“Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
There is nothing quite like the joy of baking Christmas Snickerdoodles during the holiday season. These festive cookies take the classic snickerdoodle to a whole new level with their soft, chewy texture and sparkling red, green, and white sanding sugar coating. They’re easy to whip up, bring a burst of warmth with cinnamon and cardamom, and fill your kitchen with irresistible holiday aromas that invite everyone to gather around, share stories, and savor every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or indulging yourself with a holiday treat, Christmas Snickerdoodles are a timeless classic that never fail to spread cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Christmas Snickerdoodles is refreshingly simple, but each component plays an essential role. From the richness of butter to the aromatic spices and the festive sugars, these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and holiday spirit.
- 3 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides the sturdy but tender base for your cookies, ensuring perfect chewiness.
- 2 tsp. cream of tartar: Adds that classic snickerdoodle tang and helps give the cookies their signature texture.
- 1 tsp. baking soda: Works with the cream of tartar to give the cookies just the right amount of rise.
- 1/2 tsp. fine salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon: Brings in the warm, cozy spice that defines snickerdoodles.
- Pinch of ground cardamom: Adds an unexpected hint of floral warmth, amplifying the festive feel.
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, just barely softened): Creates luscious richness that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Offers a deep vanilla flavor to complement the spices perfectly.
- Christmas red/green/white sugar for rolling: The colorful sanding sugars make these snickerdoodles festive and fun to eat.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until evenly combined. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront ensures every bite has that perfect hint of spice and the right level of lift.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and inviting. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally to make sure everything blends perfectly.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste or extract. The eggs bring the dough together, while the vanilla enriches the cookie flavor with a smooth sweetness that perfectly balances the warming spices.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix so your Christmas Snickerdoodles stay delightfully tender and chewy.
Step 6: Roll in Festive Sugar and Bake
Form dough into small balls—about 1 tablespoon each—and roll them generously in the red, green, and white sanding sugars. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7 minutes until puffed, soft, and slightly golden on the edges. Let them cool a bit before enjoying these festive gems!
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles
Garnishes
While the colored sanding sugars provide a perfect festive look, you can step things up by drizzling a little white chocolate or sprinkling extra cinnamon sugar on top just as the cookies come out of the oven for a touch of sparkle and flavor.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or even a classic glass of cold milk. The contrast between warm, chewy cookies and your preferred festive drink is pure holiday magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your cookies on a beautiful holiday platter, interspersed with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries for a pop of green and red. You can also package them in mason jars tied with ribbons for charming gifts that everyone will adore. Presentation is everything and with Christmas Snickerdoodles, it’s easy and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and chewy, just like they came fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Christmas Snickerdoodles for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked warmth, pop your Christmas Snickerdoodles in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This brings back that soft, chewy texture and cozy flavor instantly.
FAQs
What makes Christmas Snickerdoodles different from regular snickerdoodles?
Christmas Snickerdoodles stand out with their festive coating of red, green, and white sanding sugars, plus a hint of cardamom alongside the classic cinnamon, giving them an extra holiday twist in both flavor and appearance.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you do, reduce the added salt slightly to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty, as salted butter already contributes saltiness to the dough.
Why is cream of tartar important in this recipe?
Cream of tartar adds the tangy flavor and chewy texture characteristic of snickerdoodles. It reacts with baking soda to help the cookies rise properly and gives that traditional snickerdoodle bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly depending on the flour used.
How do I keep my Christmas Snickerdoodles soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few apple slices; these help maintain moisture and keep the cookies soft for several days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a sprinkle of joy to your holiday baking, Christmas Snickerdoodles are a must-try. Their irresistible combination of cozy spices, vibrant sugars, and comforting chewiness makes them the perfect sweet treat to share with friends and family. So gather your ingredients, turn on those festive tunes, and whip up a batch — your holiday celebrations will be all the more magical with these delightful cookies on hand.
