Sweet and Spicy Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe for Holiday Joy

Cozy winter nights call for these magical christmas snickerdoodles that dance between crisp edges and soft, pillowy centers.

Warm cinnamon swirls through each delicate cookie like a festive whisper.

Sweet memories drift from grandma’s classic recipe, reimagined with a modern twist.

Delightful sugary rounds promise comfort and joy in every delectable bite.

Fragrant spices weave nostalgia and celebration into a single, irresistible treat.

Baking these cookies connects you to cherished holiday traditions.

Nothing says Christmas quite like these tender, sugar-coated delights that invite pure happiness to your kitchen.

Why Christmas Snickerdoodles Are A Must-Bake

• Bake Holiday Magic: Create delectable Christmas Snickerdoodles that bring festive cheer to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Enjoy a straightforward recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring basic mixing and rolling skills that anyone can learn quickly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Treat: Delight both kids and adults with these classic cinnamon-sugar cookies that spark joy and create sweet memories during holiday gatherings.
• Quick Festive Preparation: Craft these wonderful cookies in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or spontaneous holiday celebrations.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie's golden-brown color and crisp edges.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookie and provides necessary texture.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds tanginess and helps create the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and aromatic exterior that gives snickerdoodles their signature taste and appearance.

How To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles With Ease

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheets

Warm up the oven to 375°F and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie baking.

Step 2: Creating the Butter Base

Whip butter and sugar together in a big mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super smooth.

Step 3: Adding Moisture and Flavor

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until the wet ingredients are completely combined and look silky.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and lump-free.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms that’s easy to handle.

Step 6: Preparing the Coating

• Coating sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Create a fragrant mixture that will give the cookies their signature sparkle.

Step 7: Shaping the Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form small, consistent dough balls that are perfectly round and uniform in size.

Step 8: Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar

Completely coat each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a generous and even covering that will create a delightful crunch.

Step 9: Arranging on Baking Sheets

Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 10: Baking to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges and centers that appear slightly soft but not wet.

Step 11: Initial Cooling

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure.

Step 12: Final Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This helps develop a crisp exterior and tender interior that makes Snickerdoodles irresistible.

Tips To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Soft And Sweet

• Soften Butter Strategically: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to reach the perfect room temperature for smooth creaming.
• Measure Flour Precisely: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to prevent dense, heavy cookies that might become tough.
• Chill Dough for Better Shape: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help maintain cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Control Cinnamon Coating: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture, but tap off excess to ensure a balanced, not overwhelming, flavor profile.
• Store Smartly: Keep snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

Festive Twists On Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Holiday Peppermint Snickerdoodles: Add crushed candy canes to the cinnamon-sugar coating and mix peppermint extract into the dough for a festive winter flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling in cinnamon-sugar, creating a rich and indulgent cookie variation.
• Nutty Snickerdoodle Crunch: Mix finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough and sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cinnamon-sugar coating for added texture.
• Lemon Zest Snickerdoodles: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into the dough and add a hint of lemon extract for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the classic cinnamon flavor.

What Goes Great With Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Create a cozy companion drink that echoes the cinnamon notes of the snickerdoodles, offering a complementary spice profile that enhances the cookie's warmth and sweetness.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Craft a delightful dessert experience by pairing the crisp cookies with creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a textural contrast that elevates the snickerdoodle's cinnamon-sugar crunch.
• Match with Mulled Wine: Develop a festive adult beverage option that brings out the holiday spirit, with the wine's rich, spiced undertones perfectly complementing the cookie's warm cinnamon essence.

How To Store Christmas Snickerdoodles Just Right

• Store cooled snickerdoodles in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious cinnamon-sugar flavor and soft consistency.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring they remain crisp and delightful.
• Use wax paper or plastic wrap between cookie layers to prevent crumbling and preserve their delicate shape. This method helps maintain the cookies' structural integrity during storage and transportation.

Christmas Snickerdoodles Questions Answered

• Why is cream of tartar important in this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps create the signature tangy flavor and soft texture of snickerdoodles while preventing sugar crystallization during baking.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, which can actually enhance the cookie’s flavor.

• How do I ensure my snickerdoodles are soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft, as they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.

• What's the best way to measure flour for accurate results?

Always use the spoon and level method: gently spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge to avoid dense, dry cookies.

Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

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• Total Time: 35-37 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with these classic Christmas Snickerdoodles, combining warm cinnamon and sugary comfort into irresistible cookie perfection. Festive bakers can delight in this simple yet elegant treat that brings cheerful memories to every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Extras

• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Cream together butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated and achieving a uniform consistency.
4. Sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
6. Combine the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, creating a fragrant mixture for rolling.
7. Shape the dough into small, uniform balls using a cookie scoop or spoon.
8. Roll each dough ball completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even, generous coating.
9. Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers appear slightly soft.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Allow cookies to cool completely, during which they will develop a delightful crisp exterior and tender interior.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free version that maintains the classic snickerdoodle texture and taste.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, keeping the cookie’s signature sweetness while making it more diabetes-friendly.
• Enhance protein content by adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients, creating a post-workout friendly treat that doesn’t compromise flavor.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends like almond or oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without losing the beloved soft, chewy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg