Bring a touch of whimsical charm and delightful sweetness to your holiday table with these homemade Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys. These adorable confections are not just treats; they are delightful edible decorations that capture the spirit of the season. Crafted from readily available candies, luscious chocolate-covered cherries, and smooth frosting, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to create these delicious works of art. Perfect for entertaining guests, engaging children in a fun pre-holiday activity, or gifting a unique homemade present, these candy turkeys are sure to be a conversation starter and a memorable part of your Thanksgiving celebration.

If you’re looking to explore more homemade candy recipes to sweeten your holidays, consider trying our popular Peanut Butter Cups, rich Chocolate Covered Caramels, or these charming Chocolate Pumpkin Pretzels. Each offers a unique flavor and fun crafting experience, complementing your festive candy repertoire.

Crafting Homemade Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys: A Sweet Tradition

Is there anything more festive and endearing than these chocolate-covered cherry table decorations? Absolutely not! These sweet little turkeys, meticulously assembled from an assortment of simple candies and our rich chocolate buttercream frosting, stand out as my absolute favorite budget-friendly Thanksgiving table adornment. They embody the joy and warmth of the season, transforming ordinary sweets into extraordinary holiday cheer.

This comprehensive guide provides you with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, creative ideas for candy substitutions, and clear answers to all your frequently asked questions. Beyond just a recipe, it’s an invitation to a delightful pre-holiday activity. Gather your loved ones, especially any budding young chefs or creative kiddos, and turn the assembly of these candy turkeys into a cherished family tradition. It’s a fantastic way to foster creativity, spend quality time together, and build excitement for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast.

Essential Ingredients for Your Candy Turkeys

Creating these adorable Thanksgiving candy turkeys requires just a few simple and easily accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in bringing your festive edible decorations to life:

• Chocolate Covered Cherries: These form the body of your turkey. You can typically find them in the candy aisle of most grocery stores, or at major retailers like Target and Walmart, especially during holiday seasons. If you have trouble locating them, or prefer an alternative, any chocolate bonbons or truffles with a relatively flat bottom will work perfectly. For a gourmet touch, you can even order them online from specialty stores like Harry & David, or through large e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
• Candy Corns: These iconic candies are essential for creating the vibrant, fan-like feathers of your turkeys. You’ll need approximately five candy corns per turkey to achieve the classic feathered look. Opt for fresh candy corns for better adherence and a softer texture.
• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: This acts as the edible glue that holds all your turkey components together. While you can certainly purchase pre-made frosting from the store for convenience, making your own homemade Chocolate Buttercream allows for superior flavor and a customizable consistency. A sturdy buttercream will ensure your turkeys stay intact.
• M&Ms: Small, colorful M&Ms are ideal for crafting the turkey’s beak and adding a small “crown” or wattle detail on top of its head. Feel free to experiment with different colors or even substitute with tiny sprinkles or other small, round candies for a unique look.
• Candy Eyeballs: No turkey is complete without its expressive eyes! You’ll often find candy eyeballs in the baking and cake decorating section of your grocery store. Craft stores and online retailers are also excellent sources for these fun decorative elements.
• Optional Decorating Options: To add more dimension and character to your turkeys, consider attaching a Whopper candy to the top of the chocolate-covered cherry body before adding the crown and beak. This creates a more pronounced head. You can also further embellish the turkey’s chest with additional small candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter for extra flair. The possibilities for personalization are endless!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys

