Sugar Cookie Turkey’s for Thanksgiving

SeasonalRecipes

Nov 2

I am excited to share with you our favorite sugar cookie recipe for the holiday season!! These thick, buttery sugar cookie turkeys are a slightly sweet, sort of a shortbread-meets-sugar-cookie! They're sturdy enough to decorate with kids and just soft enough to melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making them plain, glazed, or loaded with fun candy “feathers,” this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving baking.

We love using this turkey cookie cutter with a variety of toppings—from fall sprinkles to candy-coated chocolates. If you are looking for cleaner candy option, you can try Unreal or Trader Joe’s “M&M” style chocolates (pictures in this blog post are made with the TJs ones!).

This recipe makes about 16–20 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter you choose, and the best part is it does not require a lot of chill time! Actually, none if your home is on the cooler side. I have some recommendations for you below on how long/when to chill to the dough. But there is little waiting time, which makes it easier when baking with your little ones!

Our Favorite Holiday Baking Supplies

✧ Favorite Turkey cookie cutter

✧ Parchment paper, I usually get the giant rolls from Costco, but also love the ones that pre-cut for your cookie sheet

✧ Nordic Ware sheet pans and cooling racks are the best quality pans that last, forever!

✧ My favorite French rolling pin

✧ Unless I need a huge bag of almond flour from Costco, I will typically get this super fine, by Bob’s Red Mill

Easy Sugar Cookie Turkeys

Yields: About 16–20 cookies (with a medium-sized cutter)
Chill Time: Optional — ~10 minutes if working in a warm kitchen
Bake Time: 10–13 minutes

Ingredients

2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ⅓ cups Almond Flour (we love Bob’s Red Mill super-fine)
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 cup (2 sticks) Salted Butter, softened
⅔ cup Granulated Sugar
⅔ cup Powdered Sugar
2 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
Add the flour, almond flour and baking powder, then gradually mix in the all-purpos (add half at a time).
Lightly flour your countertop or board. Transfer dough and roll into a large ball. Divide dough into quarters.
Optional Chill Tip: If your kitchen is warm, place unused dough portions in the fridge while you roll one quarter at a time.
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (about ¼ inch works well) and cut into shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
Transfer cookies to your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Decorating: Add fall sprinkles, candy-coated chocolates, or eyes before baking if desired.
Bake for 10–13 minutes, depending on cookie size and oven.
If choosing to use a frosting/icing let cookies cool at least 5 minutes before decorating with glaze or buttercream.

Homemaking Baking Tips

Budget Tip: Buy almond flour at Walmart or Costco for major savings.
If avoiding artificial dyes, opt for Unreal candy, Trader Joe’s drops, or natural food coloring.
Always use parchment paper for no-stick baking and easy cleanup.
Dough can chill for just 10 minutes—no long waits required!

Final Paragraphs & Next Steps