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50 Best Thanksgiving Cookies That Prove the Holiday Isn't Just About Pie

We're grateful for pumpkin sugar cookies!

Headshot of Kara ZaubermanBy Kara Zauberman
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Caitlin Bensel

There's no need to wait until Christmas to get your fill of cookies! Just look at this list of the all-time best Thanksgiving cookie recipes! Here, you'll find out just how tasty cookies can be on your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Of course, you may also want to make your favorite Thanksgiving pies and fall cakes, but don't forget about breaking out the cookie sheets, too! Each and every Thanksgiving cookie on this list is loaded with seasonal flavor—like cinnamon, maple, and cranberry—so you know they’ll fit right in with the rest of your Thanksgiving menu. There's even a cookie that tastes (and looks) like mini pecan pies!

Looking for a cookie recipe to add to your list of pumpkin desserts? Check out the pumpkin snickerdoodles, the Nutella pumpkin cookie bars, or the spiced pumpkin cut-out cookies—they double as a fun Thanksgiving activity to do with the kids! Then again, if apple recipes are what you're after, you'll love the caramel apple cookies. Whether you're looking for a fun treat to bring to your Friendsgiving potluck or you simply want to create an unexpected holiday spread—pick your favorite cookie recipe from this list of fall desserts and get baking!

1

Caramel Apple Cookies

thanksgiving cookies caramel apple cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Everything about these cookies screams fall comfort food—from the fresh grated apples to the brown butter to the caramel icing. They even have little bits of dried apple pieces!

Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.

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2

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

thanksgiving cookies pumpkin sugar cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Not only is there big pumpkin flavor in the cookie dough, but it's also a key ingredient in the sweet glaze on top. It's basically all about the pumpkin when it comes to this recipe!

Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.

3

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

thanksgiving cookies iced oatmeal cookies
Caitlin Bensel

If you're a fan of traditional recipes, then these cookies will hit home with a burst of nostalgia! They're soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet.

Get the Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

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4

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

thanksgiving cookies pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Give your classic chocolate chip cookies an autumnal twist by adding canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. It's a simple addition that makes a big difference!

Get the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

5

Mexican Wedding Cookies

thanksgiving cookies mexican wedding cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Why not make this typical Christmas cookie a little bit early? Everyone at the table will be so excited for a taste of the holiday season!

Get the Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe.

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6

Apple Pie Cookies

thanksgiving cookies apple pie cookies
Ralph Smith

No one will expect this twist on apple pie! It's a fun way to switch things up and it's easy to make thanks to store-bought pie dough.

Get Ree's Apple Pie Cookies recipe.

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7

Peanut Butter Blossoms

thanksgiving cookies peanut butter blossoms
Will Dickey

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is tried-and-true so you know these cookies will be a hit! You'll want to make them on Thanksgiving and beyond.

Get the Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe.

8

Cowboy Cookies

cowboy cookies stacked
Caitlin Bensel

What makes this cookie fit for a cowboy? It's loaded with hearty mix-ins, like nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips! Of course, you don't need to be serving a table of cowboys to make them!

Get the Cowboy Cookies recipe.

9

Spiced Pumpkin Cut-Out Cookies

spiced pumpkin cut out cookies
Bridget Edwards / The Pioneer Woman

Adorable pumpkin cookies are a must-have at any Thanksgiving celebration. The warm spices and pumpkin puree in the cookie dough make them extra-festive.

Get the Spiced Pumpkin Cut-Out Cookies recipe.

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10

Brookies

brookies on pink board
Will Dickey

Serving a crowd on Thanksgiving has never been easier! These bars will satisfy everyone at the table—cookie fans and brownie fans, alike!

Get the Brookies recipe.

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11

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

pumpkin snickerdoodles
Will Dickey

Just like regular snickerdoodles, this pumpkin spice variety has that classic tanginess from the cream of tartar and a sugar-crusted coating that makes them totally irresistible!

Get the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles recipe.

12

Pecan Sandies

pecan sandies on pink plate
Will Dickey

This old-fashioned Southern favorite is loaded with crunchy, nutty pecans. But if you really want to let folks know what you're serving, add a whole pecan right on top!

Get the Pecan Sandies recipe.

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13

Linzer Cookies

linzer cookies on green plate
Hector Sanchez

Grab pumpkin cookie cutters (or even turkeys!) to make these jam-filled cookies even more on-theme for the holiday season. They'll be the cutest addition to a Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Get the Linzer Cookies recipe.

14

Hot Chocolate Cookies

hot chocolate cookies with marshmallows
Brian Woodcock

Aside from cozy sweaters and comfort foods, these hot chocolate cookies are the best way to warm up from the November air! They're rich, chocolate-y, and topped with marshmallows!

Get Ree's Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe.

15

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

chocolate crinkle cookies on pink plate
Brian Woodcock

If make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes will help you stay sane during the hectic holiday season, then you'll be happy to know that these chocolate cookies can be made in advance! That's one less thing to do on Thanksgiving.

Get Ree's Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe.

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16

Rugelach

rugelach with white and yellow flowers
Danielle Daly

You can skip the pie altogether thanks to these delicious treats. They have a flaky, pastry-like dough that's similar to pie crust. And they're filled with warm spices and dried fruits.

Get the Rugelach recipe.

17

Chocolate-Marshmallow Cookie Bars

chocolate marshmallow cookie bars on red plate
Ralph Smith

Mini marshmallows can be used for more than just sweet potato casserole. They're also delicious in these easy, chewy, and chocolatey cookie bars.

Get Ree's Chocolate-Marshmallow Cookie Bars recipe.

18

Ree's Sugar Cookies

rees sugar cookies on pink surface with tea cup
Danielle Daly

Thanksgiving is a great time to use heirloom recipes like this one which was passed down to Ree from a beloved member of her church.

Get Ree's Sugar Cookies recipe.

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19

Oatmeal Slice-and-Bake Cookies

oatmeal slice and bake cookies with white chocolate drizzle on red background
Ralph Smith

These cookies are loaded with oats, white chocolate chips, and dried cherries. But feel free to swap them for dried cranberries instead. It'll give the cookie even more Thanksgiving flavor.

Get Ree's Oatmeal Slice-and-Bake Cookies recipe.

20

Gingerbread Cowboy Boot Cookies

gingerbread cowboy boot cookies on white board
Ralph Smith

Look for cowboy boot cookie cutters to make these adorable gingerbread cookies. They'll be a hit at any ranch-themed Thanksgiving.

Get Ree's Gingerbread Cowboy Boot Cookies recipe.

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