If you’re looking to bring a warm, cozy, and cheerful vibe to your holiday baking, this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful cookies are the perfect blend of soft, buttery dough dusted with a festive cinnamon sugar coating that’s accented with red and green sprinkles, making every bite feel like a celebration. They’re easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and bring a nostalgic touch of comfort that’s sure to make your holiday gatherings extra special. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just want a sweet treat to savor with your favorite winter drink, these Christmas Snickerdoodles deliver that perfect holiday spirit in every bite.

Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature soft texture and perfectly balanced flavor. These simple staples come together to form a cookie that is both timeless and festive.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that snickerdoodles are known for.
2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and helps create that chewy but tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently and achieve just the right texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, airy texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add tenderness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm flavor depth that complements the cinnamon coating perfectly.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus optional red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles for that holiday pop.

How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking them together ensures even distribution, which is key to getting that perfect snickerdoodle texture and flavor throughout your dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is the secret behind the tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality of these cookies—don’t rush it! A well-creamed base means your dough will rise nicely and have a soft crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely warmth that complements the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies dense, so keep it gentle but thorough for that soft and tender bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for rolling. This classic coating gives snickerdoodles their signature sweet and spiced flavor. For an extra festive touch, have red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles ready for the final step.

Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. For that cheerful holiday vibe, gently dip the tops into red or green sanding sugar or sprinkles before placing them on your baking sheet.)

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your dough balls about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops crackle beautifully. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps the cookies maintain their soft texture.

How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Garnishes

While the red and green sanding sugar already adds a festive flair, you can also dust the finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra snowy look. If you love a little contrast, serve with a side of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate for decadence.

Side Dishes

Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with warm drinks such as hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced apple cider. They also make a delightful companion to vanilla ice cream or a simple custard, offering a soft cookie crunch alongside creamy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Christmas Snickerdoodles on a holiday-themed platter or tiered cookie stand lined with festive napkins. Tie small stacks with thin red or green ribbon for an adorable gift presentation. You could even package them in clear boxes or jars with a seasonal tag for sharing the holiday joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for holiday parties or last-minute guests.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, and thaw at room temperature when needed.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat your snickerdoodles in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes each bite feel like straight from the oven.

FAQs

What makes snickerdoodles different from regular sugar cookies?

Snickerdoodles are unique due to their cinnamon sugar coating and the use of cream of tartar in the dough, which gives them a slight tang and their signature chewy, soft texture distinct from classic sugar cookies.

Can I make this Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Why add cream of tartar to the recipe?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the dough’s pH balance, resulting in a tender texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness and complements the cinnamon coating beautifully.

How can I make these cookies extra soft?

For ultra-soft snickerdoodles, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking and avoid overbaking. Removing them from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft ensures maximum tenderness as they cool.

Can I use other colored sugars instead of red and green?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any colored sanding sugar or sprinkles you love. Mixing colors or using gold, silver, or even white can add a unique twist to your Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe while keeping them festive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe every holiday season. These cookies not only fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla but also bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste them. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this festive tradition—it’s a delicious way to create warm memories and sweet moments that last far beyond the holidays.