19 Thanksgiving Treats to Make Your Holiday Extra Special

ByMarigold Banks Updated
Thanksgiving Treats - Guyo's Guide

Looking for some tasty Thanksgiving treats to make your holiday even sweeter? 

In this article, we’ll share fun and easy recipes that everyone will enjoy. 

From pies to cookies, these Thanksgiving treats are perfect for celebrating with family and friends. 

Let’s get started!

1. Pumpkin Pie Bars

A photo of golden-brown pumpkin pie bars in a white tray. The bars are neatly cut into squares and are arranged well. Each bar has a creamy orange pumpkin layer topped with a light dusting of cinnamon, set on a flaky, buttery crust. A few bars have a dollop of whipped cream on top, adding a festive touch. The background is a wooden surface with a few autumn leaves.
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Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but pumpkin pie bars make it easier to serve. 

These treats offer the classic flavors of a pumpkin pie—cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy pumpkin filling—in a convenient handheld form. 

Perfect for guests who want a little sweet bite without committing to a full slice of pie. 

They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flair.

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2. Cranberry Brie Bites

A photo of a close-up shot of a puff pastry appetizer, likely a cranberry and brie bite. Each pastry consists of golden, flaky puff pastry that has puffed up around the edges, forming a square-like shape with crinkled, light brown corners. Inside the pastry cup, there is a filling of rich, dark red cranberry sauce or jam. The cranberry filling is glossy and slightly textured, with visible chunks of cranberries. Sprinkled on top of the cranberry filling are small pieces of crushed pistachios, adding a pop of green color. The pastry appears warm and fresh, sitting on a clean white surface, likely a serving plate. The overall look is festive and appetizing.
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These small, savory-sweet appetizers combine the richness of melted brie with tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in a crispy phyllo shell. 

Cranberry brie bites are a sophisticated snack that fits right into the Thanksgiving theme. 

They’re easy to serve, mess-free, and full of fall flavors. Perfect for guests to grab before the main course, while mingling and enjoying a glass of wine.

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3. Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

A photo of mini sweet potato casserole cups arranged on a rustic serving board. Each cup has a fluffy, orange sweet potato base topped with toasted mini marshmallows and a crunchy pecan crumble, creating a delicious mix of textures. The background is simple and uncluttered, allowing the sweet potato casserole cups to be the main focus of the image.
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Why not make sweet potato casserole a bit more fun by serving it in individual portions? 

Sweet potato casserole cups are a great way to offer a personal-size version of this classic dish. 

Topped with mini marshmallows and a pecan crumble, these mini servings are adorable, convenient, and a big hit for both kids and adults alike.

4. Pecan Pie Bites

A photo of a white plate with several small pecan pie tarts. Each tart has a golden, buttery crust and is filled with a rich, caramel-colored filling topped with chopped pecans. The filling has a glossy, syrupy texture. The plate is placed on a white surface, and a folded white towel with red stripes is draped beside it. In the background, there is a glass jar filled with more chopped pecans, slightly blurred. The overall composition highlights the tarts' inviting appearance, with the textures and colors of the pastry and filling contrasting beautifully.
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Pecan pie is a rich and decadent Thanksgiving dessert, but in bite-sized form, it becomes a treat that everyone can enjoy without guilt. 

These little bites pack all the gooey sweetness of traditional pecan pie into a small, manageable portion. 

They have a buttery crust, sticky caramel filling, and crunchy pecans on top, making them perfect for a dessert table spread.

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5. Turkey-Shaped Sugar Cookies

A photo of a white tray filled with an array of colorful turkey-shaped sugar cookies. Each cookie is decorated with vibrant icing to resemble a cute Thanksgiving turkey. The cookies are topped with colorful feathers made of icing, giving them a playful and festive appearance. The background is clean and simple, allowing the cookies to be the main focus of the image.
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Bring some fun to the dessert table with turkey-shaped sugar cookies. 

These festive cookies can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, and candies to make them resemble adorable turkeys. 

Not only are they tasty, but they’re also a great activity for kids and adults to decorate together. 

They add a playful element to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

6. Caramel Apple Slices

A wooden board with a tempting display of caramel apple slices. Each apple slice is dipped in golden caramel and drizzled with chocolate or sprinkled with chopped nuts. The apples have a shiny, glossy appearance, and the caramel drizzle forms swirls and patterns. The nuts add a contrasting texture. The background is minimalistic, with a few green leaves.
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Caramel apples are a fall favorite, but whole apples can be difficult to eat. 

