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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies for Kids

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These adorable handprint turkey cookies are made without any special cookie cutters—just trace your child’s hand! They’re fun, foolproof, and perfect for a low-stakes Thanksgiving baking activity with kids.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (pure preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup candy corn
  • ¼ cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 12–15 pairs candy eyes
  • 12–15 orange or red M&M’s
  • Black decorating gel (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  2. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes if in a rush).
  3. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your child’s clean, dry hand.
  4. Shape the cookies: Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Have your child press their hand firmly into the dough, wiggling fingers slightly. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut around the handprint, about ¼ inch from the edge. Transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Repeat with remaining dough.
  5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Rotate pans halfway through. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Decorate: Once cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over the palm area. Arrange 5-7 candy corn pieces on the fingers, pointed ends outward. Place two candy eyes on the palm. Add an orange or red M&M above the eyes for the snood. Use black decorating gel to draw two tiny feet at the base of the palm. Let frosting set for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dough temperature is crucial—chill thoroughly to prevent spreading. For best results, keep frosting layer thin to prevent candy corn from sliding. Cookies are best decorated within a few hours of serving. Undecorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey cookies, handprint cookies, sugar cookies, kid-friendly, no cookie cutter, easy Thanksgiving dessert

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-thanksgiving-turkey-sugar-cookies-for-kids/