Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet, cozy treat that instantly captures the festive spirit, look no further than this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe. These soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are perfectly tender with a subtle hint of nutmeg, making them the ultimate holiday delight. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a magical bite that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting that classic soft chew and warm holiday spice.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and softness to your cookies.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the snickerdoodles a gentle rise for that delightful fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, keeping the balance just right.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- 2 cups white sugar (divided): Sweetens and creates that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for a chewy, soft center.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: The star spice giving those iconic cookie flavors a warm, fragrant boost.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth to complement the cinnamon without overpowering.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect golden edge every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these aside now means you’re ready to incorporate them smoothly later without clumps or uneven rising.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using softened butter, cream it together with 1 1/2 cups of the sugar until your mixture turns light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your dough’s tender texture and sweetness, so don’t rush this step—it’s worth the extra time!
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, cohesive dough that will hold together perfectly during baking.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until it forms a soft dough. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg. This coating is what gives your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe that classic, festive sparkle and spice with every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then generously coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them on your prepared baking sheets with a little space in between, ready to transform into warm cookies.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your snickerdoodles for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set with the perfect chewy center and crisp outside.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a snow-kissed look, instantly elevating your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle finely chopped peppermint candy or festive red and green sugar crystals before baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. You might also enjoy them alongside whipped cream-topped coffee or eggnog for a truly seasonal experience that warms the heart.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your snickerdoodles in a festive tin lined with parchment paper, or stack them with ribbons tied around for charming homemade gifts. For parties, serve on a holiday platter garnished with fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries to make your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their softness and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked snickerdoodles by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep delicious for up to three months, ideal for preparing your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe well ahead of time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked softness. This trick makes your snickerdoodles taste just like they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt to your dough when mixing dry ingredients to balance the flavors, keeping the classic taste of the Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe.
What makes snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?
Snickerdoodles have a signature cinnamon-sugar coating and a slightly tangy flavor from cream of tartar or baking powder, giving them a unique texture and zest compared to plain sugar cookies.
Can I substitute spices for a different flavor?
While cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional and perfect for the holidays, feel free to experiment with ginger, cloves, or even cardamom to personalize your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed. This helps maintain the perfect round shape with those delightful edges.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe should turn out just as soft and delicious with this swap.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is a warm hug in cookie form—easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and steeped in festive charm. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new holiday favorite to share with loved ones year after year.
Print
Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the festive season with these classic Christmas Snickerdoodles, featuring a soft, buttery texture rolled in a warm cinnamon and nutmeg sugar coating. Perfectly spiced and delightfully crisp at the edges, these cookies bring cozy holiday flavors to your cookie jar.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
Sugar and Spices
- 2 cups white sugar (divided)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later incorporation into the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overmixing to avoid toughness.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon and ground nutmeg, which will add the signature spiced coating to the cookies.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them evenly. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden, indicating they are perfectly baked. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their chewy texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes; for crispier edges, bake closer to 10 minutes.
- Ensure butter is properly softened for easier creaming and better texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to keep baking sheets clean.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Adding a teaspoon of cream of tartar can amplify the traditional snickerdoodle tang, though it’s optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American