🍪 Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies (Ready in 30 mins!) – Perfect for Last-Minute Baking
Soft, festive sugar cookies with pumpkin spice aroma, ready in 30 minutes—no special equipment needed!
When the turkey is in the oven and the last-minute guests arrive, these sugar cookies save the day! Made with pantry staples and a dash of pumpkin spice, they’re soft, festive, and Instagram-ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy hosts who still want a show-stopping treat. Pair them with our "Simple Royal Icing Turkey Cookies" and "Pumpkin Spice Cookie Bars" for a cohesive holiday platter.
This recipe is your emergency dessert solution. With just 5 ingredients and no special tools, you’ll have golden, crinkled cookies in under an hour. The pumpkin spice adds cozy autumn vibes, while the soft texture keeps them from crumbling on the plate. Ideal for last-minute baking when the pressure’s on!
Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or need a quick snack for post-feast cleanup, these cookies are your secret weapon. The recipe scales easily, so you can double it for larger gatherings or freeze extra dough for future cravings.
The best part? They’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Crinkled edges and a subtle spice aroma make them perfect for holiday photos. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or festive cookie cutters for a personalized touch—no extra effort required.
Save this pin tonight and pull it out when the oven timer dings. No more last-minute stress—just pull, bake, and serve!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp allspice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Dough In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin spice; mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: Chill & Shape Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then flatten slightly with your palm. For crinkles, dip tops in cinnamon sugar before placing on parchment-lined sheets. (Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for even portions.)
- Step 3: Bake to Perfection Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, rotating halfway. Cookies will be lightly golden at the edges. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Step 4: Serve & Store Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze unbaked dough balls for future batches—just add 1-2 minutes to baking time!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Last-Minute Saver
Ready in 30 minutes with no special tools—perfect for emergency baking when the oven’s already hot.
💰 Pantry Staples Only
Uses butter, flour, sugar, and pumpkin spice—ingredients you likely already have.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Texture
Soft, chewy centers with a crinkled edge that appeals to all ages.
🌟 Instagram-Ready
Golden crinkles and festive spices make them perfect for holiday photos.
Quick Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Soft, festive cookies ready in 30 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 cup unsalted butter
- - 3/4 cup brown sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep the Dough: Whisk dry ingredients; cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. Mix in dry ingredients.
💡 Use room-temperature butter for a smooth dough.
Chill & Shape: Divide dough into 12 balls. Flatten and dip in cinnamon sugar for crinkles.
💡 Chill dough for 15 minutes if cookies spread too much.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes. Cool before serving.
💡 Rotate the tray halfway for even browning.
Store & Freeze: Keep in an airtight container for 5 days or freeze dough balls for future batches.
💡 Freeze unbaked cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Adds cozy autumn flavor without overpowering. Substitute with 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp allspice.
Substitutions: Ground cinnamon or nutmeg alone work, but pumpkin spice provides balanced warmth.
Brown Sugar
Creates a soft, chewy texture. Light or dark brown sugar both work—dark adds deeper molasses flavor.
Substitutions: White sugar + 1 tsp molasses per cup.
Butter
Cold butter ensures even crinkles. Room-temperature butter creates a smoother dough.
Substitutions: Vegan butter for dairy-free; coconut oil for a tropical twist.
Flour
All-purpose flour gives the perfect balance of chew and crisp. Use gluten-free flour for a dietary accommodation.
Substitutions: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
🍪 Crinkle Secret
Dip dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking for signature crinkles.
⏱️ Time-Saving Hack
Use a cookie scoop (like a 1.5 tbsp size) for perfectly even portions.
❄️ Freezing Tips
Freeze unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a bag.
📸 Instagram Hack
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar just before baking for extra festive sparkle.
Variations & Customizations
Pumpkin Spice Boost
Add 1/2 tsp extra pumpkin spice or swap vanilla for almond extract.
Festive Shapes
Use cookie cutters for turkey, leaves, or pilgrim hats—no icing needed!
Dairy-Free
Use vegan butter and ensure flour is certified gluten-free if needed.
Caramel Drizzle
Brush with caramel sauce after baking for a sweet upgrade.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- "Simple Royal Icing Turkey Cookies" for a cohesive platter
- "Pumpkin Spice Cookie Bars" as a contrasting texture
- Hot cocoa or spiced chai for a cozy pairing
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced cider or a glass of Chardonnay to complement the autumn flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Chill dough balls for 30 minutes before baking for better shape retention.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen.
Reheating Instructions
Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore freshness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies spread too much!
A: Chill dough for 15 minutes before baking to firm it up.
Q: Can I use a stand mixer?
A: Yes, but don’t overmix—stop as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
Q: How to make them gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum.
Q: Can I add nuts?
A: Yes! Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the dry ingredients.
Final Thoughts
These cookies are your holiday baking savior—no stress, no special tools, just buttery, festive magic in under an hour. Whether you’re adding them to a cookie platter or serving with a cup of tea, they’re sure to impress.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the main dish, follow with complementary sides, and finish with a dessert pin. Happy baking!