Caramel apple slices offer the same delicious combination of tart apples and gooey caramel in a more convenient, bite-sized form. 

You can dip them in chocolate, roll them in nuts, or even add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. 

A great treat that appeals to all ages!

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7. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

A photo of a table filled with mini pumpkin cheesecakes. Each cheesecake is perfectly portioned and has a golden graham cracker crust. The creamy orange pumpkin filling is topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding a festive fall touch.
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If you’re looking for a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, mini pumpkin cheesecakes are the way to go. 

These individual cheesecakes combine creamy cheesecake filling with spiced pumpkin flavor, all on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. 

They’re perfectly portioned and ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings where guests may want to sample a variety of desserts.

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8. Maple Glazed Donuts

A photo of a platter of warm, cream-colored maple-glazed donuts. Each donut has a shiny, sticky maple glaze dripping down the sides. The donuts are arranged in a white tray. The background is simple, allowing the donuts to stand out.
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For a unique Thanksgiving dessert, try serving maple-glazed donuts. 

The rich, sweet flavor of maple pairs beautifully with the fall spices that are often associated with the season. 

These donuts can be baked or fried and are perfect for a casual, laid-back gathering. 

Serve them warm for an extra-cozy treat, and they’ll disappear in no time.

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9. Apple Pie Bars

A photo of a batch of apple pie bars. Each bar has a perfectly layered apple filling and a cinnamon streusel topping. The bars are neatly cut into squares, revealing the juicy apples beneath the crumbly golden crust. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness. The bars are arranged on a wooden board, with a few apples and cinnamon sticks placed around them. The background is blurred, showing a rustic kitchen with white cabinets and a beige countertop.
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Apple pie is a must-have at Thanksgiving, but apple pie bars make serving easier. 

These bars have all the elements of traditional apple pie—tender apples, cinnamon, and flaky crust—but in a more convenient, sliceable form. 

They’re easy to transport and can be eaten by hand, making them a great option for larger gatherings.

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10. Roasted Cinnamon Almonds

A photo of two white ceramic bowls filled with roasted almonds coated in a powdered cinnamon-sugar mixture. The bowls are placed on a white marble surface with gray veining. The almonds are uniformly brown, with a visibly textured coating of sugar crystals and cinnamon powder, giving them a slightly rough and rustic appearance. Several almonds are scattered outside the bowls, randomly placed on the marble surface, adding a casual, inviting element to the composition. The lighting is soft and natural, enhancing the texture of the sugar coating on the almonds and the smooth surface of the bowls.
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A tasty snack that fills the air with the scent of cinnamon, roasted cinnamon almonds are a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. 

They’re easy to prepare in advance and can be placed in small bowls around the house for guests to munch on. 

Plus, they offer a healthier alternative to some of the more indulgent Thanksgiving sweets.

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11. Cranberry Orange Scones

A photo of a plate of freshly baked cranberry orange scones. Each scone is speckled with bright red cranberries and flecks of orange zest. The golden-brown tops have a light sugar glaze, giving the scones a warm, inviting appearance. There is a sprinkle of sugar on the plate around the scones. The plate is on a wooden surface.
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Cranberry orange scones are the perfect blend of tart and sweet. 

The bright flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange make these scones a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving brunch or dessert spread. 

Lightly sweetened and served with butter or jam, these scones are a treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, adding a refreshing twist to the dessert table.

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12. Pumpkin Spice Truffles

A photo of a luxurious display of pumpkin spice truffles. Each truffle is coated in smooth chocolate and dusted with cinnamon. The truffles are arranged on a chic platter. The rich, dark chocolate exterior provides a contrast to the warm, spiced filling inside.
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For a truly indulgent treat, pumpkin spice truffles deliver a rich, creamy flavor. 

These bite-sized delights are packed with spiced pumpkin and dipped in chocolate, making them a sophisticated and satisfying dessert option. 

They can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making them a low-maintenance yet impressive addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

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13. Cornbread Muffins

A photo of a basket of golden-brown cornbread muffins with slightly crisp edges. The tops of the muffins are cracked and airy, revealing the soft, fluffy inside. A small dish of honey butter is placed next to the basket, adding a rustic, homemade vibe. The background is a wooden surface.
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Cornbread is a Thanksgiving classic, and serving it as individual muffins makes it even easier. 

