Name: Irresistibly Soft Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat.); 1 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the cookies rise.); 2 teaspoons cream of tartar (Adds classic Snickerdoodle texture.); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Imparts warm flavor.); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (Use softened for best results.); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (Consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.); 2 large eggs (Replace with flax eggs for a vegan option.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Opt for pure vanilla for the finest taste.); ¼ cup granulated sugar (Used for rolling the dough balls.); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Used for coating.)

There's nothing quite like the scent of cinnamon wafting through your home, signaling that the holiday baking season is fully underway. These Easy Christmas Snickerdoodles are a delightful addition to any festive gathering, combining soft, chewy bites with a charming sugar-and-spice coating that’s simply irresistible. Not only are these cookies super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy days in the kitchen, but they’re also sure to impress family and friends alike. With simple variations to suit your flavor cravings, you can easily customize these treats to match your own holiday spirit. Ready to turn your kitchen into a cozy winter wonderland? Join me as we dive into the magic of creating these classic Christmas cookies!

Why are Snickerdoodles the perfect holiday treat?

Soft, Chewy Texture: These cookies deliver the ultimate softness, making each bite a delightful experience.

Irresistible Aroma: The sweet scent of cinnamon fills your kitchen, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Versatile Flavor Options: Customize your Snickerdoodles by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts, or swap some sugar for brown sugar for extra depth.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies are bound to be a hit, bringing smiles to family gatherings and holiday parties. Serve them with a glass of milk or alongside rich hot cocoa for an unforgettable festive treat!

Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful world of Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles with these essential ingredients!

For the Cookie Base

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise; remember, this is not the same as baking powder!
Cream of tartar – Adds tanginess and the classic Snickerdoodle texture; can substitute with baking powder if needed.
Ground cinnamon – Imparts that warm, nostalgic flavor characteristic of Snickerdoodles.
Salt – Enhances flavors; reduce for a sweeter profile.
Unsalted butter – Gives cookies a rich, buttery texture; use softened for best results.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens and contributes to structure; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor boost.
Eggs – Provide moisture and binding; replace with flax eggs for a vegan option.
Vanilla extract – Introduces a rich flavor; for the finest taste, opt for pure vanilla.

For the Coating

Granulated sugar – Used for rolling the dough balls, adding extra sweetness and texture.
Ground cinnamon – Create a delightful cinnamon sugar coating for that classic Snickerdoodle crunch!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This preparation sets the stage for your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles, allowing them to bake evenly and promoting that lovely, golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This dry blend will provide the structure and essential flavor of your cookies. Make sure to combine thoroughly until you see a uniform mixture, which will ensure even flavor distribution in your Snickerdoodles.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will incorporate air into the batter, resulting in soft, chewy Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Next, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another minute until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth and creamy, infusing your cookies with delightful flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to come together while still retaining a soft, slightly sticky texture. This careful blending is crucial for creating the perfect consistency for your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This will be your delightful coating for the cookie dough balls, adding sweetness and the signature Snickerdoodle flavor. Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar, creating a luscious topping for your cookies.

Step 7: Form and Coat the Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough, rolling each piece into a ball with your hands. Then, roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This step ensures that every bite of your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles is bursting with sweet and spicy flavor, making them extra special.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them, as they will spread while baking. Slide the sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up and develop a slightly crinkled surface, indicating they're perfectly baked and ready to come out when lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the Snickerdoodles to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool helps achieve the ideal texture, making each cookie soft, chewy, and ready to be enjoyed as a delightful holiday treat!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing, which helps achieve that perfect soft texture in your Snickerdoodles.
Chill the Dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This simple step prevents flat cookies and enhances their chewy goodness.
Watch Your Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be puffed and slightly crinkled but not overly golden to ensure a perfect chewy center.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for unique flavor twists, but remember to maintain the balance of ingredients to avoid altering the cookie’s delightful texture.
Store Properly: Keep your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles in an airtight container to maintain their softness, or freeze them for longer storage while ensuring they stay fresh and delectable for your holiday gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, individually wrap the Snickerdoodles in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked feel.

Dough Storage: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the dough balls for up to three months.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Christmas Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent browning. Additionally, you can roll the dough into balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly onto a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time for best results. This way, you'll still get those soft, chewy Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles right when you need them, just as delicious as if made fresh!

What to Serve with Easy Christmas Snickerdoodles

There's something truly magical about creating a festive meal that pairs perfectly with the sweet aroma of warm Snickerdoodles.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy chocolate complements the cinnamon sugar topping, adding a warm, comforting element to your holiday treats.
Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing creates a delightful contrast, as the cold, creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly enhances the warm, chewy cookies.
Peppermint Bark: The refreshing minty crunch provides a seasonal twist that balances the sweet spices, making each bite of Snickerdoodle even more indulgent.
Cranberry Fizz: Sparkling cranberry juice brings a tartness that cuts through the sweetness while offering a delightful zing to complement your cookie spread.
Cheese Platter: A mix of brie and aged cheddar creates a savory contrast against the sweet flavors of the Snickerdoodles, inviting guests to savor the unique combination.
Christmas Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like pomegranate, apple, and citrus add brightness and a splash of color to your holiday table, harmonizing beautifully with the cookies’ warmth.
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai echo the flavors in your Snickerdoodles, creating a cozy drink that guests will love to sip while indulging in their sweets.
Gingerbread Cookies: Layering flavors with another holiday favorite creates a festive atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy a variety of comforting treats.

Embrace the warmth of the season by pairing your Easy Christmas Snickerdoodles with these delightful additions for a memorable holiday celebration!

Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Variations

Feel free to personalize your Snickerdoodles and turn them into something uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Nutty Surprise: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
Chocolate Twist: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent variation that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of ginger for an exciting twist that gives these cookies a festive flair.
Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter for a tasty alternative.
Cinnamon Sugar Upgrade: Try vanilla sugar or a flavored sugar instead of granulated sugar for rolling the dough balls to elevate the cinnamon-sugar experience.
Warm Spice Infusion: Incorporate a blend of spices, like cardamom or allspice, for a cozy aroma and an intriguing flavor profile.
Festive Sprinkles: Top the cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles before baking to create a more festive look that will delight kids and adults alike.
Frosted Delight: Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk after baking for an extra sweet finish that transforms your Snickerdoodles into a dessert showstopper.

These variations invite you to experiment and share the warmth of holiday baking with family and friends. For even more delightful ideas, you can check out my tips on serving with creamy hot cocoa or indulging them alongside our rich vanilla ice cream. Happy baking!

Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for Snickerdoodles?
For the best results, I recommend using all-purpose flour, as it provides the perfect structure and texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, which works surprisingly well!

How long can I store Snickerdoodles at room temperature?
You can keep your Christmas Cookies Snickerdoodles fresh and delicious in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing them, so they stay soft and chewy.

Can I freeze Snickerdoodles? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Snickerdoodles, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to a month this way. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth!

What can I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies come out flat, first check the butter measurements. Using too much melted butter can lead to spreading. You might also consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances that classic chewy texture.

Are Snickerdoodles safe for pets, especially dogs?
While the ingredients in Snickerdoodles are generally safe, they do contain sugar and cinnamon, which can be problematic for pets in larger quantities. It's best to avoid giving them cookies, but if you're looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider using specific pet-safe recipes instead.

Can I customize my Snickerdoodles with different flavors?
Yes, please do! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for a delightful twist. I often swap some granulated sugar for brown sugar for added richness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavorings such as nutmeg or even a splash of peppermint extract for the holidays!