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Kid-Approved Turkey Hand Sugar Cookies

turkey hand sugar cookies - featured image

These fun and festive turkey hand sugar cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with a soft, buttery sugar cookie dough and decorated with frosting and candy corn, they’re a kid-friendly activity that results in delicious treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (16 oz) vanilla frosting
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • Candy eyes
  • Orange or red decorating gel
  • Brown or red M&Ms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla; beat until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low until dough comes together.
  4. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  7. Press a clean child’s hand into the dough to make an impression. Cut around the handprint with a knife, leaving a ½-inch border. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cool, spread frosting over the palm area. Arrange candy corn on fingers for feathers. Add candy eyes, and use decorating gel to draw a beak and wattle.
  10. Let frosting set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Use a light touch with flour when rolling. Let kids decorate on wax paper for easy cleanup. Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days; decorated cookies are best within 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cookies, handprint cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, sugar cookies, kid-friendly, holiday baking