Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious desserts! Now, I know pumpkin pie is the classic go-to, but let me tell you, there are so many scrumptious Thanksgiving desserts that don’t involve pumpkin. One of my absolute favorites is these delightful cookies packed with pecans and chocolate chips. They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-decadent! The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts makes each bite a little piece of heaven. Trust me, these cookies will steal the spotlight at your Thanksgiving table and leave everyone asking for the recipe. So let’s dive into this sweet adventure and create some memories together!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want those cookies to bake evenly and become golden brown delights!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
- Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—don’t rush this part; you want a smooth, creamy texture!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent so your cookies rise perfectly.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might end up a bit tough!
- Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Yum! I can already smell those sweet, nutty aromas!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on the edges. Oops! Don’t forget to keep an eye on them!
- Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential if you want to avoid cookie disasters!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, always measure your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; it should be creamy and spreadable for the best texture.
Don’t skip the cooling step! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart. And if you want a little extra chewiness, try underbaking them by a minute or two; they’ll continue to cook on the tray. Finally, feel free to experiment with mix-ins—dried fruits, different nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add a fun twist! Enjoy baking!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
These delightful cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also come with some nutritional information to keep in mind! Here’s what you can expect per cookie (and remember, these values are estimates):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, while you indulge, you can feel good knowing the deliciousness is balanced with a bit of energy! Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Deliciously rich flavor with the perfect balance of chocolate and nuts.
- A delightful alternative to pumpkin desserts, making your Thanksgiving spread unique.
- Soft and chewy texture that everyone will adore.
- Great for sharing—yielding 24 cookies to impress your guests!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
Got questions about these fantastic Thanksgiving desserts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts can change the flavor profile a bit, but that’s part of the fun!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem! You can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. The key is to keep that delicious sweetness flowing!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for about three months!
Are these cookies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, so everyone at your Thanksgiving table can enjoy them without worries.
Hope this clears up any questions! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
Storing your delicious cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty! Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about a week—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so good!), you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take out the desired number of cookies and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat if you love them soft and chewy, but if you prefer a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin
When it comes to serving these delightful cookies, the options are endless! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience—trust me, the warm cookies and cold ice cream create a heavenly contrast! You could also serve them alongside a steaming cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy fall vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. They’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering, no doubt about it!
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Thanksgiving Desserts Not Pumpkin: 7 Sweet Surprises to Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving desserts without pumpkin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well for up to three months.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or chocolate for your favorite mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 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 desserts, holiday desserts, cookies, desserts without pumpkin
