Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  4. Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
  5. Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
  6. Our 25 Best Fall Cookies and Bars for Thanksgiving

Our 25 Best Fall Cookies and Bars for Thanksgiving

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins Updated November 08, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
cranberry cheesecake bars

You can never have enough apple, pumpkin, cranberry or pecan treats on the Thanksgiving dessert table. This delicious lineup of cookies, bars and other two-bite treats is full of sweets that will be right at home on any holiday dessert board. Recipes like our Pecan Pie Bars and Cranberry Cheesecake Bars promise to add even more fall flavor to your menu.

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cinnamon Streusel Fresh Apple Bars

5630769.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These sweet, cinnamon-flavored apple bars are the perfect accompaniment for your afternoon cup of coffee or tea.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Healthy Pumpkin-Oatmeal Cookies

pumpkin oatmeal cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These tender pumpkin-oatmeal cookies have the perfect amount of sweetness from brown sugar and raisins and a slightly nutty flavor from almond butter. Enjoy them as an after-school snack or a healthy dessert. Several testers also said they'd love to eat them with a cup of coffee in the morning.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Apple Cookies

8431996.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids and adults alike will love these fall caramel apple cookies. They are crisp on the bottom and chewy in the center with bits of apple and just a hint of spice. The caramel glaze takes them over the top!

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

cranberry cheesecake bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A great dessert option for your next holiday party, these sweet cheesecake bars have an oat crust and a cranberry-orange sauce that's swirled on top and baked right in.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

8458667.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg make these wholesome pumpkin cookies delicious without the addition of butter--and they lend themselves beautifully to the inclusion of whole-wheat flour. They are also the perfect texture for a sandwich cookie--fill them with a slightly sweetened cream cheese frosting.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oatmeal-Coconut Cookies with Cranberries & White Chocolate

4578863.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our classic oatmeal cookie recipe gets a flavor twist with coconut, white chocolate chips (which have a more delicate flavor than milk or dark chocolate) and tart dried cranberries. The result is a chewy, sweet treat that's sure to leave you coming back for more.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies

7024832.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Indulge your PSL obsession with these pumpkin spice cookies. Instant espresso powder gives these soft, cakey cookies a subtle yet recognizable coffee flavor. Spread with cream cheese frosting (with more pumpkin pie spice flavors) and sprinkle with cinnamon to finish. And, go ahead, drink a pumpkin spice latte while you eat them for the full PSL experience. After all, it's only fall for so long (though we'd eat these cookies year-round). To make these cookies kid-friendly, simply omit the espresso powder.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple-Oatmeal Cookies

Apple Cookies
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These healthy apple cookies made with oats, shredded apples and brown sugar make snack time enjoyable for everybody.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies

5911454.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic chocolate chip cookies get a fall update by mixing in pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Not only are these pumpkin cookies even more flavorful than regular chocolate chip cookies, they're also oh-so-soft and cakelike. Use chocolate chunks for big gooey bites of chocolate or opt for mini chocolate chips to ensure a bit of chocolate in each bite.

 

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

8432130.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These pumpkin sugar cookies are soft and moist with just the right amount of spice and a delicate pumpkin flavor topped off with a nice lightly spiced glaze. They're perfect for a fall after-school snack or light dessert.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Pecan Pies

7222734.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The key to these decadent treats is the portion size--baking them in mini-muffin tins keeps the carbs and saturated fat in check. And maple syrup allows you to make this pecan pie recipe without corn syrup.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

4545919.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For bigger hits of chocolate goodness, use chopped bittersweet chocolate in place of the chips. Hold on to the leftover pumpkin puree--it's yummy stirred into your morning oatmeal or yogurt.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Boot Tracks

3756698.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Patti Anderson, a professional quilter, had never entered a cooking contest before she took our challenge. This quick, no-fuss, chewy chocolate cookie is made on your waffle iron. No need to haul out the big mixer, you can mix the batter with a small hand mixer or even by hand. Kids love these!

 

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cashew-Cardamom Shortbread

Cashew Cardamom Shortbread
Credit: Pooja Makhijani
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cardamom-spiced shortbread cookies were inspired by the Indian sweet kaju katli.

 

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Apple Squares

8524824.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One batch of dough does double duty as both the crust and streusel topping to make one of the easiest desserts around.

