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Easy Turkey Handprint Sugar Cookies: Best Kid-Friendly Recipe

Turkey Handprint Sugar Cookies - featured image

These Easy Turkey Handprint Sugar Cookies are forgiving, fun, and turn out adorable even when you’re rushing. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving with kids, using simple ingredients and no fancy tools.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • About 20 pieces candy corn (for feathers)
  • About 30 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
  • Orange frosting or orange candy melts (for beak and wattle)
  • Red frosting or red candy melts (for wattle, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla. Crack the egg into a small bowl first, then add to the butter mixture along with the vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed after each. Scrape the bowl down in between. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  5. Chill the dough. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes if in a rush).
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the cookies. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each. Press your clean, dry palm firmly into the center, spreading fingers slightly, until dough is about 1/4-inch thick. Lightly dust hand with flour if sticky.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Centers will look slightly underdone. Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate the turkeys. On cooled cookies, arrange 5 candy corn pieces in a fan shape at the top (feathers). Place two mini chocolate chips in the palm area for eyes. Pipe a small orange triangle for the beak and a red dot or line for the wattle (optional). Let frosting set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for best results. If dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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