Creating these charming candy turkeys is a simple and enjoyable process that even beginners can master. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Feathers: Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. On the lined sheet, carefully arrange five candy corns for each turkey. Position them in a fan shape, ensuring the tapered, pointy ends of the candy corns face inwards towards the center. This forms the vibrant “tail feathers” of your turkey.
2. Attach the Chocolate Body: Take your chocolate buttercream frosting and transfer it into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off will work just as well. Cut a small tip off the piping bag. Pipe a generous dollop of frosting directly into the center of each candy corn fan. Immediately take a chocolate-covered cherry (or your chosen bonbon) and gently press it onto the dollop of frosting, ensuring it firmly adheres to all the candy corn feathers. The frosting will act as the glue.
3. Repeat and Chill: Continue this process, creating as many candy turkeys as you need. This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 delightful turkeys, so plan accordingly. Once all your turkeys are assembled, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This crucial chilling period allows the chocolate frosting to firm up and set, ensuring that all the components are securely bonded and your turkeys maintain their shape.
4. Add the Facial Features and Crown: After the frosting has fully set, carefully remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator. Now comes the fun part: adding character to your turkeys! Using the chocolate buttercream frosting, pipe a tiny dot of frosting where you want the beak. Press one M&M firmly to create the beak. For the turkey’s wattle or crown, pipe another small dot of frosting on top of the chocolate cherry and attach a second M&M. Finally, pipe two small dots for the eyes and gently press two candy eyeballs into place. If you wish, this is also the perfect time to add any additional chest decorations you might desire, like sprinkles or edible glitter.
5. Final Chill for Stability: Once all the details are added to your chocolate turkeys, return the entire baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until all the newly added frosting and candies are completely hardened and set. This final chill guarantees the stability and longevity of your edible masterpieces.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once fully set, your adorable Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys are ready to make their grand debut! Arrange them artfully on a festive platter, or strategically place them around your dining table as quick, easy, and undeniably charming Thanksgiving table decorations. Get ready for compliments and smiles from all your guests!

Recipe Tips for Perfect Candy Turkeys

Achieving perfectly charming and delicious candy turkeys is easy with a few helpful tips and tricks:

• Select High-Quality Chocolate Components: The foundation of a great candy turkey is its body. While chocolate-covered cherries are traditional, feel free to get creative! Any high-quality bonbons or truffles with a smooth, creamy texture and a flat bottom will work wonderfully. Consider dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate options to add variety. Using premium chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also provides a better structural base.
• Master the Buttercream Adhesive: Chocolate buttercream frosting isn’t just for taste; it’s your essential “edible glue.” For effortless assembly, transfer your buttercream into a piping bag and snip off a small tip. This allows for precise application, making it super simple to stick all the delicate pieces together without mess. Ensure your buttercream isn’t too soft; a slightly firm consistency will hold everything more securely.
• “Mise en Place” for Success: The key to a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience is preparation. Before you begin assembling, gather all your ingredients, open all candy packages, and arrange everything within easy reach. This “mise en place” approach means you’ll have everything ready to go, making the assembly process incredibly quick and fun, rather than a frantic search for components.
• Get Creative with Packaging for Gifts: These candy turkeys make delightful homemade gifts. If you plan to give them away, package them creatively in festive, Thanksgiving-themed boxes or bags. Consider lining the box with colorful tissue paper or shredded filler for an extra touch. Adding a personalized tag with a warm holiday message or a decorative ribbon will make your thoughtful gifts even more special and memorable.
• Optimal Storage for Freshness: To ensure your chocolate turkeys remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is crucial. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, ideally in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, they can last up to one week, maintaining their delightful taste and appearance. However, let’s be honest – they’re so irresistible, they probably won’t last that long!
• Involve the Kids: This is a fantastic project for children of all ages. Assign age-appropriate tasks, such as arranging candy corn feathers, placing the chocolate bodies, or decorating the faces. It’s a wonderful way to create holiday memories and nurture their creativity in the kitchen.
• Experiment with Decorations: Don’t limit yourself to just M&Ms for the beak and wattle. Tiny sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even small pieces of fruit leather cut into shapes can add unique touches to your turkeys. Let your imagination soar!

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Turkeys

Where can I find chocolate-covered cherries for this recipe?

You can typically locate chocolate-covered cherries in the candy section of most local grocery stores, especially during the holiday season. Larger retailers like Target and Walmart are also good places to check. If you’re having difficulty finding them locally or prefer a specific brand, a wide variety can be ordered online from specialty food purveyors such as Harry & David, or through major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, which often have seasonal selections.

What can I use as a substitute if I don’t have chocolate-covered cherries?

If chocolate-covered cherries are not available or not to your taste, you have several excellent substitution options. Any flavor of dark or milk chocolate bonbons or chocolate truffles that have a relatively flat bottom will work perfectly. The flat bottom helps them sit securely on the candy corn feathers. You could also use larger chocolate-covered caramels or even dense brownie bites for a unique twist.

Can I make these Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys ahead of time?

Absolutely! These candy turkeys are wonderful to prepare in advance, making your holiday planning much smoother. You can assemble them up to three days before your Thanksgiving celebration. To store them, arrange the finished turkeys back on the baking sheet (or transfer them to a shallow baking dish or an airtight container with a lid if space is an issue). Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors, and store them directly in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

How should I store Chocolate Turkeys to keep them fresh?

These delightful candy turkeys are quite stable and can sit out at room temperature for several hours without issue, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving buffet or as table decor throughout the day. However, for longer storage, we highly recommend keeping them in the refrigerator. You can line them up in a shallow baking dish covered with plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will maintain their freshness and structural integrity for up to three days, ready to be enjoyed or displayed whenever needed.

Can I make these turkeys nut-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be nut-free. Ensure that your chocolate-covered cherries (or chosen substitute like bonbons) are certified nut-free. Also, check the labels of your candy corns, M&Ms, candy eyeballs, and especially your chocolate buttercream frosting for any nut-related allergens or cross-contamination warnings. Many brands offer nut-free versions of these ingredients, making it possible to create a safe treat for those with nut allergies.

What if my frosting isn’t holding the candies together?

The consistency of your buttercream frosting is key. If your frosting is too soft, the candies might slide off. Try refrigerating your frosting for 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly. Alternatively, you can add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick to pipe, add a tiny bit of milk or cream, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Chocolate Thanksgiving Turkeys Recipe

Chocolate Thanksgiving Turkeys

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

These homemade chocolate turkeys make the most adorably easy Thanksgiving table decoration. Using simple candies, chocolate-covered cherries, and frosting, this recipe will show you how to make delicious edible works of art.

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bag candy corns
• 1/2 cup chocolate buttercream frosting
• 1 12-count box chocolate covered cherries
• 1/4 cup M&Ms
• 24 candy eyeballs

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange 5 candy corns to create a fan shape with the tapered ends facing in towards the center.
2. Place buttercream frosting in a piping bag and cut off the tip. Add a dollop of frosting to the center of the candy corn fan, then place a chocolate-covered cherry on to stick them all together.
3. Repeat to make 12 total, then place into the fridge for about 1 hour until the chocolate frosting has set up.
4. Once the frosting has set, remove the baking sheet from the fridge. Using the chocolate buttercream, attach 1 M&M to create a beak, 1 M&M on the top to create a head crown and 2 candy eyeballs.
5. Repeat for all chocolate turkeys, then return to the fridge until everything is hardened and set.
6. Serve on a platter, or as a quick and easy Thanksgiving table decoration. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

More Easy Homemade Chocolate Candy Recipes

If you loved making these festive Thanksgiving Candy Turkeys, you’re in for a treat with our other simple homemade candy creations. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or just a sweet craving, these recipes are designed for ease and delicious results:

• Nilla Wafer Caramel Candies: A delightful combination of crunchy wafers and gooey caramel.
• Pretzel Toffee: The perfect balance of salty and sweet with a satisfying crunch.
• Chocolate-Covered Wafer Cookies: Elegant and simple, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Rods: Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
• Saltine Cracker Toffee: An unexpectedly addictive treat that’s incredibly easy.
• Easy Homemade Chocolate Fudge: Rich, creamy, and foolproof fudge.
• Discover more festive ideas with our comprehensive collection of Christmas Candy Recipes.
• Find inspiration for your holiday feast with additional Thanksgiving Recipes.

These easy homemade Chocolate Turkeys offer a wonderful blend of simplicity and festive charm. Made with basic candies, delicious chocolate buttercream, and requiring no special equipment, they are the ideal inexpensive Thanksgiving table decorations. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday preparations, yet they leave a lasting impression of homemade care and holiday spirit.