These mini cornbreads can be savory or slightly sweet, and they’re perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or the main course. 

Add a touch of honey butter for a delightful finishing touch that guests will love.

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14. Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets

A photo of three stacked miniature pecan pies, each with a golden-brown, flaky pie crust. The crusts are thick, smooth, and slightly glossy, indicating a buttery, well-baked texture. The pies are filled with a rich, caramelized pecan mixture, with visible pieces of toasted pecans on top, giving the pies a slightly crunchy texture. A single chocolate chip is placed on the topmost pie, adding a contrasting dark brown color and smooth texture to the pie’s nutty surface. A few scattered pecan pieces and chocolate chips are placed around the stack on a white surface. In the background, a faint, out-of-focus sprig of green herbs is visible, offering a fresh contrast to the rich, decadent pastries. The overall mood of the image is indulgent and inviting.
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For a twist on the traditional pecan pie, try serving chocolate-pecan tartlets. 

These mini tarts have a rich, chocolatey filling with a crunchy pecan topping, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors. 

The individual portions make them easy to serve and enjoy, and the combination of chocolate and pecans feels extra indulgent for the holiday.

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15. Maple Pecan Popcorn

A photo of a bowl of maple pecan popcorn. Each popcorn piece is coated in a shiny maple syrup glaze and tossed with roasted pecans. The popcorn is slightly golden from the syrup, and the clusters of pecans add a crunchy, nutty contrast.
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This sweet and salty snack is the perfect way to keep guests munching throughout the holiday. 

Maple pecan popcorn combines the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the buttery crunch of pecans and popcorn. 

It’s an easy treat to whip up and makes for a great party favor or late-night snack during Thanksgiving festivities.

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16. Spiced Pumpkin Bread

A photo of a loaf of spiced pumpkin bread with a glossy drizzle of cream cheese icing. Each slice of the treat shows the moist, orange interior studded with cinnamon and nutmeg. The top of the bread is slightly cracked. The background is a wooden board.
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Spiced pumpkin bread is a flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving table. 

Moist and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread makes a great snack or dessert. 

Serve it warm with a bit of butter, or for an extra treat, add a cream cheese frosting drizzle. 

It’s perfect for cozying up after a big Thanksgiving meal.

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17. Mini Apple Crumbles

A tray of mini apple crumbles with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream on top of each crumble. The cinnamon-spiced apple filling bubbles beneath a golden, buttery crumb topping. The ramekins are placed on a wooden board. There's a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the crumble. The background is blurred, showing a rustic setting with wooden elements.
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These individual apple crumbles are the perfect single-serving dessert for Thanksgiving. 

Made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery crumble, they bring the comfort of traditional apple pie in a more portable form. 

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing treat.

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18. Butterscotch Blondies

A cozy photo of a stack of four blondie bars. The top blondie is lifted by a hand. Each blondie has a light golden-brown, slightly crumbly texture, with small butterscotch chips and bits of chopped nuts throughout. The bars are neatly cut into square shapes and stacked on a smooth, white surface. The background is softly blurred.
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Blondies with a rich butterscotch flavor make a wonderful alternative to brownies. 

The warm, caramel-like sweetness of butterscotch pairs beautifully with fall spices, making these treats a hit for Thanksgiving. 

They’re easy to cut into squares and serve alongside other desserts, and they offer a delicious chewiness that contrasts nicely with more traditional pies and tarts.

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19. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

A photo of a display of pumpkin spice cupcakes. Each cupcake is frosted with a swirl of cream cheese icing. The warm orange cupcakes are sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with mini pumpkin candies, making them look festive and perfect for Thanksgiving.
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Finish off your Thanksgiving feast with pumpkin spice cupcakes. 

These moist, flavorful cupcakes are packed with the fall flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and are topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting. 

Easy to serve and enjoy, these cupcakes are a festive way to end the meal and will appeal to both kids and adults.

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Wrap Up

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy delicious treats with family and friends. 

From pumpkin pie bars to maple pecan popcorn, these sweet and savory ideas will make your holiday extra special. 

Try a few of these treats, and your guests will be truly thankful! 

Enjoy!

thanksgiving treats
Marigold Banks

Marigold Banks is a food writer at Guyo's Guide. With a rich background as a chef and event planner, she brings a unique culinary perspective and flair for detail to her articles. Marigold's passion for food and expert insights make her a valued voice on our blog.

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