As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of warm, sweet treats that fill my home with joy. Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles are my go-to recipe for spreading cheer. These delightful cookies are not only easy to whip up, but they also bring a nostalgic aroma that reminds me of family gatherings. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling work and kids or a professional looking to impress your friends, this recipe is a quick solution for a festive treat. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Soft, chewy texture with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Great for baking with kids—fun and interactive!
- Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends.
- Classic flavor that appeals to everyone, young and old alike.
Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Christmas Snickerdoodle cookies, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- Cream together unsalted butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop cookie dough and roll into balls, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place dough balls on baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and slightly crinkled. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Holiday Baking, Easy Cookies
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success. For these Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect puff.
- Cream of tartar: A must for Snickerdoodles! It adds a slight tang and helps create a soft texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It infuses warmth and holiday spirit into every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it creates a rich, creamy base for your dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delightful texture.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cookies tender.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): This is mixed with cinnamon to create that irresistible coating.
- Cinnamon (for rolling): Adds an extra layer of flavor to the outside of the cookies.
For those looking to switch things up, you can experiment with different types of sugar or even add a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist. If you’re out of cream of tartar, a mix of baking powder can work in a pinch. Remember, the exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing, so you can easily get started on your baking adventure!
How to Make Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles. I promise, the process is as delightful as the cookies themselves!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is vital for the cookie’s texture, ensuring they rise beautifully and have that signature Snickerdoodle softness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, grab your stand mixer and cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins! The air you incorporate here will help create soft, tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Then, add in the vanilla extract. This will enrich the flavor and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This is key to keeping your cookies soft and chewy, just the way we love them.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling. This delightful coating is what makes Snickerdoodles so special. It adds that extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Then, coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re puffed and slightly crinkled. This is where the magic happens—watch them transform into golden, delicious cookies!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes—this ensures even baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for days.
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer: A hand mixer works too if you don’t have a stand mixer.
- Baking sheets: Any flat baking tray will do, just ensure it’s lined with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for mixing ingredients.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well if you don’t have a scoop.
- Whisk: A fork can substitute for whisking dry ingredients together.
Variations To Try
- Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist on the classic flavor.
- Nutty Snickerdoodles: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Spiced Snickerdoodles: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Frosted Snickerdoodles: Top cooled cookies with a light cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and holiday sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
- For a fun twist, create a cookie sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between!
FAQs about Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles
As I’ve baked these Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles over the years, I’ve gathered a few common questions that pop up. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions to help you on your baking journey!
Can I freeze Snickerdoodle cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store Snickerdoodles?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can! Using brown sugar will give your Snickerdoodles a richer flavor and a slightly chewier texture. Just remember to adjust the amount of granulated sugar if you prefer a balance.
Why are my Snickerdoodles flat?
Flat cookies can be a result of too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. They’ll still be delicious and perfect for the holiday season!
Final Thoughts
Baking Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that brings warmth and joy to my home. The delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen instantly lifts my spirits and creates a cozy atmosphere. Each bite is a reminder of love, laughter, and the magic of the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and create sweet memories together. Trust me, these cookies will become a beloved part of your holiday celebrations!
