Turkey Brownies: Fun No-Bake Treats for Thanksgiving Joy
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself filled with excitement for all the festive treats that come with the season. This year, I decided to add a playful twist to dessert with these adorable Turkey Brownies. The moment I caught a whiff of the rich, fudgy brownie base mixed with the sweet notes of chocolate frosting, I knew I was on to something special.
These delightful creations not only taste incredible but also bring a sense of whimsy to the dessert table, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike. The colorful candy corn feathers and playful cookie faces make them as fun to assemble as they are to eat! Whether for a holiday feast or just a cozy family gathering, these Turkey Brownies will surely capture hearts and stomachs alike, transforming your Thanksgiving celebration into a sweet and memorable occasion. So, gather your ingredients, and let s get crafting this delicious holiday dessert together!
Why are Turkey Brownies a must-try?
Delightfully Fun: These Turkey Brownies bring a whimsical twist to traditional desserts, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
No-Bake Simplicity: With premade brownies and minimal assembly, you ll whip up these treats in no time!
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of candy corn and M&Ms make your dessert table pop, impressing guests and family.
Shared Experience: Invite kids to join in on the fun, fostering creativity and memorable moments in the kitchen.
Festive Touch: Perfectly themed for Thanksgiving, they add a festive spirit to your holiday celebrations!
Turkey Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
Premade Brownies Use a 9 x 13 box mix or store-bought version for quick assembly.
For the Decor
Chocolate Frosting This acts as an adhesive, keeping all your fun decorations perfectly in place.
Nutter Butter Cookies These create the turkey s head; their round shape adds charm and stability.
M&Ms Choose red and yellow for the beak and wattle, ensuring your turkey features pop!
Candy Eyes These add a cute, cartoonish touch, bringing your turkey to life.
Candy Corn Use pieces to create vivid feathers that bring visual appeal and sweetness to your dessert.
These Turkey Brownies are sure to be a showstopper at your Thanksgiving gathering!
How to Make Turkey Brownies
- Prepare Brownies: Begin by preparing your premade brownies following the package instructions. Let them cool completely to ensure they hold their shape well when cut.
- Cut Brownie Shapes: Once cooled, take a cookie cutter and cut out 3-inch circles from the brownies. This will form the base for your cute turkey faces!
- Frost Brownies: Generously frost the smoothed side of each brownie circle with chocolate frosting, creating a delightful, sticky surface for your decorations.
- Add Turkey Heads: Gently position a Nutter Butter cookie on the frosted side of each brownie, making it the turkey s head this adds both height and fun!
- Decorate Faces: Halve the red and yellow M&Ms, then adhere them to the Nutter Butter with a bit of frosting to form the turkey s beak and wattle for that perfect festive touch.
- Create Feathers: Press six candy corn pieces into the brownie around the Nutter Butter to form colorful feathers, giving your turkey a lively and whimsical look.
Optional: Drizzle some extra chocolate frosting over the top for an added layer of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Turkey Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Turkey Brownies with these fun suggestions!
- Festive Frosting: Swap the chocolate frosting for vibrant colored frosting to give your turkeys a whimsical twist.
- Cookie Alternatives: Replace Nutter Butter cookies with any round cookie of your choice think ginger snaps or shortbread for diverse flavors.
- Candy Choices: Use different candies like Skittles or chocolate-covered almonds instead of M&Ms for a unique touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free brownie mixes to make these treats accessible for everyone at your holiday gathering.
- Nut-Free Version: Choose nut-free cookies, like vanilla wafers, to ensure it s safe for those with allergies.
- Creative Feathers: Swap out candy corn for colorful fruit gummies or chocolate-covered pretzels for a fun texture twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your brownie mix for a warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Chewy Texture Boost: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before adding decorations for an extra layer of gooey goodness!
