Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss

Name: Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons meringue powder; 5-6 tablespoons water

October 24, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday tradition—making Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing! There’s something so special about rolling out the dough, cutting it into fun shapes, and then transforming those little cookies into edible works of art. The smell of vanilla and butter wafting through the house? Wow! It’s pure bliss! I love gathering the family around the table, each with their own icing bags, and watching everyone get creative. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about laughter, sharing stories, and creating memories that last long after the last crumb is gone. And trust me, decorating these cookies with royal icing adds that extra touch of magic that makes them perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. So, let’s dive in and make some deliciousness happen!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Thanksgiving cookies! I promise, it’s a simple list and totally worth it for the amazing taste and fun you’ll have!

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our cookies, giving them structure and that perfect chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda – This little helper gives our cookies that lift we love.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just a pinch for that extra fluffiness!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Seriously, it’s the butter that makes everything better! Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
1 1/2 cups white sugar – Sweetness is key! It helps the cookies brown beautifully and adds that delightful sugary crunch.
1 egg – This binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that classic cookie flavor that makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!

For the royal icing:

3 cups powdered sugar – This is what gives our icing that sweet, smooth texture.
2 tablespoons meringue powder – This helps our icing hold its shape and gives it that lovely glossy finish.
5-6 tablespoons water – Just enough to reach that perfect consistency. You want it smooth, but not too runny!

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake some delicious Thanksgiving cookies that will wow everyone at the table!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing

Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into the delightful process of making these Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing! Trust me, once you start, the aroma and excitement in your kitchen will be irresistible. Here’s how to do it step-by-step!

Prepping the Dough

First things first, let’s get those dry ingredients together! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This will ensure everything’s evenly mixed and ready to go. Meanwhile, in another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like a dreamy, fluffy cloud. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything’s combined and oh-so-deliciously smooth! Now, gradually blend in the dry mixture until it forms a soft dough. It’s going to smell amazing already!

Baking the Cookies

Now onto the fun part—baking! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, roll the dough into little balls (about 1 inch each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space because they’ll spread a bit while baking! Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes—keep an eye on them! You want them to be lightly golden around the edges. If you see them puffing up, just hold tight; they’ll settle down as they cool. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about decorating!

Making Royal Icing

Okay, time to make that gorgeous royal icing! In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Slowly add in 5 tablespoons of water, mixing until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time—just be patient! You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but runny enough to spread easily. Once it’s all mixed and looking fabulous, you can divide it into smaller bowls if you want to add food coloring for all those festive designs!

Decorating the Cookies

Now comes the best part—decorating! Grab your cooled cookies and your royal icing. Use a piping bag (or a simple plastic bag with a corner cut off) to outline your cookies first. This creates a lovely barrier for the icing. After that, fill in the center with more icing and use a toothpick or a small knife to spread it evenly. Letting the icing dry completely is key here—about 1-2 hours should do the trick! And if you want to mix it up, don’t hesitate to add food coloring for fun designs or even sprinkles for some extra pizzazz. Remember, no two cookies have to be the same, so go wild with your creativity!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—whip up a batch in no time!
Fun for the whole family—everyone can join in on the decorating!
Perfect for gatherings—these cookies are sure to impress your guests!
Customizable designs—let your creativity shine with different shapes and colors!
Deliciously festive—these cookies capture the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite!
Great for gifting—pack them up beautifully for friends and family!
Easy to store—keep them fresh for days in an airtight container!

Tips for Success

These little tips will help you achieve cookie perfection and make your Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing even more delightful! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Dough Consistency: When mixing your dough, it should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right. You want it to hold its shape when rolled, but still be easy to work with!
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking at the 8-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. If they’re too brown, they can turn crunchy, and we want that lovely chew!
Chilling the Dough: For more control over the cookie shapes, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling. It makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Royal Icing Consistency: When making your royal icing, aim for a consistency that can hold a shape but is still smooth enough to spread. If it’s too runny, it won’t hold its design; too thick, and it won’t spread easily. Test a small amount—if it holds a peak, you’re golden!
Layering Icing: For more intricate designs, consider using a two-step process with your royal icing. First, outline your cookie, let that dry for a bit, and then fill it in. This prevents the colors from bleeding into each other, giving you those clean lines we all love!
Drying Time: Patience is key! Let your decorated cookies dry completely before stacking them or putting them in containers. This can take several hours, so plan ahead to avoid any icing mishaps!
Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes, colors, and patterns! Use cookie cutters to create fun Thanksgiving shapes like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves. The more creative you get, the more fun it is to decorate and share!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create stunning Thanksgiving cookies that will impress everyone around the table. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and beautifully decorated your Thanksgiving cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store those sweet treats so you can enjoy them for days to come.

First, let your cookies cool completely before you even think about storing them. This prevents any moisture from making them soggy—no one wants that! Once they’re cool, simply place your cookies in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even wrap them in cellophane for a cute presentation!

These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, but honestly, they’re usually gone long before then! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re fully decorated and dried first. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat!

So, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving some for later, these Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing are bound to bring joy long after they’ve cooled. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a little note before you dig in! The nutritional information provided for these Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. While I aim to give you a general idea, it’s not an exact science. So, if you’re keeping track of those calories or nutritional values, I recommend checking the specific ingredients you choose to use. Typically, a cookie comes in around 150 calories, but remember, each batch can be a little different. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t stress too much about the numbers—these cookies are all about joy and celebration!

FAQ About Thanksgiving Cookies Royal Icing

Got questions? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get about making Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing, along with my favorite tips and tricks!

Can I use different extracts?

Absolutely! While I love the classic flavor of vanilla and almond extracts, you can totally mix it up! Try using orange or lemon extract for a citrusy twist, or even coconut extract for something a little different. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!

How long do the cookies last?

Once decorated, your Thanksgiving cookies can last up to a week at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container. But I bet they won’t last that long—they’re just too delicious to resist!

What is the best way to store royal icing?

Great question! Royal icing can dry out quickly, so if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you notice it starting to harden, just add a tiny bit of water and mix until it’s smooth again. If you plan to use it later, you can refrigerate it, but just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and mix it up before using again!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You bet! The dough can be made a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with!

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cool and the royal icing is dried before you freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Why did my royal icing not dry properly?

If your royal icing isn’t drying as expected, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you’re using the right ratio of meringue powder to water, and try to avoid any humidity in the air when decorating. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread or dry properly; if it’s too thin, it might not hold its shape. Finding that perfect balance is key!

Hope this helps clear up any concerns! Happy baking, and may your Thanksgiving cookies be as delightful as the memories you’ll make while decorating them!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.