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Adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Hand Sugar Cookies for Kids: Easy & Perfect

Thanksgiving turkey hand sugar cookies - featured image
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These adorable Thanksgiving turkey hand sugar cookies are designed for family bonding, featuring a soft, chewy dough and vibrant royal icing decorations. Perfect for involving kids in holiday baking with simple ingredients and stress-free results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 to 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Gel-based food coloring (orange, red, yellow, blue)
  • Royal icing ingredients: powdered sugar, meringue powder (or egg whites), water, and lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, then scrape the bowl again.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together into a ball, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out turkey shapes using cookie cutters or simple shapes (circles and triangles). Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are very lightly golden but centers still look soft. Do not overbake.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare royal icing by beating powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Divide into bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
  11. Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies to create turkey faces, feathers, and details.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted to prevent spreading. Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining shape. Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering dough texture. Royal icing takes 4-6 hours to dry completely.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, turkey sugar cookies, kids baking, holiday baking, royal icing cookies, easy sugar cookies, family activity

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/adorable-thanksgiving-turkey-hand-sugar-cookies-for-kids-easy-and-perfect/