Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, cozy vibes, and, of course, amazing food. But let’s be honest, the thought of whipping up multiple elaborate desserts can be SO overwhelming when you’ve got a turkey to roast and guests arriving! That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these incredibly simple [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)] treats. As Lisa Park, Master Recipe Testing Coordinator, I’ve tested countless recipes, and trust me, the ones that truly shine are the ones that are totally foolproof and taste incredible without a ton of fuss. This collection is my secret weapon for stress-free holiday baking. Get ready to impress everyone without breaking a sweat!
Why You’ll Love These 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)
Seriously, who has time for complicated baking during the holidays? These [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)] are a total game-changer! You’ll love them because:
- Super Simple: Just five ingredients? Yes, please!
- Lightning Fast: You can whip them up in minutes, leaving more time for… well, everything else!
- Guaranteed Success: These are truly foolproof – even if you think you can’t bake, you can do this!
- Deliciously Festive: They taste amazing and get you in the holiday spirit with zero stress.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
Okay, so the best part about these cookies is how ridiculously easy they are to make. You probably have most of this stuff already! For our amazing 5-ingredient orange cranberry cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 package of orange cake mix (I love Duncan Hines Orange Supreme, but use your favorite!)
- 1 cup of sweetened dried cranberries (or a little more if you really love that tart-sweet combo!)
- 1/2 cup of just regular vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
That’s it! Just five things to grab. See? Totally doable, right?
Effortless Steps for 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)
Okay, let’s get these little guys into the oven! Remember, these are your [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)], so we’re going to keep it super straightforward. My grandma always said, “Baking should be fun, not a science experiment!” You can find some other super easy cookie ideas here if you want to explore.
Step 1: Oven and Dough Preparation
First things first, get that oven warming up. We want it at 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C). Now, grab a decent-sized bowl. Toss in your orange cake mix, those sweet dried cranberries, the vegetable oil, and the two eggs. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t overbeat it! Just until everything looks happy and combined. Then, just spoon out blobs of dough onto your baking sheet. I usually aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cookie, depending on how big you like ’em.
Step 2: Baking Your 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts
Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. These bake up super quick, usually just 6 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through. Don’t expect them to get super brown and crispy like a chocolate chip cookie; they’ll look a little softer, and that’s totally normal for these!
Step 3: Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once they’re done, leave those cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart. After that, gently move them over to a sheet of waxed paper to cool completely. This part is important for getting the right texture!
Expert Tips for Perfect 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)
Alright, who’s ready for some insider secrets to make these [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)] absolutely sing? Even with just five things, a little know-how goes a long way! First off, use a decent quality orange cake mix – it really does make a difference in the flavor depth. And don’t be tempted to overmix the dough once you add the wet ingredients in; we want tender cookies, not tough ones. You can actually swap the vegetable oil for melted butter if you want a richer flavor, just make sure it’s cooled a bit before mixing it in. For more amazing baking tips, especially if you’re looking for gluten-free options, you might find some great ideas here.
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Holiday Baking
One of my favorite things about these cookies is that they are total superstars for making ahead, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season! You can totally bake these [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)] a few days before Thanksgiving, or even the week before if you stash them right. Just make sure they’re completely cooled after baking before you pack them away. Store them in an airtight container, and to keep them nice and soft, I always pop a piece of wax paper between the layers. If, by some chance, they get a little too firm, just toss a slice of plain bread in the container with them for a few hours – it works like magic to bring back that lovely soft chewiness! For even more make-ahead inspiration, definitely check out some of these other super easy no-bake and make-ahead recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts
Got questions about these super easy cookies? I get it! We all want our holiday baking to be a breeze, so let’s dive into some common queries about these [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)].
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
You sure can! While orange is fantastic with cranberries, a yellow or even a white cake mix works wonderfully too. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different. Stick to “supreme” or similar mixes with added pudding for the best texture!
Are these considered no-bake desserts?
Technically, they *are* baked since they go in the oven for a few minutes. But honestly, with just five ingredients and super simple steps, they feel just as easy as no-bake treats! They definitely fit the bill for quick Thanksgiving desserts.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Great question for our gluten-sensitive friends! You can totally swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free orange or yellow cake mix. The texture might be a *tiny* bit different, but they’ll still be delicious. For loads more ideas on whipping up gluten-free holiday favorites, check out this awesome list: easy low carb Thanksgiving side dishes!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! While these cookies are super simple and delightful, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re munching on. Please remember these are just estimates, okay? Depending on the exact brands of cake mix, oil, and how big you make your cookies, the numbers can wiggle a bit. But roughly, you’re looking at about 205 calories, 28g of carbs, 2g of protein, and 10g of fat per cookie. Enjoy!
Share Your 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail) Creations!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn to shine! I would absolutely LOVE to hear how your [5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Desserts (No Fail)] turned out. Did you try them with different cranberries? Did the kids help mix? Let me know in the comments below! If you loved these, a quick rating would be super helpful too. You can also share your yummy pics with me on social media – just tag me! And if you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out through my contact page. Happy baking!
5-Ingredient Orange Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix the cake mix, dried cranberries, vegetable oil, and eggs in a bowl until the dough is smooth. Drop by the spoonful onto a baking sheet, using 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter per cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, 6 to 10 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a sheet of waxed paper to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
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Dual-Restriction Recipe Engineer & Cross-Contamination Specialist
Everything changed when my teenage son got hit with celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes diagnoses within six months of each other. Suddenly, pizza and pasta were off the table, and most “diabetic-friendly” foods contained gluten. I went from regular mom cooking to navigating what I call “compound restriction cooking”—and I had a kid’s appetite and taste buds to satisfy.
Lucky for us, my background in pharmaceutical quality control gave me the systematic mindset this level of precision requires. My kitchen now operates under pharmaceutical-grade protocols adapted for home use: dedicated prep surfaces, separate storage systems, and testing procedures that verify both carb counts and gluten absence before any recipe gets published.
I’ve developed over 220 recipes that clear multiple dietary hurdles simultaneously—finding gluten-free thickeners that don’t spike blood sugar, creating bread alternatives that meet both keto ratios and celiac safety, and developing desserts that actually taste good to a teenager despite impossible restrictions.
Through my “Safe Kitchen Certification” program, I teach other parents that managing multiple dietary restrictions isn’t about multiplying limitations—it’s about systematic thinking that reveals unexpected possibilities. When you engineer solutions instead of making compromises, restriction becomes innovation rather than deprivation.