Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that wonderful time of year when the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and the kitchen fills with the warm, sweet scent of baking. I absolutely love this season, and one of my all-time favorite treats to whip up are *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*. They’re not just cookies; they’re little clouds of buttery goodness topped with creamy frosting that make my heart sing! Every year, I gather my family in the kitchen, and we mix, roll, and decorate these delightful cookies together. It’s become a cherished tradition that brings us closer, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing those cute cookies lined up, ready to be devoured. So, let’s dive into this deliciousness and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (don’t skimp on this for that amazing flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (it really helps balance the sweetness!)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for that dreamy frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust this to get your frosting just right!)
- Food coloring (optional, but oh-so-fun for festive decorating!)
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies*
Prepping the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough ready! Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. I love using a hand mixer for this—it makes everything so fluffy and light! You want to mix until it’s nice and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in your egg and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! The egg helps bind everything together while the vanilla adds that irresistible aroma. Mix it all until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which leads to perfectly textured cookies. Gradually add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Don’t overmix; you want your cookies to stay tender!
Baking the Cookies
Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, drop spoonfuls of your dough onto a lined baking sheet. I usually use a tablespoon to keep them all the same size—this way, they bake evenly. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to overbake! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that dreamy buttercream frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and milk until it’s super smooth. If you want a thicker consistency, just add a bit more powdered sugar. Want to get creative? This is the perfect time to add a few drops of food coloring to match your Thanksgiving theme! Mix until the color is even; it’s so much fun to see it come to life!
Decorating the Cookies
Now comes the best part—decorating! Grab a piping bag or just a simple plastic bag with a corner cut off, and frost those cookies to your heart’s content. I like to do a swirl on top for a fun look. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some colored sugar or edible glitter on top! And don’t forget about using cookie cutters for fun shapes before baking—think turkeys, leaves, or pumpkins to really get in the holiday spirit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* are an absolute must for your holiday celebrations, and here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip these up in no time, leaving you plenty of room to enjoy other Thanksgiving prep!
- Deliciously Buttery: The combination of softened butter and sweet frosting creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the frosting’s color and decorations to match your holiday theme, making them as festive as you want!
- Fun for Everyone: Get the whole family involved in decorating, creating a joyful activity that brings everyone together.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, sure to impress your guests and family alike.
- Great for Leftovers: If there are any left (which I doubt!), they store beautifully in an airtight container, ready to be enjoyed for days.
Tips for Success
Want to make your *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* truly unforgettable? Here are my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This is key for achieving that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If it’s too cold, you’ll struggle to get the right consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want them to be soft and tender!
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in your buttercream frosting to get your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, but if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar until it’s just right!
- Creative Decorations: Get fun with your decorations! Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes before baking. And don’t be shy with the frosting—swirls, sprinkles, and colored sugars can really elevate your cookie game!
- Chill Out: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- Storage Know-How: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for snacking or sharing later on!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for my delightful *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*. Keep in mind, these are approximate values and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a little indulgence, perfect for the holiday season! Enjoy every bite, and remember that sharing is caring—so feel free to pass these delicious treats around!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I highly recommend using unsalted butter for that rich flavor, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture and taste slightly, but your cookies will still be delicious!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep those *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cookies, just place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze them. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying. You can frost them after thawing too, so they look as good as they taste!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the frosting?
If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and powdery. Just be sure to sift it before using to avoid any lumps in your frosting!
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Oh, definitely! Feel free to incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the dough consistency as needed, especially if you add something chunky!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of those delicious *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible? No worries! To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft, buttery texture for up to a week—if they last that long!
If you want to enjoy them even later, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature. If you want to frost them after thawing, go for it—they’ll be just as delightful as the day you baked them!
And if you happen to prefer your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth and make the frosting extra gooey and delicious. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies: 5 Joyful Moments to Savor
- 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 granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- For frosting, beat together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Decorate cookies with frosting and food coloring if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Adjust milk for desired frosting consistency.
- 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: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving buttercream cookies, cookies, buttercream, thanksgiving dessert
