Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather with loved ones, share laughter, and of course, indulge in delicious food. One of my absolute favorite things to whip up during this festive season are my *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*. These little delights are not just cookies; they’re like little bites of holiday joy! Imagine soft, buttery cookies topped with rich, creamy frosting—just thinking about them makes my heart skip a beat!
Every year, I look forward to baking these cookies, and they’ve quickly become a family tradition. My kids love getting involved in the process, especially when it comes to decorating them with sprinkles and seasonal colors. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house as we prepare for our Thanksgiving feast. It sets the perfect mood for the celebrations ahead!
So, if you’re looking to add a sweet touch to your holiday gatherings, these *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* are just what you need. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies
Alright, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need to create these scrumptious *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the best texture!)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (this adds that lovely depth of flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for that dreamy buttercream frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk (to achieve the perfect frosting consistency)
- Food coloring (optional, but it makes everything more festive!)
So, make sure you have everything on hand before we dive into making these cookies! It’s such a joy to see all these ingredients come together into something so delightful. Let’s get to baking!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get baking! Follow these steps, and soon, you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Prepping the Oven and Dough
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when we finish mixing our dough. While that’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This is important to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. It also helps to aerate the flour, which makes for a lighter cookie!
Making the Cookie Dough
In a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. I always use a hand mixer for this—it’s quick and gets everything super fluffy! Beat them together until the mixture is light and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in those two large eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Now, gradually add in your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing just until combined each time. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender and soft!
Baking the Cookies
Next up, using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each one—about two inches should do. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re just golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone in a flash! Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them to cool completely.
Preparing the Buttercream Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy buttercream frosting! In a separate bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and milk until it’s smooth and creamy. If you want to get fancy, this is the time to add a few drops of food coloring to make it festive! Just mix it in until you reach your desired shade. The frosting should be thick but spreadable, so feel free to add a touch more milk if it’s too stiff.
Frosting the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to frost them! I like to use a butter knife or an offset spatula for this—just scoop a generous amount of frosting onto the top of each cookie and smooth it out. Don’t be shy with the frosting; the more, the merrier! If you’ve got sprinkles or festive decorations, now’s the perfect time to add those on top before the frosting sets. Trust me, your cookies will look (and taste!) like they came straight from a bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, let’s talk about why these *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* are an absolute must-bake for your holiday celebrations! First off, they’re super easy to follow. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun to make. The step-by-step instructions guide you through each stage, making the whole process feel like a joyful adventure!
Plus, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just having a cozy get-together with friends, these cookies will be a hit! They’re not only delicious but also look stunning on any dessert table. Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see a platter filled with beautifully frosted cookies—it’s a showstopper!
And let’s not forget about the customization! You can go wild with decorations—add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even themed decorations that match your Thanksgiving vibe. Feeling creative? You could even use different food coloring to make your frosting pop! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking these cookies so much fun.
So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a sweet treat with your family, trust me, these *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* are the way to go!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I’ve learned over the years to help you achieve cookie greatness:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a game changer! Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. It helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that light, fluffy texture we all love.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes! We want them soft and tender, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough (if needed): If you find your dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and can result in a thicker, chewier cookie.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on those cookies! They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
- Experiment with Flavor: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy fall flavor or try almond extract instead of vanilla for a fun twist!
- Let Them Cool Completely: It’s tempting to frost warm cookies, but trust me, let them cool completely! This ensures your frosting doesn’t melt into a gooey mess and keeps those beautiful shapes intact.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a batch of these delightful *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible! The key to maintaining their soft and scrumptious texture is proper storage.
First off, once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies if I’m stacking them, just to avoid any frosting sticking to the bottom of the cookie on top. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you want to save some for later (or if you’ve made a double batch—no judgment here!), you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re well wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. No need to reheat—these cookies are divine at room temp!
But if you prefer them warm and fresh from the oven, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to get that soft, gooey goodness back. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might end up with a cookie that’s more like a rock than a treat!
So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or saving some for later, these tips will help you savor every bite of your *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*! Happy storing!
FAQ Section
Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about these delightful *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*! I want to make sure you have all the info you need to bake up a storm this holiday season!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature—easy peasy!
How can I make the frosting stiffer?
If you want a stiffer buttercream for piping or to hold its shape better, simply add a bit more powdered sugar to the mix. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You can also reduce the amount of milk slightly, but be careful not to make it too dry!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter substitute, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s unsalted to keep the flavors balanced. I’ve even had great success with coconut oil, which gives the cookies a delightful hint of flavor! Just remember that if you’re using coconut oil, it should be in a softened state, similar to how you would use butter.
These tips should help you navigate any baking challenges you might encounter! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you create the best *thanksgiving buttercream cookies* ever! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Before you dive into enjoying those delicious *thanksgiving buttercream cookies*, I want to give you a little heads-up about the nutritional information. Keep in mind that the values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided a general idea of the nutrition per cookie, it’s not an exact science!
Factors like the type of butter or sugar you choose, as well as any optional ingredients you might add, can change the numbers. If you’re watching your intake for any reason, I recommend using a nutrition calculator to get a more precise breakdown based on your specific recipe. Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy these cookies in moderation and savor every last bite!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Buttercream Cookies: 5 Ways to Delight Everyone
- Gesamtzeit: 42 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious thanksgiving buttercream cookies perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, beat together powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring to make buttercream.
- Frost cooled cookies with buttercream.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use seasonal cookie cutters for festive shapes.
- Adjust food coloring for desired frosting shade.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 21g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving buttercream cookies











