17+ Mini Thanksgiving Desserts Perfect for a Crowd
When you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering, mini desserts are absolutely genius. They let your guests sample multiple treats without committing to a huge slice of pie, and they’re so much easier to serve than traditional full-sized desserts.
Plus, these bite-sized beauties look adorable on your dessert table and give everyone the perfect sweet ending to their meal. From classic pumpkin flavors to creative twists on fall favorites, these mini treats will have your guests raving long after the last crumb disappears.
1. Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites
These adorable little pumpkin pies pack all the classic flavors of traditional pumpkin pie into perfect two-bite portions. The silky pumpkin filling is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, nestled in buttery mini pie crusts. They’re incredibly convenient since you can make them a day ahead, and they’re much easier to serve than slicing a whole pie. Each bite delivers that nostalgic pumpkin pie taste that screams Thanksgiving, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe here.
2. Pecan Pie Tartlets
Rich, gooey pecan filling meets crispy pastry shells in these irresistible mini tarts. The sweet corn syrup and brown sugar filling creates that signature pecan pie texture, while toasted pecans add the perfect crunch. They’re surprisingly simple to make in mini muffin tins, and the individual portions mean no messy pie cutting. These little gems taste like concentrated pecan pie heaven – intensely sweet with that distinctive molasses-like depth that makes pecan pie so addictive.
Get the recipe here.
3. Apple Cider Donut Holes
Warm spices and tangy apple cider come together in these cake-like donut holes that taste like autumn in every bite. They’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter than traditional donuts, then rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm. The apple cider adds moisture and a subtle fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the warming spices. They’re best served fresh and warm, filling your kitchen with the most incredible fall aromas that’ll have everyone gathering around.
Get the recipe here.
4. Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Velvety smooth sweet potato filling with hints of vanilla and warm spices makes these mini pies a sophisticated alternative to pumpkin. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a more complex flavor profile than regular pumpkin pie, with earthy undertones and a gorgeous orange color. They set up beautifully in mini tart shells and can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream. These are perfect for guests who want something familiar yet slightly different from the usual Thanksgiving fare.
Get the recipe here.
5. Cranberry Orange Scones
Tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest create the perfect balance in these tender, buttery scones. The cranberries provide little bursts of tartness that cut through the rich, crumbly texture, while orange zest adds a fresh citrusy note. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect for breakfast with coffee or as an elegant dessert. The mini size makes them ideal for a dessert spread, and they can be made ahead and frozen. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Get the recipe here.
6. Maple Pecan Cookies
Pure maple syrup gives these cookies an authentic maple flavor that’s so much better than artificial maple extract. The cookies are soft and chewy with a subtle caramel-like taste from the maple, while chopped pecans add richness and crunch. They’re incredibly easy to make and hold their shape beautifully. The maple flavor intensifies as they cool, creating cookies that taste like liquid gold. They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect for ending a heavy meal on just the right note.
Get the recipe here.
7. Mini Apple Crisp Cups
Individual portions of apple crisp served in adorable phyllo or graham cracker cups make serving a breeze. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a buttery oat crumble that gets perfectly golden and crunchy. The cups eliminate the need for plates and forks, making these perfect for mingling. Each bite has the ideal ratio of sweet apples to crispy topping. They taste like cozy autumn afternoons and pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream if you want to make them extra special.
Get the recipe here.
8. Pumpkin Spice Macarons
These elegant French cookies capture the essence of fall in delicate, colorful shells filled with spiced buttercream. The macaron shells have a subtle pumpkin flavor and that characteristic chewy texture, while the filling is rich with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re definitely a showstopper on any dessert table and surprisingly not as difficult to make as they look. The sophisticated presentation belies their intense pumpkin spice flavor – they’re like autumn in the most refined, Instagram-worthy package possible.
Get the recipe here.
9. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites
Creamy cheesecake meets classic caramel apple flavors in these indulgent mini desserts. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling that’s studded with tender cinnamon apples. Drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, they’re absolutely divine. They’re rich enough that the mini size is perfect – just enough to satisfy without being overwhelming after a big meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite feel like a special treat.
Get the recipe here.
10. Mini Pecan Tassies
These bite-sized pecan tarts are like jewels on your dessert table – tiny, precious, and absolutely delicious. The cream cheese pastry shells are incredibly tender and buttery, filled with a concentrated pecan pie filling that’s perfectly sweet and nutty. They’re surprisingly easy to make in mini muffin tins and look so professional. Each one is a perfect little morsel that delivers all the flavors of pecan pie in just two bites. They’re rich, so the small size is absolutely perfect.
Get the recipe here.
11. Spiced Pear Mini Galettes
Rustic and beautiful, these free-form mini tarts showcase sweet, spiced pears in flaky pastry. The pears are tossed with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. The rough, homemade appearance adds charm to your dessert spread, and they’re surprisingly forgiving to make. Each galette has tender, caramelized pears with just enough spice to feel special. They’re not overly sweet, letting the natural pear flavor shine through with just the right amount of warming spices.
Get the recipe here.
12. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies sandwiched with creamy filling create these handheld treats that taste like pumpkin pie meets chocolate whoopie pie. The pumpkin cookies are incredibly moist and spiced perfectly, while the cream cheese or marshmallow filling adds richness and sweetness. They’re fun to eat and perfect for kids and adults alike. The pumpkin flavor is prominent but not overwhelming, and the soft texture makes them incredibly satisfying. They’re like eating a hug from autumn itself.
Get the recipe here.
13. Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies get a fall makeover with dollops of rich, spiced apple butter in the center. The cookies are tender and crumbly with a hint of vanilla, while the apple butter provides intense apple and spice flavors. They’re incredibly simple to make but look so elegant and professional. The apple butter caramelizes slightly during baking, creating an even more intense flavor. Each cookie is like a little bite of autumn, with the perfect balance of buttery cookie and concentrated apple goodness.
Get the recipe here.
14. Mini Bourbon Pecan Pies
A splash of bourbon elevates these mini pecan pies from good to absolutely extraordinary. The bourbon adds depth and complexity to the sweet filling without being overwhelming – it just enhances all the other flavors. The alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind a rich, sophisticated taste that pairs beautifully with the pecans and sweet filling. These are definitely grown-up treats that feel special and indulgent. The individual portions make them perfect for entertaining, and they’re guaranteed conversation starters.
Get the recipe here.
15. Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts are fluffy, moist, and coated in cinnamon sugar that creates a delightful textural contrast. The pumpkin keeps them incredibly tender while adding subtle flavor and gorgeous color. They’re much healthier than fried donuts but still feel like an indulgent treat. The cinnamon sugar coating adds sweetness and crunch, making them irresistible. They’re perfect with coffee or apple cider, and the mini size means you can easily grab two or three without feeling guilty.
Get the recipe here.
16. Cranberry Walnut Biscotti
Twice-baked for that characteristic crunchy texture, these biscotti are studded with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on their own. The cranberries add beautiful color and bursts of tartness, while walnuts provide richness and crunch. They keep for weeks in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance preparation. Each bite offers multiple textures and flavors, and they’re sophisticated enough for the most elegant Thanksgiving table.
Get the recipe here.
17. Mini Maple Cheesecakes
Rich, creamy cheesecake infused with real maple syrup creates these elegant individual desserts. The maple flavor is subtle but distinctive, adding warmth and complexity to the tangy cream cheese base. Graham cracker crusts provide the perfect textural contrast to the smooth filling. They’re surprisingly easy to make in mini cheesecake pans or muffin tins, and they can be made several days ahead. Each one feels like a special individual dessert, and the maple flavor makes them feel perfectly seasonal and sophisticated.
Get the recipe here.
18. Apple Pie Bites
These bite-sized treats capture all the warmth and comfort of classic apple pie in a perfectly portable form. Tender, flaky pastry cups cradle a spiced apple filling made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Each mini pie delivers the perfect balance of buttery crust and sweet-tart apple goodness in just a few delightful bites. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or when you want homemade apple pie flavor without the fuss of a full-sized dessert.
Get the recipe here.