Incredible Oreo Turkeys and Cookie Pilgrim Hats

November 16, 2025 by Alexa

The air is starting to get crisp here in New York City, and that always makes me think of cozy gatherings and delicious holiday baking. There’s something so special about creating treats that bring smiles to faces, especially during Thanksgiving. I remember making these fun, edible crafts with my family as a kid, and they always made the holiday feel extra magical.

Today, I want to share two of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving treats: festive Oreo Turkeys and adorable Cookie Pilgrim Hats. They are both incredibly fun and easy to make, perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. These delightful desserts are ideal for classroom parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply a sweet afternoon activity. You can have a whole batch of these ready in around 60 minutes, making them a fantastic last-minute option too!

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I truly believe these little creations are some of the best holiday treats you can whip up, and here’s why I adore them:

They are completely no-bake, which means less time waiting and more time enjoying. This also makes them wonderfully safe and easy for even the littlest helpers.
These treats look incredibly impressive on any dessert table, but I promise they are surprisingly simple to assemble. No advanced baking skills required!
You can easily customize them with different candies and frostings to match your holiday theme or personal preferences. Let your creativity shine!
Above all, these fun, edible crafts are always a huge crowd-pleaser. Both kids and adults alike can’t resist their charm and deliciousness.

I’ve gathered everything you’ll need to make these festive holiday delights. I always recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start!

Ingredients for Oreo Turkeys

Double Stuf Oreos – 2 per turkey (1 upright for the body, 1 flat for the base)
Candy corn – 5–6 per turkey (for feathers)
Whoppers – 1 per turkey (for the head)
Yellow frosting – for feet, eyes, beak
Red frosting (optional) – for the wattle
Black frosting OR black sprinkles/mini chips – for pupils
Chocolate frosting – for “glue”

Ingredients for Pilgrim Hats

Regular marshmallows
Chocolate chips or candy melts
Fudge stripe cookies
Yellow frosting

Equipment Needed

Making these treats is mostly about assembly, but having a few key tools on hand can make the process even smoother and less messy, especially with eager little hands helping out!

Piping bags or small Ziploc bags: These are fantastic for controlling the frosting and making neat designs. Just snip a tiny corner off the Ziploc bag.
Toothpicks: I find these handy for small detail work, like adjusting tiny sprinkles or fine-tuning eyes.
Parchment paper: Laying this down on your work surface makes for super easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Muffin tin: This is surprisingly useful for transporting finished treats or letting them set up without rolling around.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oreo Turkeys

Step 1 – Prepare Your Workspace

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Open your frostings and place them into piping bags or Ziploc bags with a tiny corner snipped off.
Keep your Oreos, candy corn, Whoppers, and sprinkles within reach.

This prevents everything from rolling away and keeps your workspace clean.

Step 2 – Build the Base

Take one Double Stuf Oreo and place it flat on the table.
Pipe a generous dime-sized mound of chocolate frosting on top, slightly off-center toward the back edge.

This frosting mound is the “glue” that holds the upright Oreo in place.

Step 3 – Add the Candy Corn Feathers

Take a second Double Stuf Oreo (this will become the turkey body).
Carefully separate it just enough to loosen the creme layer but DO NOT take it apart fully.
Insert 5–6 candy corn pieces into the creme at the top edge of the cookie.

The pointy end goes into the creme
The wide yellow end becomes the visible feather tips

Press gently so each candy corn is firmly anchored.

Arrange the feathers in a slight fan shape, this is exactly how they look in the picture.

Step 4 – Attach the Body Oreo to the Base

Hold the feathered Oreo upright.
Gently press the bottom edge of the Oreo into the frosting mound on the base cookie.

Tip:
Lean it against a mug, bowl, or wall while the frosting firms up.
Otherwise, it may tip backward.

Let it sit for 3–5 minutes.

Step 5 – Add the Head (Whopper)

Pipe a small bead of chocolate frosting onto the lower front of the upright Oreo (the “chest” area).
Press a Whopper onto the frosting so it sticks out slightly from the cookie.

The Whopper should sit centered and low, matching exactly how the photo looks.

Hold it for 5–10 seconds until it feels secure.

