If you’re searching for the perfect cozy treat that embodies festive spirit and warm spices, this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is an absolute must-make. These tender, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies bring a delightful twist to the classic snickerdoodle, bursting with holiday cheer thanks to a touch of nutmeg alongside traditional cinnamon. Soft on the inside with just the right amount of crispy edges, every bite feels like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because you deserve a little magic in your day, this recipe will quickly become a beloved holiday staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Christmas Snickerdoodles just right depends on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create their signature flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role: the flour builds the structure, the butter lends richness, and the spices add that instantly recognizable holiday warmth.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: Provides the sturdy base for tender cookies that hold their shape.
- Baking powder, 2 tsp: Gives a gentle rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Salted butter, 1 cup, softened: Adds creamy richness and moisture essential to snickerdoodles.
- White sugar, 2 cups (divided): Sweetens the dough and creates that signature crackly cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and help with the perfect chewy texture.
- Cinnamon, 2 tsp: The heart of the snickerdoodle, delivering warm, fragrant spice.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp: Introduces a subtle nutty warmth enhancing the festive flavor profile.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly combined. Setting these dry ingredients aside will make it easier to incorporate them smoothly into the wet mixture later, avoiding lumps and ensuring consistency.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming helps incorporate air, resulting in cookies with a tender crumb and a slight lift.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The eggs not only bind everything together but also contribute moisture and richness, giving your cookies their classic snickerdoodle chew.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter and egg mixture, stirring as you go to form a soft, manageable dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies—mix just until the flour disappears.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Nutmeg Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of white sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg. This fragrant coating will be rolled onto each dough ball, providing that classic snickerdoodle crackle and festive flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently toss each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. Place the coated balls spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheets; this helps them bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time prevents breakage and lets flavors fully develop.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the holiday feel by dusting your Christmas Snickerdoodles with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of extra cinnamon right before serving. A little edible gold glitter or colored sugar sprinkles can also add a festive sparkle that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like a robust cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or an aromatic chai tea latte. They also complement a glass of cold milk perfectly for a timeless snack that everyone will love at holiday parties or cozy nights in.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, stack your Christmas Snickerdoodles in a decorative tin or a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade present. You can also serve them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine to create a rustic, wintry vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy them long after the baking frenzy is over.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead for the holiday season, freeze unbaked dough balls on a lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a batch of fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To warm up leftover cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their soft, chewy texture and revives that enchanting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil in this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe?
Butter is preferred because it provides rich flavor and the right texture, but you can use margarine as a substitute. However, using oil is not recommended as it changes the cookie’s structure and chewiness significantly.
Why do my snickerdoodles turn out flat?
Flat cookies usually result from using butter that is too soft or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until combined. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh to ensure proper rising.
Can I make Christmas Snickerdoodles gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You might need to adjust the moisture slightly, but the result will still be deliciously festive.
What is the purpose of the nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg adds depth and a subtle warmth to the traditional cinnamon flavor, making these snickerdoodles especially suited for the holiday season by boosting their cozy, festive taste.
How do I make sure my snickerdoodles are soft rather than crunchy?
Don’t overbake your cookies; watch them closely after 8 minutes in the oven. Remove them when the edges just start to turn golden to keep the centers soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is a lovely way to add a little sweetness and warmth to your holiday celebrations. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a joy to bake and share. Trust me, once you try these cozy, flavorful cookies, they’ll become a trusted tradition that you’ll reach for every festive season. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with Christmas magic!
Print
Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Snickerdoodles are classic soft and chewy cinnamon-sugar cookies perfect for the holiday season. Rolled in a festive cinnamon and nutmeg mixture, these cookies bake to golden perfection with a delightful buttery flavor and tender texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
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 Mixtures
- 2 cups white sugar (divided: 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup)
- 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 prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon and ground nutmeg to create a fragrant coating mixture.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft centers; look for just golden edges.
- Cookies will firm up slightly while cooling on the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra festive flair, add red and green colored sugar to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
