Print

Fluffy Thanksgiving Turkey Sugar Cookies: Easy & Festive

fluffy Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These fluffy Thanksgiving turkey sugar cookies feature a tender, cloud-like texture that holds its shape for intricate decorating. Made with a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, they are soft, festive, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for royal icing)
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4–6 tablespoons water (for royal icing)
  • Food coloring (for royal icing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies.
  5. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a turkey-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn light golden. The centers should still look soft and puffy.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Divide into bowls and add food coloring.
  11. Pipe the icing onto the completely cooled cookies, starting with base colors and adding details like feathers and eyes. Let the icing dry completely.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted to prevent spreading. Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to maintain a tender texture. Chill the dough thoroughly before baking to help cookies hold their shape. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Royal icing made with meringue powder is safer and more stable than using raw egg whites.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, sugar cookies, turkey cookies, holiday baking, soft sugar cookies, royal icing, festive desserts

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/fluffy-thanksgiving-turkey-sugar-cookies-easy-and-festive/