Festive Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet memories of childhood holidays dance through my kitchen whenever I bake these delightful christmas snickerdoodles that sparkle with cinnamon magic.

Warm, buttery aromas fill every corner of the room, beckoning loved ones closer.

Soft and pillowy cookies promise comfort in each tender bite.

Grandma’s traditional recipe whispers nostalgic stories of festive gatherings and laughter.

Delicate sugar crystals glimmer like winter frost across perfectly crackled surfaces.

Cinnamon swirls invite you to experience a moment of pure seasonal joy.

These cookies offer more than just a treat – they serve up pure holiday happiness.

Sweet Things to Serve with Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Complement the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes of the Snickerdoodles with a rich, spiced mulled wine that echoes the cookie's festive flavors.
• Serve these cookies alongside a creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, allowing the sweet, spicy cookie to dance perfectly with the rich chocolate drink.
• Brew a smooth vanilla chai latte that mirrors the cookie's warm spices, creating a harmonious blend of comforting winter flavors and sweet cinnamon undertones.
• Pour a chilled glass of classic eggnog, whose creamy, nutmeg-infused profile beautifully complements the soft, sugary texture of the Snickerdoodle cookies.

Fun Spins on Classic Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Gluten-Free Holiday Snickerdoodles: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac-friendly cookies that maintain the classic cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Vegan Christmas Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose plant-based vanilla extract to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the traditional recipe.
• Low-Sugar Snickerdoodle Option: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the festive flavor profile intact.
• Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese to create a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Why You’ll Crave These Christmas Snickerdoodles

• These Christmas Snickerdoodles come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy holiday bakers who want delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies deliver nostalgic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings and holiday parties.
• Easily dress up these classic cookies with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, transforming simple snickerdoodles into eye-catching seasonal delights that spread instant Christmas joy.
• The recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, ensuring even novice bakers can create professional-looking cookies that taste amazing and impress everyone.

Ingredients for Holiday-Perfect Christmas Snickerdoodles

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for soft, tender cookie texture with perfect structure.
• Cream of Tartar: Signature tangy flavor and helps create classic snickerdoodle texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, festive holiday spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: Additional holiday warmth and depth.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base providing tender cookie texture, best when softened.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complementary sweetness.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates classic snickerdoodle exterior with sweet, spicy crunch.
• Optional Holiday Sprinkles: Festive decorative touch for Christmas theme.

How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Everyone Will Love

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Set this magical powder mix aside.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until it turns fluffy and light. This should take around 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Splash in vanilla extract and blend well.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined- don’t go overboard with mixing.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Balls

Mix remaining sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Scoop dough and roll into cute little balls. Roll each ball completely in the cinnamon-sugar combo.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls on prepared sheets, giving them breathing room. Optional: Sprinkle holiday sparkles or colored sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and tops look slightly cracked.

Step 7: Cool and Devour

Let cookies rest on baking sheets briefly. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Pair with hot cocoa or festive tea for maximum holiday cheer.

Smart Tips for Baking Better Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Prevent Tough Cookies: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep your snickerdoodles soft and tender, mixing just until ingredients are combined.
• Smart Chilling Trick: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Customize Holiday Flair: Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar before baking to make these cookies extra seasonal and visually appealing.
• Moisture Magic: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness and prevent them from becoming dry.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Christmas Snickerdoodles

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days.
• Pack cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags with parchment paper separating layers, lasting up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, restoring their soft texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to revive their just-baked warmth and softness.

Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Snickerdoodles dance with holiday cheer, bringing classic cinnamon warmth to your cookie plate. Crisp edges, tender centers, and sparkling sugar coating invite cookie lovers to savor sweet seasonal magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (347 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Binding and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Decoration Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons red sanding sugar
• 2 tablespoons green sanding sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee uniform cookie baking and prevent sticking.
2. Create dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
3. Develop creamy butter base by vigorously beating softened butter with granulated sugar until achieving a light, airy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes of mixing.
4. Integrate eggs individually into butter mixture, thoroughly combining after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, carefully mixing until just combined to maintain dough’s delicate structure.
6. Craft coating mixture by blending remaining sugar with cinnamon, potentially adding a subtle nutmeg accent for deeper complexity.
7. Form uniform dough balls using cookie scoop, meticulously rolling each in cinnamon-sugar mixture to create complete coverage.
8. Arrange coated dough spheres on prepared baking sheets, maintaining generous spacing to allow proper expansion during baking.
9. Optional festive enhancement includes sprinkling holiday-themed decorative elements like colored sugar or seasonal sprinkles.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for golden edges and characteristic surface cracking, understanding cookies will continue firming during cooling process.
11. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks, allowing complete temperature reduction before serving, ideally accompanied by warm holiday beverage.

Notes

• Always use room temperature butter for the smoothest, most evenly mixed cookie dough that creams perfectly without lumps.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create thicker, softer cookies with crisp edges.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the classic snickerdoodle texture.
• Add festive flair by mixing in crushed candy canes or using red and green colored sugars for extra holiday spirit and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg