Ultimate Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Pie

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Celebrate the holiday season with a dessert that blends classic sugar-cookie comfort with the richness of a creamy pie filling. This Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Pie is soft, buttery, festive, and incredibly easy to prepare. A golden cookie-dough crust surrounds a smooth cream-cheese center, creating a holiday dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a treat to a family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to surprise and impress.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

For the Topping

• ½ cup reserved cookie dough
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform or deep-dish pie pan, and line the bottom with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Set aside ½ cup of dough for the topping.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Press the dough into the pan, working it up the sides about 1½ inches. Aim for an even, firm layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 5: Assemble

Pour the filling into the crust. Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top. Sprinkle coarse sugar and cinnamon.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Cool completely for at least 2 hours, or chill for 1 hour to help the filling set.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for the smoothest texture.
• Pull the pie from the oven while the center still moves slightly.
• If the edges brown too quickly, tent with foil.
• A dark pan may bake faster—consider reducing the oven temperature by 25°F.

Why This Recipe Works

• Easy for beginners—no traditional pie crust required.
• Uses simple ingredients most households already have on hand.
• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
• The cookie crust stays thick, soft, and sturdy.
• The tangy cream-cheese layer perfectly balances the sweetness.

Substitutions & Variations

Flavor Options

• Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal twist.
• Swirl raspberry, cranberry, or apricot preserves into the cream-cheese layer.
• Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a fun texture upgrade.

Extract Substitutes

• Replace almond extract with maple extract or extra vanilla.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare the pie a day before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if preferred warm, or enjoy chilled.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle salted caramel sauce for a festive touch.
• Add candied pecans for crunch.
• Pair with warm cranberry compote for a tart contrast.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 19g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular pie pan?

Yes, a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan works well.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Simply use vanilla extract only.

Why did my filling crack?

It was likely overbaked or cooled too quickly—remove while the center still jiggles.

Can I add food coloring?

Yes! Add warm tones like orange or gold for a festive look.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes—use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

This Ultimate Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Pie is the perfect mix of comfort and celebration. It delivers the nostalgic taste of homemade sugar cookies with a creamy, dreamy filling that elevates every holiday table. Make it once, and it may just become your new Thanksgiving tradition.

Ultimate Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Pie

A soft, buttery Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Pie with a creamy filling. Easy to bake, festive, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Sugar Cookie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

For the Topping

• ½ cup reserved cookie dough
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Pan

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform or deep-dish pie pan, and line the bottom with parchment for easy removal.
• Make the Cookie Dough

  Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Set aside ½ cup of dough for the topping.
• Form the Crust

  Press the dough into the pan, working it up the sides about 1½ inches. Aim for an even, firm layer.
• Prepare the Filling

  Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Blend until smooth and silky.
• Assemble

  Pour the filling into the crust. Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top. Sprinkle coarse sugar and cinnamon.
• Bake

  Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle.
• Cool Before Serving

  Cool completely for at least 2 hours, or chill for 1 hour to help the filling set.

Notes

• Allow full cooling time for the cleanest slices.
• The crust appears thick but bakes perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Tastes even better the day after baking.
• Great for potlucks, parties, or dessert buffets.

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