Name: Easy Thanksgiving Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Looking for the perfect treat to round out your Thanksgiving dessert table without spending hours in the kitchen? These Easy Thanksgiving Cookies strike the balance between festive, flavorful, and fuss-free. Packed with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and a hint of fall spice, they bring the cozy charm of a holiday pie wrapped in a warm, chewy cookie.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want something to nibble with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. It’s ideal for busy cooks who still want to bring a homemade touch to the season. With just a handful of pantry staples and a mixing bowl, you can have these golden beauties ready in under 30 minutes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Easy Thanksgiving Cookies come out with the perfect soft center and slightly crisp edge, it’s worth using the right kitchen gear:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and another for creaming butter and sugar. Stainless steel or glass is best for even temperature control.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This will help you achieve that light, fluffy butter-sugar base that gives cookies their lift.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters here. Cookies are one place where guessing rarely pays off.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures all cookies bake evenly and avoids underdone or overdone centers.
Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Non-stick and cleanup-friendly, parchment keeps your cookies from spreading too thin or sticking.
Wire Rack: Helps the cookies cool quickly and evenly, preserving their chewy texture.

Once your tools are prepped, you’re halfway to a holiday-worthy batch of cookies.

Ingredients for the Easy Thanksgiving Cookies

Unsalted Butter: This is the base for a rich, creamy dough. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt level precisely.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a molasses-like warmth, making each bite feel cozier.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that perfectly crisp edge.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a soft interior.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and brings out the best in your other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder that holds your cookies together.
Baking Soda: Gives your cookies that gentle rise without making them cakey.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon: Brings that subtle Thanksgiving warmth we all crave.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The gooey heart of every great cookie. Not too bitter, not too sweet.
Chopped Pecans and/or Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Optional: White Chocolate Chips or Dried Cranberries: For a more festive twist, toss in a handful of either.

How To Make the Easy Thanksgiving Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This helps create a tender, chewy texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. This is your flavor and moisture foundation.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and your chosen spices. This ensures even distribution before it hits the dough.

Step 4: Mix to Form Dough

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet, mixing on low or stirring by hand until just combined. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Add-ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and any extras like cranberries or white chocolate. Distribute evenly so each cookie is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them a couple inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies sit on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for that melty chocolate moment or store for later.

Serving and Storing Easy Thanksgiving Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, with the chocolate chips still gooey and the nuts gently toasted. Serve them as a post-dinner dessert with coffee or a mug of cider, or place them on a cookie tray for casual grazing throughout the evening. They also make a lovely edible gift—just stack and wrap in parchment with a ribbon.

To store, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. If you prefer to bake fresh on demand, freeze the dough balls instead and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?

Pecans and walnuts both bring warmth and crunch, but you can also try chopped hazelnuts for a richer twist.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Chilling even enhances the flavor.

Can I skip the pumpkin spice?

Absolutely. A bit of cinnamon on its own works great, or you can omit it entirely for a classic cookie profile.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter isn’t overly melted and that the dough is slightly chilled before baking.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Very much so! Kids love the chocolate chips, and you can adjust the nuts to suit preferences or allergies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and it’s great for holiday batches. Just make sure to mix the dough in stages if your mixer bowl is smaller.

If you’re looking for more comforting cookie treats beyond these Easy Thanksgiving Cookies, try the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies—soft, rich, and nostalgic. Another favorite is the Easy Jello Meringue Cookies, perfect for those who like light, airy bites.

Want something a little more fun and decadent? The Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars offer a no-bake layered cookie bar experience. Or explore a fruity twist with Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fresh, creative dessert.

For a little crunch, you can also try Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies that bring texture and flavor together effortlessly.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your Thanksgiving or dessert boards for quick access later. Just click the Pin button.

If you bake them, I’d love to know what mix-ins you chose! Did you go for classic pecans, or did you twist it up with white chocolate? Leave a comment below or tag me in your cookie photos.

Want more ideas like this? Come check out my daily posts on Pinterest @LadyPlate. It’s where I share new recipes every week!