5 Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving is supposed to be cozy, filled with laughter, and the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. Somehow, in my house, it usually starts with a toddler spilling pumpkin puree, a dog trying to snag cookies off the counter, and me wondering why I ever thought hosting a family dessert table would be relaxing. 

Amid the chaos, I realized the key to surviving the holiday is planning simple, tasty, and family-friendly Thanksgiving desserts that actually work. These five recipes have saved me more than once-and they just might save you too. From apple cinnamon donuts to mini pumpkin pies, these desserts are all about comfort, flavor, and sanity. Each one has been tested in my chaotic kitchen (and survived my family’s picky taste buds) so you can feel confident serving them this holiday season.

1. Apple Cinnamon Donuts

There’s nothing better than the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the house while the kids argue over who gets the first donut. These Apple Cinnamon Donuts are one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts to serve for breakfast, snack time, or just a cozy afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love These

These donuts are soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, perfect for fall mornings or when craving Thanksgiving desserts. They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and pair beautifully with coffee or a sweet treat for adults.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp baking soda
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• ½ cup buttermilk
  
• 1 cup peeled and diced apples
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Donut pan
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Electric mixer or whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spatula
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan.

Step 2:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3:

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 4:

Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing gently.

Step 5:

Fold in diced apples until evenly incorporated.

Step 6:

Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Step 7:

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8:

Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and drizzle with glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

What to Serve With

Serve these Apple Cinnamon Donuts with a Pumpkin spice latte or Coconut-rum ice cream for a cozy, indulgent fall treat.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use pre-diced apples to save time.
  
• Muffin tins can be a substitute if you don’t have a donut pan.
  

2. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Some days, I just need chocolate to survive motherhood, and these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect solution. Soft, pumpkiny, and studded with chocolate chips, they’re one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love These

These cookies are easy to make, cozy, and indulgent without being overly sweet. These are family-friendly Thanksgiving desserts that work perfectly for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or the dessert table at Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• ½ tsp baking soda
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• ¾ cup brown sugar
  
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup chocolate chips
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
  
• Parchment paper
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Electric mixer or whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spatula
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3:

Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy, then mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla.

Step 4:

Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5:

Fold in chocolate chips gently.

Step 6:

Scoop dough onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 7:

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set.

Step 8:

Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

What to Serve With

Pair these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Pumpkin spice latte or Coconut-rum ice cream for an indulgent, cozy dessert.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
  
• Double the recipe and freeze extra dough for quick cookie nights.
  

3. Maple Pumpkin Pudding Cups

Maple Pumpkin Pudding Cups are one of my favorite make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts. Creamy, lightly spiced, and perfectly portioned, they’re ideal when the holiday chaos hits your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These

These pudding cups are rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare. These are fall and Thanksgiving desserts that can be served chilled, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
  
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  
• ⅔ cup maple syrup
  
• ¼ cup sugar
  
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp nutmeg
  
• ¼ tsp ginger
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
  
• Whisk
  
• Mixing bowl
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Small spatula
  
• 4-6 serving cups or ramekins
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium saucepan.

Step 2:

Whisk over medium heat until smooth and well combined.

Step 3:

Heat to a gentle boil while whisking constantly.

Step 4:

Reduce heat and cook 2-3 minutes until pudding thickens.

Step 5:

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 6:

Pour into serving cups and allow to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7:

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 8:

Top with whipped cream before serving.

What to Serve With

Enjoy these pudding cups with Teriyaki chicken bowls, Creamy tomato basil soup, or Pumpkin Mac&Cheese for a cozy meal pairing.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use canned pumpkin puree for quick prep.
  
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
  

4. Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned. After a chaotic day of pumpkin patch visits and sibling squabbles, pulling these Thanksgiving desserts out of the fridge feels like a reward for surviving motherhood.

Why You’ll Love These

These cheesecakes combine the flavors of fall in every bite. They’re kid-friendly, easy to prep, and elegant enough to serve at Thanksgiving dessert tables.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
  
• 2 tbsp sugar
  
• 16 oz cream cheese
  
• ½ cup sugar
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 1 tsp vanilla
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp nutmeg
  
• 1 cup peeled, diced apples
  
• ½ cup caramel sauce
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin with 12 cups
  
• Paper cupcake liners
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Electric mixer or whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spatula
  
• Small saucepan
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2:

Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar.

Step 3:

Press crumbs into muffin cups to form crusts.

Step 4:

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add eggs, then vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5:

Fold in diced apples.

Step 6:

Spoon filling over crusts and bake 20-25 minutes.

Step 7:

Cool at room temperature 10 minutes, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Step 8:

Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

What to Serve With

Pair these Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Lasagna, Stuffed bell peppers, or Mushroom Pasta for a full fall meal.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use pre-diced apples to save time.
  
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for easier serving.
  

5. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mini Pumpkin Pies are my go-to Thanksgiving dessert when I want individual servings without fussing over cutting slices. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re simple, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love These

These mini pies are easy, portable, and perfectly spiced. They’re a family-friendly dessert that works for potlucks, lunchboxes, or dessert tables.

Ingredients

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
  
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  
• ½ cup sugar
  
• ½ tsp cinnamon
  
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
  
• ¼ tsp ginger
  
• 2 eggs
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin
  
• Paper cupcake liners
  
• Mixing bowl
  
• Whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spatula
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin with liners.

Step 2:

Roll out pie crust and cut circles slightly larger than muffin cups.

Step 3:

Press dough into muffin cups.

Step 4:

Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and cream.

Step 5:

Pour filling into crusts, about ¾ full.

Step 6:

Bake 20-25 minutes until set.

Step 7:

Cool and refrigerate before serving.

Step 8:

Optional: top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.

What to Serve With

These Mini Pumpkin Pies pair perfectly with a White chocolate espresso martini or coffee liqueur pumpkin spice latte, making dessert fun for adults while kids enjoy their own mini pies.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use a cookie cutter to quickly cut pie crusts.
  
• Freeze extra mini pies for later indulgence.
  

Wrapping It Up

Thanksgiving desserts don’t have to feel overwhelming. With these five Thanksgiving desserts, you can create a cozy, comforting, and family-friendly spread without losing your mind. Even if the pumpkin pies wobble or a donut cracks, what matters most is the laughter, sticky fingers, and sneaky bites while the kids aren’t looking. These desserts prove that simple, tested dishes can make your holiday feel magical, warm, and achievable—chaos and all.