Oh, there’s just something magical about making *thanksgiving goodies*! I can’t help but feel the warmth of family gatherings wrapped in the delightful aromas that fill the kitchen. These treats have a way of bringing everyone together, creating memories that are cherished long after the last bite is gone. Whether it’s the crunch of pecans or the tart sweetness of cranberries, each ingredient sings in harmony, making these cookies a perfect blend of tradition and flavor. I love how easy they are to whip up, yet they always impress my guests. Trust me, when you share these goodies, you’re not just sharing a dessert—you’re sharing a piece of your heart. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your Thanksgiving celebrations!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Goodies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup dried cranberries
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Goodies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. So, don’t skip this step—set your oven and let it warm up while you mix the dough!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, grab your softened butter and blend it with the granulated and packed brown sugars. I usually use an electric mixer for this part, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—think whipped cream but with a little more body. This step is key because it helps incorporate air into the batter, which makes your cookies nice and tender!
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps ensure they’re fully incorporated. Make sure you mix until everything is well combined and smooth—this is where that wonderful vanilla scent starts to fill your kitchen!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, so your cookies rise perfectly. Plus, it keeps any lumps from ruining your dough—no one wants a surprise clump of flour!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I usually do this in thirds, folding gently with a spatula. This helps maintain that light texture we’re aiming for! You don’t want to overmix here, just combine until you see no more flour streaks—trust me, it’s worth the little extra care!
Add Pecans and Cranberries
Time to fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries! Just gently mix them into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. You want every cookie to have a little crunch and a pop of sweetness, so take your time to mix them well!
Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie; they’ll spread a little as they bake. I like to make my cookies a bit generous in size—bigger cookies mean more goodness in each bite!
Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re ready when they’re golden brown around the edges but still a little soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Cooling Process
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set properly and makes sure they don’t break apart. Plus, you get to enjoy the heavenly smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute baking!
- Delightful flavors that blend the sweetness of cranberries with the crunch of pecans.
- Perfectly suited for family gatherings—everyone will want to grab a cookie!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for all dietary preferences.
- A great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—let them help with mixing and shaping!
- These cookies store well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them during the holidays.
- They make the house smell incredible while baking, adding to the festive atmosphere!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious *thanksgiving goodies*, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy your cookies and the wonderful memories they help create!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving goodies* turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly, creating a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Just mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two early. They should be golden brown around the edges but still a bit soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out the pecans or cranberries for other nuts or dried fruits you love! Chocolate chips can also be a delicious addition if you want to indulge a little.
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together and can prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if your cookies are done, you can gently press the top. If they spring back, they’re ready! If they leave an imprint, give them another minute or two.
- Let Them Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack ensures they set properly and don’t fall apart.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious *thanksgiving goodies* that everyone will rave about! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these scrumptious *thanksgiving goodies*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. The best way to store your cookies is in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and helps maintain their delicious texture. Just layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking to prevent sticking—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep the cookies at room temperature for about a week. But if you think you won’t finish them in that time, go ahead and freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit—no need to reheat unless you want that warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience!
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their soft, chewy goodness without drying them out. And wow, the smell of warm cookies filling your kitchen again? Pure bliss!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans for other nuts you love, like walnuts or almonds. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and crunch to your *thanksgiving goodies*—just make sure to chop them up before adding!
How long can I freeze these cookies?
You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day you baked them!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce—about 1/4 cup for each egg. This adds a bit of moisture and sweetness to your *thanksgiving goodies*. Another option is to use a flaxseed meal: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. It works like a charm!
Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Oh, definitely! Chocolate chips can be a delightful addition to your *thanksgiving goodies*. Just fold in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips along with the pecans and cranberries for a delicious twist!
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit too sticky, it might be helpful to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This can make it easier to handle and shape. Just remember not to skip the chilling step, as it can really help with the texture of your cookies!
Thanksgiving Goodies: 7 Irresistible Treats to Cherish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious treats perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in pecans and cranberries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or add chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 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: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving goodies
