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Festive Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies Best Easy Recipe

Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies - featured image
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These festive Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies are a perfect recreation of bakery magic, featuring soft, buttery centers with a slight crisp on the edge and a foolproof royal icing that dries glossy and smooth. They are kid-friendly, make-ahead, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (brown, orange, red, yellow, white)
  • Small candy eyes
  • Orange sprinkles or small orange candies
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, then add egg, vanilla, and orange zest; beat until just combined.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until dough comes together.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into turkey shapes.
  8. Place cutouts 2 inches apart on prepared sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just golden.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Make royal icing: combine powdered sugar and meringue powder, add 5 tablespoons warm water and vanilla, beat until thick and glossy (10-second consistency).
  11. Divide icing and color as desired; pipe outlines first, then fill with slightly thinner icing.
  12. Add candy eyes and sprinkles while icing is wet; let set at room temperature for 2-4 hours.

Notes

Chilling the dough is non-negotiable to prevent spreading. Use room temperature butter and cream cheese. The 10-second consistency test is key for royal icing. Do not refrigerate decorated cookies to avoid condensation. Cookies taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, holiday baking, festive cookies

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/festive-thanksgiving-turkey-sugar-cookies-best-easy-recipe/