 

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Sugar-Added Oatmeal Cookies

4572429.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic oatmeal cookies without all the sugar, these better-for-you gluten-free treats get their sweetness from ripe bananas and chopped dates.

 

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Crumble Bars

5959781.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cranberry-orange bars freeze well. Make a batch on a free afternoon and pop them in the freezer so you'll always have a healthy dessert on hand when company calls.

 

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond Burfi

7186767.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Burfi is an Indian sweet treat often served and gifted during Diwali and other festivals--or whenever one has a craving. Usually made with either condensed milk or ghee (or both), it's a decadent sweet that's not quite a cookie, not quite a candy, but something in between. It's often described as a kind of fudge. Throughout South Asia and the diaspora, different families have their own unique ways of making it, and that's the beauty: from the size and shape to the toppings and mix-in spices, everything can be customized. Even chocolate burfi is a thing! This version uses nonfat dry milk powder, almond flour and less sugar than most other burfi recipes for sweet satisfaction that's just a bit lighter, so you can feel good about serving up seconds.

 

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Ginger Molasses Cookies
Credit: Photography / Greg DuPree, Styling / Ruth BlackBurn / Julia Bayless
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The spelt flour in these ginger molasses cookies offers a chewy texture and a nutty flavor that shines with the ginger in this easy holiday cookie recipe.

 

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pecan Pie Bars

5628574.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These delectable bar cookies are great for holiday cookie trays, to bring out at casual gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

 

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot Cake Blondies
Credit: Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic carrot cake flavors abound in these easy bars. They're rich like brownies, but their cake-like texture helps keep them light. A yogurt and cream cheese-based frosting topped with nutty walnuts completes this crowd-pleasing dessert. If you're avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free oat flour or make your own by processing gluten-free oats into powder in your high-speed blender.

 

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cinnamon Icebox Cookies

Cinnamon Icebox Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slice-and-bake icebox cookies are the ultimate make-ahead treat. You can make a batch and bake as many as you like, saving the rest of the dough in the freezer. These simple swirled cookies are rolled in finely chopped pecans. They're mildly sweet—perfect for after dinner or paired with coffee.

 

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Cookies

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Credit: Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RDN
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Natural almond butter gives these gluten-free cookies a wonderfully rich flavor and tender, slightly chewy texture. Folding in chopped toasted almonds along with mini chocolate chips ensures plenty of chocolate and crunch in every bite.

 

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Chunk-Walnut Meringue Cookies

Chocolate Chunk-Walnut Meringue Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Look to these meringue cookies if you want a new, simple, no-fuss holiday cookie recipe. They're ready to eat after drying in the oven for an hour, but you can leave them in there longer–even overnight.

 

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gluten-Free Fudgy Teff Brownies

5873057.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whole-grain teff flour (made from a tiny ancient grain) has a nuance of cocoa flavor to start with, making it a natural choice for brownies. These gluten-free brownies are moist and satisfying, intensely chocolaty and have a tender texture.

 

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Cinnamon Streusel Fresh Apple Bars
    2 of 25 Healthy Pumpkin-Oatmeal Cookies
    3 of 25 Caramel Apple Cookies
    4 of 25 Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
    5 of 25 Spiced Pumpkin Cookies
    6 of 25 Oatmeal-Coconut Cookies with Cranberries & White Chocolate
    7 of 25 Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
    8 of 25 Apple-Oatmeal Cookies
    9 of 25 Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies
    10 of 25 Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
    11 of 25 Mini Pecan Pies
    12 of 25 Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
    13 of 25 Boot Tracks
    14 of 25 Cashew-Cardamom Shortbread
    15 of 25 Fresh Apple Squares
    16 of 25 No-Sugar-Added Oatmeal Cookies
    17 of 25 Cranberry Crumble Bars
    18 of 25 Almond Burfi
    19 of 25 Ginger Molasses Cookies
    20 of 25 Pecan Pie Bars
    21 of 25 Carrot Cake Bars
    22 of 25 Cinnamon Icebox Cookies
    23 of 25 Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Cookies
    24 of 25 Chocolate Chunk-Walnut Meringue Cookies
    25 of 25 Gluten-Free Fudgy Teff Brownies

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our 25 Best Fall Cookies and Bars for Thanksgiving
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.