🎉 Thanksgiving Cookie Party Pack (Kids & Parents) – Share the Holiday Joy with a DIY Gift Box!
A festive DIY gift box filled with kid-friendly Thanksgiving cookies, perfect for gifting to relatives or teachers after your holiday feast!
This Thanksgiving Cookie Party Pack is more than just a recipe—it’s a joyful way to bond with kids while creating edible gifts that spread holiday cheer. With easy-to-decorate cookies and a charming DIY box, this project turns leftover baking into a heartfelt present. Whether you’re thanking teachers or sending holiday greetings to family, these cookies are the perfect post-feast keepsake.
After your Thanksgiving meal, channel your energy into creating this cookie gift box. It’s a fun activity that lets kids express creativity through cookie decorating while learning about thoughtful gifting. The best part? You can customize the cookies with autumn themes, family names, or even teacher appreciation messages.
The recipe includes three kid-friendly cookie varieties: classic sugar cookies, gluten-free oatmeal cookies, and vegan chocolate chip cookies. Each batch is designed for easy assembly and colorful decoration. Plus, the decorative box with hand-printed labels makes these cookies feel extra special for gifting.
Whether you’re preparing for a post-holiday gift exchange or just want to share your baking love, this project brings comfort, creativity, and a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen.
Let’s dive into how to bake, decorate, and package these cookies into a ready-to-gift masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk or almond milk
- Food coloring (autumn colors like orange, brown, and gold)
- 1 cup icing sugar for decorating
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth. Divide dough into three portions. Add food coloring to each portion for autumn hues.
- Step 2: Chill and shape: Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes (turkeys, leaves, pumpkins). Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Step 3: Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Step 4: Decorate: Have kids pipe icing onto cookies using squeeze bottles. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch. Let icing set for 1 hour.
- Step 5: Package: Line a decorative box with tissue paper. Place cookies in layers separated by parchment paper. Add a handwritten label (e.g., 'Thanksgiving Treats for Grandma!').
Recipe Card
Thanksgiving Cookie Party Pack
Create a festive gift box with kid-decorated cookies for post-holiday gifting!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free)
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - ½ tsp salt
- - ½ cup unsalted butter
- - ¾ cup sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - ¼ cup milk or almond milk
- - Food coloring (autumn colors)
- - 1 cup icing sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare the dough: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg, vanilla, and milk. Divide dough into three portions and add food coloring.
💡 Use autumn colors like orange, brown, and gold for festive hues!
Chill and shape: Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into shapes (turkeys, leaves, pumpkins).
💡 Let kids choose cookie shapes to personalize their creations!
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
💡 Keep an eye on the oven—cookies bake quickly!
Decorate: Pipe icing onto cookies and add sprinkles or edible glitter.
💡 Encourage kids to get creative with seasonal designs!
Package: Line a decorative box with tissue paper. Add cookies in layers with parchment paper between. Include a handwritten label.
💡 Use a box with a lid for a polished, gift-ready look!
Nutrition (per cookie):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure and a tender texture. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour blend with xanthan gum.
Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blend, coconut flour (use ½ cup flour + 1 egg + 1 tbsp oil)
Butter
Adds richness and helps cookies spread during baking. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Substitutions: Coconut oil, vegan butter
Egg
Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture. For egg-free baking, use ¼ cup applesauce or 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water.
Substitutions: Flax egg, applesauce, commercial egg replacer
Milk
Adds moisture and helps with browning. Any milk (dairy or plant-based) works well here.
Substitutions: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
🎨 Creative Decorating
Use themed cookie cutters (turkeys, pumpkins) and let kids add edible glitter for sparkle. For a teacher gift, include a cookie shaped like a pencil or book.
📦 Gift Packaging
Line boxes with patterned tissue paper and add a handwritten label (e.g., 'Thanksgiving Treats for Grandma!'). Tie with twine and add a small thank-you note.
♻️ Make-Ahead Tips
Bake and decorate cookies up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
👩👧 Kid-Friendly Adjustments
Use pre-made dough or cutters with large handles for little hands. Let kids choose colors and decorations to keep them engaged.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum. Ensure your baking powder is aluminum-free.
Vegan Version
Replace butter with vegan butter, egg with a flax egg, and use plant-based milk. Add vegan chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Mini Cookie Bites
Use a small cookie cutter or a melon baller to create bite-sized cookies for easier gifting and eating.
Seasonal Themes
Change cookie shapes and colors for different holidays (e.g., snowflakes for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Mini pumpkin pies or apple tarts for a complete dessert spread
- Cranberry sauce or spiced apple cider for a Thanksgiving pairing
- Hot cocoa or chai tea for a cozy post-feast treat
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced apple cider, hot cocoa, or a non-alcoholic cranberry spritzer (cranberry juice + lemon-lime soda + sparkling water).
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake and decorate cookies up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage
For longer storage, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Decorated cookies may soften slightly.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough for 2 extra minutes. Decorate after baking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to restore crispness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies spread too much. Why?
A: Over-chilled dough or too much moisture can cause spreading. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes and avoid adding extra liquid.
Q: How do I prevent icing from sliding?
A: Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating. Use a small amount of icing and let it set for 1 hour before adding additional decorations.
Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A: Yes! Use refrigerated cookie dough for a quicker option. Bake according to package instructions and decorate after cooling.
Q: How do I make these cookies kid-friendly?
A: Use pre-cut shapes, larger cookie cutters handles, and simple decorations like colored drops or sprinkles. Let kids focus on one cookie at a time to avoid overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Cookie Party Pack is more than just a recipe—it’s a heartwarming way to bond with kids while creating gifts that spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re thanking teachers or sending a festive box to family, these cookies are a thoughtful and delicious way to extend the magic of Thanksgiving.
With customizable designs, easy-to-follow steps, and a charming DIY box, this project turns leftover baking into a meaningful present. Don’t forget to let the kids take the lead on decorating—after all, their creativity is what makes these cookies truly special!
