Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Classic

Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies decorated with red and green sugar on a holiday platter.

Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies bring a delightful holiday flair to the traditional favorite. With their soft, cinnamon-sugar coating and festive decorations, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings at home, they’re a must-bake for the season.


Ingredients for Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Decorations:

  • Red and green sanding sugar
  • Festive sprinkles

How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.

2. Chill the Dough:

  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

3. Shape the Cookies:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for coating.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

4. Add a Festive Touch:

  • Roll some dough balls in red and green sanding sugar or sprinkle them with festive decorations.

5. Bake:

  • Arrange the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies decorated with red and green sugar on a holiday platter.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies

  1. Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  2. Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers appear soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
  3. Customize the Decorations: Add holiday flair with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter.

Fun Variations for Snickerdoodle Cookies

  • Add White Chocolate Chips: Mix white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.
  • Peppermint Snickerdoodles: Crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the cookies before baking.

For more festive ideas, visit 50 Christmas Cookie Recipes.


Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies decorated with red and green sugar on a holiday platter.

FAQs About Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What makes Snickerdoodles unique?

The cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodles their classic tangy flavor and chewy texture.

How should I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.



Conclusion: A Festive Favorite

Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookies are a cheerful and delicious addition to any holiday celebration. Their cinnamon-sugar coating and customizable decorations make them as fun to make as they are to eat. Bake a batch this season and share the joy of these delightful cookies with friends and family.

For more holiday treats, explore our Ultimate Christmas Dessert Guide.


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