Festive Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies
Delicious, chewy sugar cookies shaped like turkeys, decorated with vibrant royal icing. Perfect for Thanksgiving parties, classroom exchanges, or holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated White Sugar
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted, for icing)
- 1 Egg White (or 2 tbsp meringue powder)
- Gel Food Coloring (orange, yellow, red, black)
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a stand mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy (approx. 5 minutes). Scrape down the bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until combined. If dough is sticky, chill for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out turkey shapes using a 2.5-inch turkey cookie cutter. Place on baking sheets, leaving space between cookies. Re-roll scraps gently.
- Freeze cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help retain shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, whip egg white (or meringue powder) until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
- Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
- Pipe base colors (orange body, yellow wings, red wattle) onto cooled cookies. Use a toothpick to blend colors while wet for a feathered effect.
- Add black icing details for eyes and beak once base colors are set.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature but not greasy. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Royal icing consistency should hold a peak but flow slightly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey sugar cookies, royal icing, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe, fall desserts, kid-friendly recipes