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Easy Turkey Hand Sugar Cookies for Thanksgiving Fun

turkey hand sugar cookies - featured image

These adorable handprint turkey cookies are a fun and easy Thanksgiving baking project for the whole family. Made with simple ingredients, they create a memorable keepsake and a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 batch buttercream frosting
  • Orange food coloring
  • Brown candy melts or chocolate chips
  • Small candy eyes
  • Orange sprinkle or candy corn
  • Red sprinkle or red gel icing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  3. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  6. Have child wash hands, lightly dust palm with flour, and gently press hand into dough to leave an imprint. Cut around handprint with a sharp knife or pizza cutter, leaving a ½-inch border.
  7. Transfer handprint cookies to prepared baking sheets using a thin spatula. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Tint buttercream frosting with orange food coloring. Pipe or spread orange frosting over the fingers of each cookie to create turkey feathers.
  10. Melt brown candy melts. Spoon a dollop onto the palm area and spread into a rounded shape. While wet, press on candy eyes, an orange sprinkle or candy corn for the beak, and a red sprinkle for the wattle.
  11. Let decorations set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep dough cold for easier handling. Lightly flour child’s hand before pressing into dough to prevent sticking. Use a thin spatula to transfer fragile cookies. Bake one sheet at a time for even results. Let kids decorate freely for best memories.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cookies, handprint cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, sugar cookies, kid-friendly baking, easy Thanksgiving dessert