Step 6 – Add the Beak

You have two options:

Option A — Use Yellow Frosting

Pipe a small triangle shape onto the Whopper for the beak.

Option B — Use Candy Corn Tip

Cut off the white tip of a candy corn and attach with icing.

Both methods look great, but the photo clearly uses yellow frosting.

Step 7 – Make the Eyes

Pipe two small white or yellow dots on the Whopper above the beak.
Add pupils by:

placing a mini chocolate chip point-side down, or
pressing a single black sprinkle, or
piping a tiny dot of chocolate frosting

Press gently so they stick without sliding.

Step 8 – Add the Wattle (Optional)

Using red frosting, pipe a short curved or teardrop-shaped strip next to the beak.

This adds the classic turkey look.

Step 9 – Add the Feet

Using yellow frosting, pipe two small semi-circle “feet” at the front of the base Oreo.
Pipe 3 tiny toes on each foot.

Feet must sit ON the base Oreo
Feet must touch the bottom of the body Oreo

Step 10 – Let Them Set

Let your turkeys rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
The frosting will firm up, holding everything securely in place.

If transporting, place each turkey in a muffin tin cup to prevent tipping.

These little pilgrim hats are quick and charming, adding another festive touch to your table. They are incredibly simple, which makes them perfect for little hands. Perhaps these pilgrim hats would be a great addition to the dessert table alongside some delicious Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.

For the recipe, check out this article on how to make an Amazing Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe.

Ingredient Variations & Substitutions

I love that these recipes are so flexible! If you don’t have a particular ingredient, or if you just want to experiment with different flavors, I’ve put together some great substitution options for you. Looking for more dessert options? Find some delicious options on our treats and drinks page!

Ingredient	Substitution Options
Candy Corn	Mike and Ikes, autumn-colored M&Ms, sliced gumdrops
Oreos	Gluten-free Oreos, Nutter Butters, fudge-striped cookies
Chocolate Frosting	Nutella, melted chocolate

Making Them Allergy-Friendly

I understand that many families deal with food allergies, and I want everyone to be able to enjoy these fun Thanksgiving treats. Here are some ideas for making them more allergy-friendly:

Gluten-Free: Fortunately, several brands now offer gluten-free sandwich cookies that can easily replace traditional Oreos for the turkeys. For the pilgrim hats, simply ensure your fudge stripe cookies are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Look for dairy-free chocolate sandwich cookies and dairy-free chocolate chips or candy melts. Many brands now offer delicious plant-based frosting options that work wonderfully.

Creative Serving & Presentation Ideas

Once your adorable Oreo Turkeys and Cookie Pilgrim Hats are complete, I love finding fun ways to present them. They’re almost too cute to eat!

Dessert Board Delight: Arrange them on a festive dessert board alongside other fall treats like pumpkin spice pretzels, candied nuts, and apple slices. This creates a beautiful, bountiful display.
Festive Platter: Simply arrange them artfully on a large platter. I like to use a bed of edible grass or crinkled brown paper to make them pop.
Cupcake Toppers: For an extra special touch, place one mini turkey or pilgrim hat on top of each frosted cupcake. They make fantastic edible decorations!
Place Card Holders: Get creative by writing guests’ names on small paper flags and sticking them into the back of an Oreo Turkey or laying them gently next to a pilgrim hat. It’s a charming and unexpected way to assign seats.

Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions

I know how busy the holidays can be, so I love that these Thanksgiving treats can be made ahead of time. This saves so much stress on the day of your gathering!

Storage: Once assembled, I store my Oreo Turkeys and Cookie Pilgrim Hats in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking or getting smushed.
Make-Ahead: You can comfortably make these treats up to 3-4 days in advance without them losing their freshness or charm. Any longer, and the cookies might start to soften too much. Just make sure they are in that airtight container!
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these treats. The cookies can become soggy once thawed, and the candy textures might change. Stick to room temperature storage for the best results.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve learned a few things over the years about what can go wrong when making these fun little guys. Knowing these common pitfalls can help you avoid them!

