Thanksgiving Treats for Kids

Name: Thanksgiving Treats for Kids
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring; Candy eyes; Chocolate chips; 1 package of pie crusts; 2 cups pumpkin puree; 1 cup sugar; 1 tsp pumpkin spice; 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight your little ones this holiday season with fun and festive Thanksgiving Treats! This collection features kid-friendly recipes that are easy to make and full of seasonal flavors. From turkey-shaped cookies to pumpkin pie pops, these treats are perfect for family gatherings and will get everyone into the holiday spirit. Create wonderful memories in the kitchen with your kids while celebrating the joys of Thanksgiving!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2025-11-27T06:56:04.726Z

Celebrate the Thanksgiving season with treats that your children will love! These recipes are not only delicious but also fun to make, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family!

Fun Family Activity

Baking together is a wonderful way to bond with your children, especially during the holiday season. Getting your little ones involved in the kitchen reinforces teamwork and creativity, making memorable experiences that last a lifetime. Let them measure ingredients, mix batter, and even shape the dough. The sense of accomplishment they'll feel when they see (and taste) their creations is unmatched. Plus, it sets the stage for family traditions that can be passed down through generations.

Thanksgiving treats are not only delicious, but they also give children an opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage. While baking, share stories about Thanksgiving traditions, what the holiday means, and how it’s celebrated in different cultures. This educational aspect entwined with fun baking activities makes for an enriching experience. It sparks curiosity and helps children develop a broader understanding of the world around them.

Engaging Seasonal Flavors

The flavors of Thanksgiving are cherished by many, and incorporating them into fun treats can ignite excitement and joy for your kids. Pumpkin, spices, and even chocolate come together to form interesting and delectable combinations that will entice even the pickiest eaters. Your kids will enjoy exploring these flavors in a way that feels playful rather than routine. Plus, introducing seasonal ingredients can foster a love for cooking and baking, encouraging them to embrace more adventurous food choices.

Kids love to explore new tastes, and Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie and cookies shaped like turkeys are perfect for sparking their interest in cooking. You can use this opportunity to discuss different ingredients and their origins, teaching them about nutrition and flavors in a casual and fun setting. Think about how different textures and tastes can come together to create a delightful experience, making your Thanksgiving baking day not only a treat, but an educational lesson as well.

Ingredients

Turkey-Shaped Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring
Candy eyes
Chocolate chips

Pumpkin Pie Pops

1 package of pie crusts
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting.

Instructions

Making the Turkey Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
Gradually add flour and combine.
Divide dough and color as desired.
Shape into turkeys and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Preparing the Pumpkin Pie Pops

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out pie crust and cut into circles.
Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin spice.
Place a spoonful of filling on half of the circles, then top with another circle.
Seal the edges with a fork and brush with egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Allow treats to cool before serving.

Tips for Perfect Treats

To ensure your Thanksgiving treats turn out perfectly, make sure to measure all ingredients accurately. A kitchen scale can be a valuable tool if you’re baking cookies or pastries that require precision. Also, let your butter soften at room temperature for ideal creaming with sugar; this will significantly enhance the texture of your cookies. Remember to rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Incorporating colorful food coloring can turn ordinary cookie dough into a delightful masterpiece. Consider using natural colorings or letting kids mix their own shades to create unique designs. When shaping cookies, ensure they are evenly sized so they bake uniformly. Creativity is key, so don’t hesitate to let your little ones express themselves in their cookie designs through the use of candy decorations and icing.

Storing and Enjoying Your Treats

Once your Thanksgiving treats are baked and cooled, proper storage can keep them fresh and delicious for days. For cookies, use an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moisture and chewiness. If you're making pumpkin pie pops, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season.

Creating a festive display with your baked goods can enhance the overall holiday spirit. You could set up a treat table for family gatherings, allowing everyone to pick their favorites. Alternatively, consider packaging some treats in festive boxes or decorative bags as gifts for friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of your Thanksgiving baking beyond just your household.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, these treats can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

→ Are these recipes safe for younger children?

Yes, with adult supervision, these recipes are safe and easy for kids to help with.