If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon and spice this holiday season, you’ve just found a winner. This Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe brings all the classic charm of snickerdoodle cookies with an extra festive twist that will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. Chewy, soft, and dusted generously with cinnamon and nutmeg sugar, these treats are perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking handfuls yourself while you wrap presents or sip hot cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such delicious magic. Each one plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible holiday flair.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, tender cookies with just the right chew.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a light, airy bite without heaviness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and spice flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- 2 cups white sugar (divided): Sweetens the dough and creates that signature cinnamon-sugar crust.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind everything together while adding tenderness.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: Brings the warm, spicy Christmas spirit to each cookie.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a hint of holiday magic to the coating.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off easily once done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first guarantees that your leavening and seasoning get spread evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating that wonderfully soft, tender texture that snickerdoodles are famous for.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The eggs add moisture and help bind all the ingredients together perfectly for that soft yet sturdy cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix to keep your snickerdoodles tender and chewy rather than tough.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Nutmeg Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg. This fragrant sugar coating is what makes the Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe stand out from the usual, filling each bite with festive aroma and flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then dip each ball into the cinnamon-nutmeg sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread as they bake.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set up without breaking apart.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over warm cookies just out of the oven. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or place a small peppermint candy on the side for a playful contrast in flavor and color.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot apple cider, peppermint tea, or a classic cup of rich hot chocolate. They also make a charming dessert alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent holiday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a stack of these Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon for adorable homemade gifts. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by pine sprigs, cranberries, or mini ornaments to instantly elevate your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will help retain their soft texture and cinnamon-sugary crust without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Christmas Snickerdoodles for up to three months by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container. Thaw at room temperature in just 30 minutes before serving to enjoy them fresh.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for around 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma, making each bite as delightful as the first time you tried the Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe?
Either works, but using salted butter adds a nice balance of flavor that enhances the sweetness. If using unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to the dough for the best results.
What makes snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?
Snickerdoodles have a tangy touch from cream of tartar or baking powder and are rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving them a distinct flavor and texture that’s soft and slightly chewy, unlike the crispness often found in sugar cookies.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Absolutely! Nutmeg adds warmth, but feel free to experiment by adding ginger, allspice, or even a little ground cloves for a more complex holiday flavor.
How thick should I make the cookies before baking?
Rolling the dough into 1-inch balls works perfectly. They will spread out while baking and develop a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Is it possible to make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can achieve a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as heartwarming to make as it is to eat. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, these cookies bring simple ingredients to life with fragrant spices, buttery goodness, and that perfect soft texture we all crave. Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create some festive magic in your kitchen!
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
Description
Classic Christmas Snickerdoodles with a festive twist of cinnamon and nutmeg, featuring a soft, buttery texture and a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
Sugar
- 2 cups white sugar (divided: 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined evenly. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and maintain a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a soft dough without overmixing.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg to create the signature snickerdoodle topping.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then evenly coat each ball by rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the coated dough balls spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden color. This ensures a perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft in the center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a festive look, you can add red and green sprinkles to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
