Add These Thanksgiving Cookies to the Dessert Table This Year

thanksgiving cookies
28 Thanksgiving Cookies for the Dessert Table Becky Luigart-Stayner

While most people think of Thanksgiving pies when planning out their turkey day dessert menu, sometimes it's nice to have smaller sweets to snack on after the big meal.

Even if you try to make room for dessert, sometimes all you need is a sweet bite, something lighter than a slice or pie or cake, to polish off the evening.

We know you have other Thanksgiving recipes to prepare too, like all of those delicious Thanksgiving side dishes (don't forget the gravy!), so we've rounded up some of our favorite Thanksgiving cookie recipes that are as easy as—pie! Gather the kids and family around the kitchen table to prepare and decorate them, and set out big cookie plates for your guests. Any of these cookies happen to make pretty sweet gifts for guests and hosts, too.


Ginger-Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin puree gives these sweet, holiday spiced cookies a light, airy quality that makes them hard to stop munching on. But it's the glaze—topped with a touch of candied ginger—that makes them truly irresistible.

Get the recipe for Ginger-Pumpkin Cookies.

thanksgiving ginger pumpkin cookies
Becky Luigart-Stayner


Pecan Acorn Cookies

With a little chocolate "cap," these treats are great for a dessert or snack—but they're cute enough to be a giftable take-home treat for dinner party guests or holiday neighbors!

Get the recipe for Pecan Acorn Cookies.

thanksgiving pecan acorn cookies
Becky Luigart-Stayner


Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Showcase the season's finest nut in the center of these classic shortbreads.

Get the recipe for Pecan Shortbread Cookies.

pecan shortbread cookies arranged on a green plate
Brian Woodcock


Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sometimes you just can't beat a classic. You know everyone will love them, especially the kids! Set out a plate on your Thanksgiving dessert table and watch these cookies vanish before your eyes!

Get the recipe for Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

classic chocolate chip cookies on a wire rack
Becky Lugart-Stayner


Superkind Snickerdoodles

It used to be you could only get Superkind cookies if you were in Los Angeles. Now you can make these snickerdoodles at home, from the comfort of your own kitchen. Pour a tall glass of milk and enjoy them when they're best—warm from the oven.

Get the recipe for Superkind Snickerdoodles.

snickerdoodles on a wire rack with a spatula for serving
Becky Luigart-Stayner


Millionaires' Shortbread

Three layers of rich goodness—buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a thick layer of dark chocolate—make up this well-heeled dessert.

Get the recipe for Millionaires' Shortbread.

millionaires shortbread cut into squares and arranged in a tin lined with red polka dot paper
Becky Stayner


Classic Oatmeal Cookies

These classic cookies have all the brown sugar and holiday spice you could want, making them a great option for Thanksgiving.

Get the recipe for Classic Oatmeal Cookies.

classic oatmeal cookies stacked on an oval plate with a red trim
Becky Lugart-Stayner


Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're team crispy in the great chewy vs crispy cookie debate, these crunchy, sweet, wafer-thin cookies are here to help you make your case. Light and delicate with a decidedly fun snap, they'll hold their own in a big glass of milk any day.

Get the recipe for Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies stacked in a shallow woven bowl with a light green tea towel
Becky Lugart-Stayner


Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps

These cookies are cute enough to serve as placeholders at your Thanksgiving dinner!

Get the recipe for Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps.

leaf shaped cookie cutter ginger crisps on a gingham tablecloth
Susie Cushner


Shortbread Cookies with Four Glazes

These delicious shortbread cookies are dressed up in a variety of colorful and tasty glazes, including lemon, almond, blackberry, and a white chocolate-pistachio, making them perfect for gifting.

Get the recipe for Shortbread Cookies with Four Glazes.

shortbread cookies with four different glazes packaged in a gift box
Jose Picayo


Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies

Top these classic cookies with your favorite frosting and festive sprinkles for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving treat!

Get the recipe for Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies.

classic chewy sugar cookies on a baking sheet
Becky Lugart-Stayner


Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies

Rich and almost silky, these shortbread cookies are an absolute treat. Imagine enjoying a couple of these with a warm beverage on a cozy autumn night!

Get the recipe for Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies.

marbled tahini shortbread cookies with chocolate sprinkles around the edges stacked on a green plate
Becky Stayner


Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies

Consider these marshmallow sandwich cookies a homemade version of the MoonPie. Your Thanksgiving guests will love them!

Get the recipe for Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies.

marshmallow chocolate cookie sammies on a parchment lined baking sheet
Angie Mosier


Almond Biscotti

Make these deliciously giftable Italian biscuits for friends, for parties, or just for dipping into your favorite hot drink.

