If you’re dreaming of a cookie that perfectly captures the joy and warmth of the holiday season, look no further than this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe. Bursting with cinnamon’s cozy spice and a festive sparkle of red and green sanding sugar, these soft, chewy cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or sneaking a treat by the fireside, this recipe brings a little magic to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe plays a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and holiday cheer. From the creamy butter that keeps the cookies tender, to the vibrant sanding sugar that adds a festive pop, every component is simple yet essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The base for a rich, tender cookie with perfect moisture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that classic snickerdoodle chew.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding softness and lift.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure and ensures the perfect dough consistency.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Classic snickerdoodle magic that delivers slight tang and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop their signature texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- ¼ cup red and green sanding sugar (or Christmas sprinkles): Adds festive color and a delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a lightly sweet outer coating.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling): The spice that makes snickerdoodles unmistakably special.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This preparation step helps your Christmas Snickerdoodles come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air, which yields soft and tender cookies, so take your time here—the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a rich, inviting aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures a well-balanced dough and helps prevent clumps of leavening agents.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar and Festive Sprinkles
In a small bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in this cinnamon-sugar mixture. Then, gently press the balls into red and green sanding sugar or Christmas sprinkles to coat. This step is what transforms these snickerdoodles into holiday stars!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for edges that are set but centers that remain slightly soft. This timing ensures that your cookies are wonderfully chewy and full of flavor.
Step 8: Cooling
Allow your Christmas Snickerdoodles to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their tender texture and gives you a chance to admire your festive creations.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
The red and green sanding sugar already gives these cookies a festive look, but you can also sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for extra sparkle and spice. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy effect that looks gorgeous on a holiday platter.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, or even a creamy eggnog for a classic holiday spread. Their sweet cinnamon flavor complements both warm and cold beverages, inviting guests to indulge in coziness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like making these cookies the highlight of your festive table? Stack them tied with a red ribbon for a charming gift, or display them on a tiered cookie stand surrounded by pinecones and holly. You can also sandwich two snickerdoodles with peppermint buttercream for a delightful twist everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Christmas Snickerdoodles left (which may be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, perfect for enjoying over several holiday afternoons.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well, making this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe ideal for advance holiday prep. Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps soften the edges and refreshes their delightful cinnamon aroma. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. This substitution keeps the balance of flavors just right.
How do I make my snickerdoodles extra chewy?
For chewy snickerdoodles, slightly underbake them so the centers remain soft, and let them cool on the baking sheet. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain chewiness by reducing spreading.
Can I substitute the sanding sugar with other toppings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have red and green sanding sugar, festive sprinkles or finely chopped nuts work well too. Just choose something that complements the cinnamon sugar coating and adds visual appeal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients beyond eggs and dairy.
How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can bake these cookies up to three days in advance and store them at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze as described above to keep them fresh during your holiday festivities.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve whipped up this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe, it will become a staple in your holiday baking tradition. The combination of classic flavors with a festive twist makes every batch a little celebration. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and bake your way to a joyful season filled with sweet, cinnamon goodness.
Print
Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Snickerdoodles are classic cinnamon sugar cookies with a festive twist, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and chewy with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating and colorful red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles, they make an inviting treat to share. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies bring warmth and festive spirit to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Coating Ingredients
- ¼ cup red and green sanding sugar (or Christmas sprinkles)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create the cookie’s signature texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt for even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms without overworking the batter.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to create the classic snickerdoodle coating.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then gently press into red and green sanding sugar or Christmas sprinkles for a festive holiday look.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and maintain their texture.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the pan.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps reduce spreading and enhances flavor.
- These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for holiday preparation in advance.
