There’s something truly special about baking cookies during the Thanksgiving season that fills the kitchen with warmth and joy. I love how the aroma of cookies wafts through the house, making everyone feel cozy and festive. My favorite memory is the first time I made these Thanksgiving themed cookies with my family. We decorated them with fall-inspired icing and shared laughter over the mess we made. It became a cherished tradition, and now, each year, I look forward to whipping up a batch that brings everyone together. Trust me, these cookies are not just delicious; they embody the spirit of Thanksgiving!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Themed Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Themed Cookies
Getting ready to bake these Thanksgiving themed cookies is an exciting journey! I promise, the delightful process will fill your kitchen with amazing scents and create sweet memories. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can create the perfect batch!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your cookies rise beautifully and bake evenly. So, don’t skip this step! While the oven warms up, you can prepare your cookie dough.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this—it makes it so much easier! You’re looking for a smooth consistency that’s a bit pale in color. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies nice and chewy.
Mixing in the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well blended. Don’t rush this part! You want each egg to be fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures that your cookies have that rich flavor and perfect texture.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s combine the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which is key for those fluffy cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients.
Merging Wet and Dry Ingredients
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, do it gradually. I like to add a little bit of the flour mixture at a time, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and delicious!
Adding Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Now for the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts! I use a spatula to gently mix them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This way, every bite will have that delightful crunch and sweetness!
Baking the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each cookie because they’ll spread a bit as they bake. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges.
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential! Allowing them to cool helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking apart. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy that warm cookie aroma filling your home!
Tips for Success
To truly nail these Thanksgiving themed cookies, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your butter is softened—this makes a world of difference in your cookie texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can gently microwave it for just a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it! Also, don’t skip the cooling step; letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on them as they bake to prevent over-baking. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for these delicious Thanksgiving themed cookies! Just remember, these are estimated values and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
So, while you indulge in these festive treats, keep in mind that moderation is key. But hey, it’s Thanksgiving, and a little sweetness is definitely part of the celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Each type will give a unique twist to your Thanksgiving themed cookies!
How do I store these cookies?
Store your Thanksgiving themed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries! You can either omit the walnuts or replace them with another nut like pecans or even some dried cranberries for a festive touch!
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Use icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to give them a fun Thanksgiving theme. Get creative and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: These Thanksgiving themed cookies are not just tasty; they bring the spirit of the holiday right into your kitchen!
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of chocolate chips and walnuts creates a delightful mix of sweetness and crunch.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Perfect for baking with kids or for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
- Customizable: You can easily decorate or tweak the recipe to make it your own, adding to the festive joy!
Thanksgiving Themed Cookies: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies with a Thanksgiving theme.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing.
- Use seasonal cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Prep Time: 15 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: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: thanksgiving themed cookies
