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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies for Kids

easy thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies for kids - featured image

Soft, buttery turkey-shaped sugar cookies that are quick to make and perfect for baking with kids. These festive treats require simple pantry ingredients and result in a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookie ideal for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 to 3.25 cups (375-400g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (240g) confectionersโ€™ sugar, sifted
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel-based food coloring (orange, red, yellow, green)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with a mixer.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a turkey-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  9. While the cookies cool, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach a thick but pipeable consistency.
  10. Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring. Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with the colored icing.

Notes

Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry cookies. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the icing. Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey sugar cookies, kids baking, holiday treats, easy sugar cookies, fall baking, family friendly recipes