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Easy Turkey Hand Sugar Cookies for Kids

easy turkey hand sugar cookies - featured image

A simple, kid-friendly sugar cookie recipe shaped like turkeys. These cookies are soft, slightly crisp-edged, and perfect for holiday mornings or family baking sessions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, brown) for decorating

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies.
  5. Divide the dough into two balls, flatten into discs, wrap 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.
  7. On a floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a turkey cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still look slightly soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with icing or food coloring to add details like feathers and beaks.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency. Spoon and level flour for accurate measurements. Do not overmix the dough. Cookies can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cookies, sugar cookies for kids, holiday baking, easy cookies, Thanksgiving treats, fall cookies, kid-friendly recipes