Holidays in my kitchen always come with a little extra laughter, a dusting of flour on the counters, and more chocolate chips than anyone really needs. One recipe that has quickly become a Thanksgiving favorite in our house is Turkey Cookie Truffles.
Picture this: rich chocolate cookie truffles dipped in smooth melted chocolate, decorated with candy eyes, sprinkles, and colorful candies to look like little turkeys. They’re the kind of treat that makes both kids and adults pause, smile, and then reach for seconds. Beyond being ridiculously cute, they’re also simple to make, especially since they start with a Betty Crocker™ cookie mix.
So, whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dessert spread, a classroom treat, or just a festive family baking night, these turkey truffles deserve a spot on your table. Let’s dive into the magic!
Turkey Cookie Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or use homemade cookies
- 1 egg as directed on cookie mix package
- ½ cup butter as directed on cookie mix package
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened or mascarpone
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips milk or dark chocolate can be substituted
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 48 candy eyes
- assorted candies, nuts, and sprinkles such as candy corn, M&M’s, Mike and Ike® fruit candies, pecan halves, or sliced almonds for feathers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare and bake cookies according to package directions. Let them cool completely for at least 20 minutes.
- Grind cooled cookies into crumbs using a food processor.
- Add softened cream cheese and blend until the mixture holds together.
- Roll into 24 even balls (about 1½ inches each) and place on a wax paper–lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Microwave chocolate chips and shortening in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Working with a few truffles at a time, dip in melted chocolate using two forks. Tap off excess and place back on lined sheet.
- Quickly press on candy eyes and use assorted candies or nuts to create turkey feathers and beaks.
- Chill decorated truffles for 15 minutes, or until the coating sets. Keep covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love Turkey Cookie Truffles
1. Festive and Fun for Kids
These truffles are more than dessert—they’re a decorating project. Kids love pressing on the candy eyes and creating their own turkey “faces.” It’s part baking, part craft time, and all fun.
2. Surprisingly Simple
You don’t need to fuss with layers or fancy molds. A cookie mix, cream cheese, and chocolate chips form the base. The decorations? Totally customizable.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly
These truffles need chilling time, which makes them perfect for prepping a day ahead of your holiday gathering. They’ll stay fresh and adorable until it’s time to serve.
4. A Showstopper on Any Dessert Table
Among the pies, rolls, and casseroles, Turkey Cookie Truffles stand out as whimsical little bites of joy. Guests will not only eat them, they’ll talk about them.
Ingredients Breakdown (with Substitutions)
- Betty Crocker™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (17.5 oz pouch): The shortcut that saves time. You can swap with homemade cookies if you prefer.
- Butter and Egg: Added as directed on the cookie mix package.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz): Softened, this binds the cookie crumbs into a truffle texture. Swap with mascarpone for a milder taste.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Used for dipping. Milk or dark chocolate can be substituted depending on your preference.
- Shortening (2 tbsp): Ensures the chocolate is silky for dipping. Coconut oil can be used instead.
- Candy Eyes (48): These bring the turkeys to life!
- Assorted Candies, Nuts, and Sprinkles: Think candy corn, M&M’s, Mike and Ike® fruit candies, pecan halves, or sliced almonds for turkey “feathers.”
Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Cookie Truffles
1. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare and bake cookies according to the pouch directions.
- Let them cool completely for at least 20 minutes.
2. Make the Truffle Mixture
- Grind cooled cookies into crumbs using a food processor.
- Add softened cream cheese and blend until the mixture holds together.
3. Shape the Truffles
- Roll into 24 even balls (about 1½ inches each).
- Place on a wax paper–lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
4. Melt the Chocolate
- Microwave chocolate chips and shortening together in 15-second intervals until smooth.
5. Dip and Decorate
- Working with a few truffles at a time, dip in chocolate using two forks.
- Tap off excess, set on a lined sheet, and quickly press in candy eyes.
- Use candies and nuts to create feathers and beaks.
6. Set and Store
- Chill decorated truffles 15 minutes, or until the coating sets.
- Keep covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
- Colorful Turkeys: Use vibrant M&M’s or fruity candies for bright feathers.
- Nutty Crunch: Add pecan halves or almonds to give texture to the “feathers.”
- Kid-Friendly Shortcut: Skip dipping and just roll the truffles in sprinkles.
- Storage: Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for 2 weeks—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Turkey Cookie Truffles ahead of time?
Q2: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Q3: How do I stop the chocolate from cracking?
Q4: Can I freeze these truffles?
You May Also Like
Adding Turkey Cookie Truffles to your Thanksgiving table is about more than serving dessert—it’s about creating memories, sparking laughter, and sharing something festive and sweet with the people you love. For even more cozy holiday recipes, explore my fall favorites like Pumpkin Pie Twists, Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, Pumpkin Bars, and Pumpkin Muffins.
And since the holidays are all about variety, don’t miss other treats like Chocolate Kiss Cookies, Christmas Bar Cookies, Hot Chocolate Poke Cake, Christmas Brownie Trees, Chocolate Orange Cake, Italian Chocolate Pear Cake, Candied Almonds, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, Garlic Butter Bread Rolls, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Truffles, Chocolate Orange Truffles, Christmas Nutella Cupcakes, and Crockpot Candy.
Follow along for even more inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook. Your holiday dessert table just found its newest star!