Get the recipe for Almond Biscotti.

almond biscotti arranged in a blue metal container
Becky Luigart-Stayner


Peanut Butter–Candy Bar Thumbprint Cookies

These easy cookies make delicious after-school treats, but they're also great at Thanksgiving.

Get the recipe for Peanut Butter–Candy Bar Thumbprint Cookies.

peanut butter candy bar thumbprint cookies arranged on a wire rack and some on a piece of paper on top of a clipboard
Ren Fuller


Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles

Satisfy your post-Thanksgiving meal sweet tooth with these caramel-filled sandwich cookies. Sweet potato might not be an obvious choice for holiday cookies, but these will become a fast favorite!

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles.

sweet potato snickerdoodle sandwich cookies with caramel filling stacked on a serving plate
Brian Woodcock


Skillet S'mores

All you need is a skillet (or 12) to make this campfire snack right in your home. Impress your Thanksgiving guests with their very own skillet dessert!

Get the recipe for Skillet S'mores.

smore's cookies baked in individual small skillets and topped with a toasted marshmallow
Buff Strickland


German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Imagine how delicious these cookies will look on your Thanksgiving dessert table? Plus, they're easier and faster to whip up than the classic cake!

Get the recipe for German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.

german chocolate sandwich cookies stacked on a black wooden serving board
Ren Fuller


Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple-Spice Filling

The classic fall combo of pumpkin and maple is smartly reconfigured here as a soft cookie sandwich luscious cream-cheese frosting.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple-Spice Filling.

pumpkin whoopie pies with maple spice filling arranged in a festive tin
Iain Bagwell


Pecan Snowflake Cookies

These nutty cookies are tinged with vanilla and cinnamon for a delicious seasonal flavor. Use your favorite seasonal cookie cutters, like pumpkins or turkeys!

Get the recipe for Pecan Snowflake Cookies.

pecan snowflake cookies arranged on an oval serving plate and topped with powdered sugar
Brian Woodcock


Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies

The secret ingredient in these oh-so-delectable cookies? A touch of bourbon. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and toasted walnuts are perfect for the holiday season.

Get the recipe for Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies.

caramel chocolate walnut thumbprint cookies arranged on a gold serving tray
Brian Woodcock


Spiced Shortbread

These deliciously snackable shortbread cookies are spiced with cozy cinnamon and ginger. They also make tasty gifts for guests.

Get the recipe for Spiced Shortbread.

spiced shortbread cookies cut into wedges and stacked in paper boxes
Burcu Avsar


Peanut Butter Acorns

A small peanut butter cookie and a chocolate kiss in the form of an acorn make a tasty and festive fall dessert. Kids will love putting these treats together, too!

Get the recipe for Peanut Butter Acorns.

peanut butter acorn cookies arranged on a dark surface with paper tree limbs and leaves
Tara Donne


Bittersweet-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Raspberry Preserves

Dark, bittersweet chocolate and a sweet-tart raspberry filling make a perfect pair. They're an excellent addition to any holiday cookie platter!

Get the recipe for Bittersweet-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Raspberry Preserves.

bittersweet chocolate sandwich cookies with raspberry preserves stacked in the cavity of a muffin tin
Iain Bagwell


Triple Chocolate-Hazelnut Cookies

If you love chocolate-hazelnut spread, these cookies are a must for your holiday table! They start with a chocolate-hazelnut spread cookie base and have plenty of chocolate and toasted hazelnuts in every bite.

Get the recipe for Triple Chocolate-Hazelnut Cookies.

triple chocolate hazelnut cookies arranged on a wire rack
Burcu Avsar


Winter-Spice Sandwich Cookies with Orange Cream

Warm and cozy spices like ginger and cinnamon are complemented by a light, fluffy citrus cream in these easy-to-enjoy sandwich cookies.

Get the recipe for Winter-Spice Sandwich Cookies with Orange Cream.

winter spice sandwich cookies with orange cream stacked in metal tins
Iain Bagwell


Cranberry-Pistachio Lace Cookies

Cranberry, white chocolate, and pistachio are the perfect salty-sweet-tart combination, and these cookies' subtle holiday colors make them perfect for taking along to Christmas parties or cookie swaps.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Pistachio Lace Cookies.

cranberry pistachio lace cookies
Kate Mathis


Cinnamon-Sugar Lattice Cookies

If you love sugar cookies and buttery pie crust, these cookies are for you. They are simple, elegant, and sure to impress.

Get the recipe for Cinnamon-Sugar Lattice Cookies.

cinnamon sugar lattice cookies
Romulo Yanes

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