Let your imagination run wild, and make these adorable Turkey Brownies your own this Thanksgiving!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making your Thanksgiving celebrations less stressful! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours ahead by baking, cooling, and cutting them into circles. Store the brownie circles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their fudgy texture. The decorations, like the Nutter Butter cookies and candy embellishments, can be prepped separately and assembled just before serving to keep everything fresh and visually appealing. When you re ready to enjoy, simply frost the brownie circles, add the Nutter Butter heads, and decorate with M&Ms and candy corn for that delightful finish. With these tips, you ll save time while ensuring your Turkey Brownies are just as delicious!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep your Turkey Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store the brownies in the fridge for up to a week, but this may make them firmer.
Freezing: Avoid freezing Turkey Brownies, as the texture may suffer once thawed, affecting the delightful fudginess you love.
Make-Ahead Tip: For best results, assemble the brownies just before serving, ensuring the decorations remain vibrant and intact.
What to Serve with Turkey Brownies?
These festive treats deserve some equally delightful companions that enhance the holiday spirit.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm beverage brings a cozy, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the brownies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess balances the fudgy texture of the brownies, creating a delicious contrast with every bite.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy, sweet-tart mix can be a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the rich chocolatey brownies.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a perfect finishing touch, enhancing the dessert experience.
- Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: This adds a refreshing, fruity element to your dessert spread, bridging the flavors of Thanksgiving.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy twist that cuts through the sweetness of the brownies, echoing traditional Thanksgiving flavors in a unique way.
- Coffee: A classic pairing that enhances the rich cocoa flavors of the brownies, providing a nice balance to the sweetness.
- Pecan Pie: Another Thanksgiving favorite, this offers a rich, nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the fudge of the brownies.
- Chocolate Fondue: A fun and interactive dessert option that invites guests to dip fruit or marshmallows alongside the brownies, ensuring a sweet time!
Expert Tips for Turkey Brownies
- Smoother Surface: Use the bottom of the brownie circles for frosting to achieve a smoother, more appealing surface for decorating.
- Quick Prep: If you re short on time, opt for store-bought brownies they save you time without sacrificing flavor in these Turkey Brownies.
- Storing Wisely: Store your assembled brownies side by side in an airtight container to prevent crumbling and damage to those adorable decorations.
- Decoration Variations: Get creative with the candy colors! Swap out M&Ms and candy corn for other seasonal candies to tailor your Turkey Brownies to your theme.
- Avoid Melting: Keep your Turkey Brownies at room temperature to maintain their texture; refrigeration can make the brownies too firm.
Turkey Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best premade brownies for my Turkey Brownies?
Absolutely! When selecting premade brownies, look for those that are dense and fudgy rather than cake-like. A box mix labeled fudge or a high-quality store-bought brand will work wonderfully. If available, check for brownies that appear fresh and not overly dry or crumbly, which could affect the overall texture of your Turkey Brownies.
How should I store Turkey Brownies once I ve assembled them?
Very easy! To keep your Turkey Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your environment is particularly warm, it s best to avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the fudgy texture you want. If, however, you choose to refrigerate them, they ll last for up to a week, but do expect them to be firmer.
Can I freeze Turkey Brownies for later enjoyment?
No, I recommend avoiding freezing your Turkey Brownies. Freezing them can impact the delightful texture that makes them so special. If you absolutely must, freeze the brownie base before decorating. To do this, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before decorating them.
What if my brownie base crumbles while cutting out the circles?
Oh no! This can happen, especially if the brownies are too dry. If you run into this issue, try lightly warming up the brownies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften them slightly before cutting. A sharper cookie cutter can also help. If all else fails, simply make brownie bites by cutting them into squares instead of circles just as delicious and still festive!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you re catering to dietary restrictions, you can substitute Nutter Butter cookies with gluten-free cookies, and use dairy-free chocolate frosting. Also, make sure to check for nut allergies with the cookies and candies used. Remember, the beauty of these Turkey Brownies is their adaptability, so get creative with alternatives that fit your needs!