Frosting Too Soft: If your frosting is too runny, it won’t hold the candies in place. I either chill the frosting for a bit or add a tiny bit of powdered sugar to thicken it. Using store-bought frosting tubes often works well because they tend to be a bit firmer.
Candy Corn Not Sticking: If the candy corn “feathers” won’t stay put, it’s often a sign that there isn’t enough frosting inside the Oreo, or the frosting isn’t firm enough. I make sure to give a good squeeze of frosting inside the cookie before inserting the candy corn.
Turkeys Toppling Over: As I mentioned, the initial setup can be tricky. I find that gently leaning them against a sturdy object, like a wall or even a row of other cookies, while the frosting sets, is incredibly helpful.

Setting Up a Kid-Friendly Decorating Station

Making these Thanksgiving treats is such a wonderful activity for kids! I love setting up a dedicated decorating station to make it fun, organized, and (mostly) mess-free. For a savory option, check out this recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Wonton Cups Recipe that you can include.

Pre-Portioned Ingredients: I set out small bowls of each candy and frosting color. This helps prevent spills and ensures each child has access to what they need.
Individual Decorating Stations: If you have multiple children, give each one a small section of the table with their own parchment paper or placemat. This helps define their space and reduces arguments over who gets what.
Disposable Surfaces: Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Guidance, Not Dictation: I like to show them how to do a few steps, then let them experiment. The joy is in their creativity, not perfection.

Transporting Your Treats

If you’re bringing these delightful Thanksgiving treats to a party, school event, or family gathering, proper transport is key to ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.

Muffin Tins: I often use muffin tins, especially for the Oreo Turkeys. Each turkey can sit snugly in a muffin cup, preventing it from sliding around and getting damaged.
Containers with Dividers: Bento boxes or containers with adjustable dividers are fantastic for keeping different treats separate and secure.
Flat Surface: Always make sure the container is on a flat surface in your car, like the floorboard or a passenger seat, rather than on a tilted seat.
Keep Cool: If it’s a warm day, I recommend transporting them in a cooler bag with an ice pack (not directly touching the treats, of course!) to prevent any frosting from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about making holiday treats, so I’ve compiled some common ones about these festive delights!

Q: Can I use regular Oreo cookies instead of Double Stuff?

A: I really recommend sticking with Double Stuff Oreos for the turkeys. The extra cream filling gives you more room to securely tuck in the candy corn “feathers.” Regular Oreos just don’t offer enough space.

Q: How do I make the frosting easy to work with?

A: I like to use store-bought frosting in a tube with a piping tip, or I put thicker frosting into a Ziploc bag and snip off a tiny corner. If your frosting seems too stiff, you can warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds. If it’s too soft, chill it.

Q: What if I don’t have Whoppers for the turkey heads?

A: No worries at all! I’ve used mini chocolate donuts, malted milk balls, or even a large chocolate-covered raisin in a pinch. Just pick something round that fits.

Q: Can these be made entirely dairy-free or gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! I suggest checking the “Making Them Allergy-Friendly” section above for specific substitutions. Many brands now offer excellent dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives for cookies and chocolate.

Q: How long do these treats last?

A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, I find they are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. After that, the cookies might start to get a bit soft.

Classic Thanksgiving treats often include pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is an iconic dessert of New England and a traditional dessert. They’re almost too cute to eat!

Once your adorable Oreo Turkeys and Cookie Pilgrim Hats are complete, I love finding fun ways to present them. I also suggest looking at healthy sides and sweets to include in your holiday meal.

Dessert Board Delight: Arrange them on a festive dessert board alongside other fall treats like pumpkin spice pretzels, candied nuts, and apple slices. This creates a beautiful, bountiful display.
Festive Platter: Simply arrange them artfully on a large platter. I like to use a bed of edible grass or crinkled brown paper to make them pop.
Cupcake Toppers: For an extra special touch, place one mini turkey or pilgrim hat on top of each frosted cupcake. They make fantastic edible decorations!
Place Card Holders: Get creative by writing guests’ names on small paper flags and sticking them into the back of an Oreo Turkey or laying them gently next to a pilgrim hat. It’s a charming and unexpected way to assign seats.

I hope you enjoy making these recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!

Alexa