Christmas Snickerdoodles

As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a cozy haven filled with the delicious smells of freshly baked treats. One of the most beloved cookies to enjoy during Christmas is the Snickerdoodle—a soft, buttery delight with a distinctive cinnamon-sugar coating. This Christmas Snickerdoodle recipe takes the classic and adds a festive touch, making it the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray.

What Are Snickerdoodles?

Snickerdoodles are a type of sugar cookie, but what sets them apart is the addition of cinnamon and a unique tang from cream of tartar. The dough is rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking, giving them their signature flavor and crackled surface. Their soft, chewy texture and warm, spicy taste make Snickerdoodles a favorite year-round, but when made with a Christmas twist, they become a must-bake during the holiday season.

Ingredients for Christmas Snickerdoodles

To make these delicious Christmas Snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar (this is key to achieving that signature texture)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature for easy mixing)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (this will be divided for the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for the dough)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for a festive holiday flavor)
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for that Christmas touch)

How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon (and a pinch of nutmeg if you like). Using a spoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a special holiday touch, you can also sprinkle the dough balls with a few holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges and slightly cracked on top. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the Christmas Snickerdoodles to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa or holiday spiced tea.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Snickerdoodles

1. Classic Flavor with a Festive Twist: Snickerdoodles are already a favorite cookie, and the cinnamon and nutmeg give them a cozy holiday flavor perfect for Christmas.
2. Perfectly Soft and Chewy: The cream of tartar creates the signature tang and chewy texture that makes Snickerdoodles stand out from other cookies.
3. Holiday Fun: Adding colored sugar or sprinkles to the dough balls gives these cookies a festive, eye-catching look that will delight everyone at your holiday gatherings.
4. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are an easy and delicious treat to bake with your family during the holidays.

Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodles

• Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Snickerdoodles continue to cook after you remove them from the oven. For soft cookies, take them out when they’re just golden at the edges.
• Customize Your Coating: Add a dash of holiday spirit by incorporating different colors of sugar or sprinkles to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a variety of festive looks.

Conclusion

Christmas Snickerdoodles are the perfect way to spread joy during the holiday season. With their soft, chewy texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and festive appearance, they’ll be a hit at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these delightful cookies to make this holiday season even sweeter!

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Snickerdoodles

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Holiday Beverages: Snickerdoodles are perfect with a variety of festive drinks. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy holiday treat.
2. Holiday Cookie Platters: Add these Christmas Snickerdoodles to your holiday cookie trays along with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or shortbread. Their festive look and comforting flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties.
3. Gift-Worthy: These cookies make wonderful gifts! Place them in a decorative tin or a festive box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. You can also add a personal touch by wrapping them with a colorful ribbon or festive tag.
4. Serve with a Twist: For extra indulgence, you can serve your Snickerdoodles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a simple and delicious ice cream sandwich.

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Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage: To keep your Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies should remain soft and chewy for several days.
2. Freezing for Later: If you want to bake ahead or preserve leftovers, Snickerdoodles freeze wonderfully! Simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For an extra touch, layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.
3. Frozen Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the dough itself. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
4. Avoid Stale Cookies: To prevent the cookies from getting too hard, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping your Snickerdoodles soft.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Christmas Snickerdoodles long after they’ve come out of the oven, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the first!

1. Can I make Christmas Snickerdoodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these cookies ahead of time. You can either freeze the dough and bake the cookies later or bake the cookies and store them for a few days. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If baking the cookies ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Why do Snickerdoodles have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is essential in Snickerdoodle recipes because it helps create a chewy texture and contributes to the signature tangy flavor. It also activates the baking soda, helping the cookies rise and achieve that soft, slightly puffy consistency. Without cream of tartar, the cookies may not have the same texture.

3. How can I make my Christmas Snickerdoodles extra festive?
To add a festive touch to your Snickerdoodles, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles in red, green, or gold. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon or holiday-themed decorations on top of the cookies after baking for a more decorative look.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar for Snickerdoodles?
While granulated sugar is the best option for the dough and cinnamon-sugar coating, you can experiment with alternatives like light brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. However, using different sugars may alter the texture slightly. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, but note that it might affect the taste and texture.

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