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Fall Leaf Cut Out Cookies: Easy Thanksgiving Baking Idea

Fall Leaf Cut Out Cookies - featured image
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These buttery vanilla cookies are shaped like autumn leaves and decorated with colored sugars or icing, making them a festive and nostalgic treat for Thanksgiving and fall gatherings. The dough is easy to work with and yields tender, crisp-edged cookies that are perfect for sharing and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Colored sugars (red, orange, yellow, gold)
  • Royal icing or simple glaze (see notes)
  • Sprinkles, edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using); beat until smooth.
  3. Stir in cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add flour, mixing just until combined. Dough will be soft but not sticky.
  5. Shape dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out leaf shapes using cookie cutters.
  8. Sprinkle cookies with colored sugars before baking, or decorate with icing after baking.
  9. Transfer cookies to prepared sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
  10. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to wire racks to cool.
  11. If desired, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and a drop of vanilla for a simple glaze. Drizzle or pipe onto cooled cookies, then add sprinkles or edible glitter.

Notes

Chill the dough twice for crisp edges and easy rolling. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a suitable flour blend and vegan butter. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Decorate with colored sugars before baking or with icing after cooling. For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, leaf cut out cookies, sugar cookies, autumn baking, holiday dessert, easy cookie recipe, kid-friendly cookies, decorated cookies, cookie swap

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