The Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Thanksgiving Desserts for 2025

As someone who's spent countless Thanksgivings elbow-deep in pie crust (and loving every minute), I can tell you that these recipes aren't just delicious—they're crowd-pleasers with sky-high ratings and rave reviews. Imagine the scent of warm cinnamon and maple wafting through your kitchen, paired with a playlist of holiday tunes and a flickering candle for that extra cozy vibe. In this guide, we'll dive into top picks across categories like pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, and even a few sippable sweets to toast the season. Ready to bake your way to Thanksgiving fame? Let's get started!

Irresistible Thanksgiving Pies: The Heart of the Holiday Table

Pies are the undisputed kings (and queens) of Thanksgiving desserts. They're easy to slice, serve everyone a generous portion, and let's be honest—who can resist that flaky crust? Here are the best Thanksgiving pie recipes that top our list every year.

• Brown Sugar Maple Pecan Cookie Pie: This gem is a love child of cookie dough and pecan pie, infused with rich brown sugar and pure maple syrup for that perfect fall sweetness. It's gooey in the center, crisp on the edges, and begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Pro tip: Make it ahead and refrigerate—it tastes even better on day two!
• Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie: If chocolate lovers are in your crew, this is your MVP. The crackly top gives way to a molten, fudgy center that's pure indulgence. We've made it an annual tradition because it's simple to whip up but feels like a bakery masterpiece. Pair it with whipped cream for extra decadence.
• Chai Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream: Elevate the classic pumpkin pie with warm chai spices—think cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Topped with a fluffy maple whipped cream, it's a sophisticated nod to autumn that even picky eaters adore. This one's a staple for its creamy texture and spice-forward flavor.

These pies aren't just desserts; they're the emotional core of the meal, evoking grandma's kitchen while keeping things fresh and exciting.

Gooey, Chewy Thanksgiving Cookies: Bake-and-Share Favorites

Cookies are the ultimate no-fuss Thanksgiving dessert idea—portable, shareable, and impossible to mess up. Bake a batch (or three) and watch them disappear faster than the cranberry sauce. Our favorites lean into seasonal flavors like pumpkin, pecan, and spice.

• Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies: Buttery, nutty, and crowned with a sweet frosting, these are soft-baked perfection. The toasted pecans add a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb—ideal for gifting or cookie swaps.
• Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Moist from pumpkin butter and studded with melty chocolate chips, these cookies scream fall. They're chewy, spiced just right, and a healthier-ish twist on the classic chocolate chipper.
• White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Tangy snickerdoodle dough meets chai-spiced pumpkin and creamy white chocolate chunks. Roll them in cinnamon sugar for that signature crackle—your new holiday obsession.
• Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing: Imagine gingerbread's bold warmth blended with espresso notes, finished with a nutty brown butter glaze. Soft, spicy, and caffeinated? Yes, please—these are for the coffee-loving crowd.

Don't sleep on salted pretzel praline cookies either; their sweet-salty vibe makes them a fun, unexpected addition to any dessert lineup.

Decadent Brownies and Bars: For the Chocolate and Spice Lovers

When you need something fudgy and festive, brownies and bars deliver big time. These easy Thanksgiving desserts are great for potlucks since they travel well and slice into perfect squares.

• Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies: Think pecan pie filling poured over a brownie base—chewy, sticky, and utterly addictive. It's like two classics collided in the best way possible.
• Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies: Golden blondies swirled with cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-inspired treat. Soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, they're a lighter alternative to heavy pies.
• Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Pumpkin puree keeps these bars moist, while chocolate chips and cinnamon swirls add layers of flavor. Bake 'em in a sheet pan for effortless serving.

These picks prove that Thanksgiving brownies can be just as holiday-appropriate as pie—minus the rolling pin hassle.

Showstopping Cakes and Breads: Impress with Layers and Swirls

For those who want to go all out, cakes and quick breads bring the wow factor. They're versatile for breakfast leftovers too (hello, post-Turkey Day brunch!). Dive into these popular Thanksgiving cakes.

• Chai Pumpkin Cake with Maple Browned Butter Frosting: Spiced chai pumpkin layers meet a frosting that's browned butter heaven with maple hints. Moist, aromatic, and topped with pecans for crunch—pure elegance.
• Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Bread: A loaf that's half pumpkin bread, half cheesecake, thanks to that creamy swirl. It's subtly sweet, spiced with cinnamon, and slices like a dream.
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting: Mini cupcakes channeling pecan pie with a boozy chocolate twist and nutty frosting. Perfect for individual servings at a crowded table.

Bonus: Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze—fluffy, cider-infused rings that taste like fall in every bite. No frying required!

Warm Up with Sweet Holiday Drinks: The Perfect Nightcap

End the feast on a cozy note with these Thanksgiving hot drinks that double as desserts. They're quick to make and pair beautifully with any pie or cookie.

• Asher’s 5 Minute Vanilla Bean Hot Cocoa: Rich, velvety cocoa scraped from real vanilla beans—whip it up in minutes for instant warmth.
• Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte: Creamy latte with torched caramel topping for that brûlée crunch. It's indulgent without being overly sweet.
• Pumpkin Spice Pecan Latte: A pecan-infused spin on the PSL, complete with pumpkin spices and frothy milk. Sip slowly by the fire.

These sippable treats make your gathering feel extra special, especially on a chilly November evening.

Final Thoughts: Make Thanksgiving Dessert Your Own

There you have it—the most popular Thanksgiving desserts that blend tradition with a dash of creativity. Whether you're a pie purist or a cookie connoisseur, these recipes will have everyone asking for seconds (and the link to your blog, of course!). What's your must-make this year? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your twists or family secrets. And if you're feeling ambitious, tag me in your bakes for a shoutout.

Pro tip for stress-free baking: Prep your doughs and fillings a day early, and don't forget to enlist the kids for cookie decorating. Happy Thanksgiving—may your table be full and your sweets even fuller!