There’s something truly magical about gathering around a *thanksgiving cookie platter* with family and friends. The air fills with the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies, inviting everyone to indulge in a delightful assortment. Each cookie holds a memory, whether it’s the classic chocolate chip that my grandmother used to make or the seasonal spice cookies that remind me of chilly holiday afternoons. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen, our hands dusted with flour and laughter filling the air as we shaped the dough. This cookie platter isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of love, warmth, and togetherness during Thanksgiving. Trust me, sharing these treats will bring smiles to everyone’s faces and create memories that last a lifetime!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best *thanksgiving cookie platter*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives your cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: For a perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Because what’s a cookie platter without chocolate?
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch if you like!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get our cookie-making adventure started! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures even baking—trust me, you don’t want any surprises!
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. I love using a hand mixer for this, but a good old wooden spoon works just fine too. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in those two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—oh, that smell is heavenly!
Now, in another bowl, combine your 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture is key for the perfect cookie structure. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough—yikes!
Finally, stir in those glorious 2 cups of chocolate chips and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the 1 cup of chopped nuts. Now, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious cookies ready for your Thanksgiving cookie platter!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what’s in your cookies, right? Just keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a typical breakdown of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
So, whether you’re indulging just a little or sharing with family, these cookies can fit nicely into your Thanksgiving festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute baking!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, so you can make them uniquely yours.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together over a sweet treat.
- Great for gifting to friends and family, spreading joy during the season.
Tips for Success
Let’s make your *thanksgiving cookie platter* truly unforgettable! First off, if you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. And if you’re out of chocolate chips, white chocolate or butterscotch chips work beautifully too!
Now, when baking, keep an eye on those cookies in the last few minutes—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want them to overbake! They should look slightly underdone when you take them out; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Speaking of cooling, don’t rush this step! Letting them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them hold their shape.
Lastly, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! Just remember, the softer they are fresh out of the oven, the chewier they’ll be later. Happy baking!
Variations
The beauty of a *thanksgiving cookie platter* is that you can make it your own with fun variations! For starters, why not switch up the chocolate chips? Try using dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a delightful twist. You could also throw in some seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to really capture that holiday spirit. How about adding some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity flair? If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate a splash of pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor that screams Thanksgiving!
And don’t forget about the nuts! Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts can add a lovely crunch. You can get creative with cookie shapes too—use festive cookie cutters to make autumn-themed cookies that will impress your guests. The options are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your *thanksgiving cookie platter*, consider serving it alongside some delightful beverages! A warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich pumpkin latte pairs perfectly with those cookies, making for a cozy treat. If you’re in the mood for something warmer, a classic hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is always a hit! And let’s not forget, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can take your cookie experience to a whole new level. Enjoy the sweet moments with loved ones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *thanksgiving cookie platter* fresh and delicious, store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
Print
Thanksgiving Cookie Platter: 7 Mouthwatering Variations to Try
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful assortment of cookies perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Consider using festive cookie cutters for different shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cookie platter
