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Best Easy Hand Turkey Sugar Cookies for Thanksgiving

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These Hand Turkey Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and fun to decorate, making them a perfect Thanksgiving activity for kids and adults alike. The cream cheese dough ensures a tender texture that holds its shape beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons water
  • Assorted food coloring (gel preferred)
  • Candy corn (for feathers)
  • Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
  • Orange sprinkles or small orange candies (for beak)

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar and beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and pale. Scrape down sides.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract, beat on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
  4. Divide dough in half, shape into flat disks (1-inch thick), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disk of dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using a butter knife or bench scraper, trace a hand shape into the dough, leaving ½ inch space around fingers. Cut and transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Gather scraps, re-roll, and repeat. Yield: 12-14 hand turkeys.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden brown. Rotate sheets halfway through. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For royal icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water one tablespoon at a time until smooth and piping consistency. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring.
  9. Pipe feathers first: place 3-4 candy corn pieces in a fan shape behind the wrist area. Pipe a small dot of orange icing for beak and tiny red dot for wattle. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes. Let icing set for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum. Cookies taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: hand turkey cookies, sugar cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, cream cheese sugar cookies, handprint cookies, turkey cookies, easy sugar cookies

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/best-easy-hand-turkey-sugar-cookies-for-thanksgiving/