frosting!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional side of these delightful thanksgiving buttercream cookies? Each cookie packs a satisfying balance of flavors while keeping things reasonable. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugar: 10g)
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your Thanksgiving festivities! Remember, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and any delicious variations you decide to try!
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the added salt to a pinch or skip it altogether. Salted butter will add a bit more flavor to your cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to be set. They might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
What’s the best way to frost these cookies?
Use a piping bag for pretty designs or simply spread the buttercream with a knife. Top with sprinkles, and let your creativity shine!
Can I use a different type of flour?
For gluten-free options, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results.
Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies: 7 Secrets to Delightful Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious buttercream cookies perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before frosting.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Frost with your favorite buttercream.
- Decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving buttercream cookies
