There’s something downright magical about biting into Christmas Snickerdoodles—each one is soft, crinkly, and dusted in holiday colors that never fail to bring out festive cheer! This classic cookie gets a holly-jolly upgrade with cinnamon, sparkling red and green sugar, and buttery goodness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or filling up Santa’s plate, these Christmas Snickerdoodles are about as merry (and foolproof) as homemade cookies get, melting nostalgia and sweet spice together in every joyful mouthful.

Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples turns into such a special treat—each ingredient in Christmas Snickerdoodles plays a part in making every cookie taste just right! The texture, chew, and sparkling look are all thanks to a few simple picks and a little baking magic.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of supremely tender cookies—let it come to room temp for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups + 1/4 cup): Sweetness and crisp edges; the extra 1/4 cup is key for rolling the dough in cinnamon-sugar magic!
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add that subtle richness for the perfect chewy texture.
All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Provides structure and a soft bite—measure it carefully for cookies that puff just right.
Cream of tartar (2 tsp): The secret to that classic snickerdoodle tang and signature crackled tops.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and keeps them impossibly light.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances every sweet, spicy note.
Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles (1/4 cup): For that festive sparkle—try both colors for maximum holiday flair!
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The heart of the snickerdoodle flavor; always choose fresh cinnamon for bold spice.

How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans

Before you get your hands in the dough, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps your Christmas Snickerdoodles bake evenly and makes clean-up a breeze—your future self will thank you!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—think light and cloud-like. Proper creaming is what gives your cookies that plush texture!

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs make the dough glossy and help everything blend perfectly, giving your finished cookies that chewy, just-right bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these before adding them in ensures every bite of your Christmas Snickerdoodles has a pop of tang and puff.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overwork the dough or your cookies might lose their tender crumb.

Step 6: Cinnamon-Sugar Magic

Stir together the extra 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll tablespoon-sized bits of dough into 1-inch balls, then swirl them in this cinnamon-sugar until totally coated.

Step 7: Add Holiday Sparkle

Dip the tops of each dough ball into a shallow dish of red and green sanding sugar or festive sprinkles. This step transforms your Christmas Snickerdoodles into edible ornaments—so don’t skip it!

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Space your cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for puffed, crackly tops and set edges. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack for maximum chewiness and sparkle.

How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles

Garnishes

A little extra razzle-dazzle never hurt anyone—try pressing a white chocolate chip into the center of each cookie right after baking for a creamy, melty accent. Or shake on a final dusting of cinnamon sugar just before serving to make your Christmas Snickerdoodles shine even brighter.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, steaming chai lattes, or even cold milk for a classic, comforting duo. Serve alongside a fresh fruit platter for color contrast, or next to a big bowl of vanilla ice cream for a dessert pairing that always gets rave reviews.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Christmas Snickerdoodles in a holiday tin layered with parchment for a festive gift, or tuck a few into cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons for delightful party favors. For cookie swaps, arrange them in concentric circles on a cake stand so their jeweled tops catch the light—guaranteed showstoppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay deliciously soft for 3–4 days. If you have a lot, separate layers with wax paper to preserve those signature crackled tops.

Freezing

Christmas Snickerdoodles freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then freeze in single layers before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll taste fresh from the oven (and keep their festive color!) for up to three months.

Reheating

Want to recreate that fresh-baked aroma? Briefly warm cookies in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 2–3 minutes, or pop a single cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds. The cinnamon scent fills the house and the centers turn dreamy-soft again.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Snickerdoodles dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it well, and refrigerate overnight. This not only gives you a head start but actually deepens the cookie’s flavor and makes rolling easier.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar creates that classic snickerdoodle tang. In a pinch, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different—and still delicious!

How do I keep my Christmas Snickerdoodles chewy?

Don’t overbake them! Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll set up as they cool and stay wonderfully chewy.

Can I use other colored sugars or sprinkles?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Red and green sanding sugars are classic, but gold, silver, or even rainbow sprinkles make these snickerdoodles ready for any celebration.

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?

Overly soft butter or a warm kitchen can make the cookies spread more than you want. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking for perfectly thick and puffy snickerdoodles.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a go-to festive cookie, and Christmas Snickerdoodles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that look every bit as joyful as they taste. If you’re craving that perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday sparkle, don’t wait—whip up a batch and make your celebrations extra sweet!