Thanksgiving Cookie Sides
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Thanksgiving Cookie Sides
This recipe for make-ahead Thanksgiving sides brings you the ultimate classic comfort: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, they bake up golden with rich chocolate bits in every bite. They are a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup, ready for advance preparation to ease your feast day stress.
I’ve baked these cookies for years, and their warm, inviting fragrance never fails to fill my kitchen with a sense of home. They remind me of chilly autumn afternoons spent preparing for the big meal, a sweet treat to enjoy while the dinner rolls are rising and the sweet potatoes are roasting. I love serving them warm alongside a slice of creamy pumpkin pie, creating a dessert spread that feels both classic and comforting.
For me, the ritual of making these Thanksgiving cookies ahead of time is as important as the baking itself. It’s a moment to slow down and enjoy the process, knowing I’m creating something special for my guests. After so many holidays, these cookies have become a cherished part of our celebration, right along with our favorite sweet potato casserole.
Why You Must Try These Cookies
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough days in advance for stress-free holiday baking.
- Classic, Comforting Flavor: Enjoy the timeless taste of soft, chewy cookies packed with chocolate.
- Incredibly Simple: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is straightforward and reliable.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for all ages, making them an ideal holiday dessert or snack.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Make-Ahead Cookies
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a perfectly chewy cookie.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies their characteristic rise and soft texture.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender crumb when creamed with the sugars.
- Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: The mix ensures a crisp edge and chewy center.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide melty pockets of rich chocolate flavor.
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving sides: classic chocolate chip cookies ready in 26 minutes. Easy recipe for creamy batter and soft, chewy results every time.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- knife
- measuring spoons
- oven
- baking sheet
- electric mixer
- whisk
- rubber spatula
- wire rack
- measuring cups
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Let cookies cool completely on the rack before storing for make-ahead preparation. Dough can be chilled for thicker cookies.
Recipe Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in one cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Different Chips: Swap semisweet for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
- Festive Mix-Ins: Add a half cup of dried cranberries for a tart, festive twist.
My Pro Tips for Cookie Perfection
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures the dough emulsifies properly for an even texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the flour just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Proper Spacing: Leave two inches between dough balls on the baking sheet so they have room to spread.
- Perfect Timing: Bake until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft for a chewy result. Pair these with other easy Thanksgiving side dishes for a complete meal.
How to Store Your Thanksgiving Cookies
- Store: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture.
- Freeze: Place baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Freeze Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the time.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be covered and refrigerated for up to 72 hours, allowing the flavors to develop for a richer taste. This makes them a perfect simple Thanksgiving dish to prep ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can. This is one of the best make-ahead Thanksgiving sides for dessert. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, which actually improves the flavor. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen.
How far in advance can I bake cookies for Thanksgiving?
For the best texture and freshness, I recommend baking cookies 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will still taste wonderfully soft and delicious on the day of your feast.
What is the secret to making chewy chocolate chip cookies?
The secret lies in the brown sugar and careful baking. Using more brown sugar than white contributes to chewiness. Also, pulling the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft is crucial for that perfect, chewy texture.
Should chocolate chip cookies be soft or crunchy?
This recipe yields a soft and chewy cookie, which is a classic favorite for holiday gatherings. The soft texture pairs wonderfully with richer desserts, much like a perfect cranberry orange bread complements a savory meal. However, you can bake them a minute or two longer for a crispier result if you prefer.
More Holiday Baking You’ll Adore
Why This Make-Ahead Treat Belongs on Your Table
With their soft, chewy centers and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a foolproof addition to any holiday menu. The ability to prepare them in advance makes them one of the most practical and beloved make-ahead Thanksgiving sides. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy baking.
