When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing better than indulging in cookies that bring comfort and cheer. Among the festive treats, Christmas Snickerdoodles hold a special place. With their soft, chewy texture and a coating of spiced sugar, these cookies are a must-have on any holiday dessert table. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also bursting with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them the perfect holiday treat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Christmas Snickerdoodles—from their ingredients to tips for perfecting them. Plus, we’ll share some fun variations and pro tips to ensure your cookies come out flawless every time.
What Are Christmas Snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles are classic cookies that have been loved for generations. While they’re often associated with a simple cinnamon-sugar coating, the Christmas Snickerdoodle takes this classic treat up a notch by adding festive spices like nutmeg and a touch of holiday cheer. Their hallmark is the balance of a soft interior and a slightly crisp, sugary exterior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a last-minute holiday treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite holiday flavors for a unique twist.
Ingredients: Everything You Need to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your holiday masterpiece:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookies.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
- 2 cups white sugar (divided): Sweetens the dough and creates the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- 2 large eggs: For structure and moisture.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: The star of the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a festive touch.
These ingredients come together to create the soft, flavorful Christmas Snickerdoodles that everyone loves.
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Christmas Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Coating
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will give the cookies their signature holiday flavor.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes and Tips for Perfect Christmas Snickerdoodles
- Chilling the Dough: If your dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Even Coating: Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure a consistent flavor and appearance.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should come out with slightly soft centers—they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for later use.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to customize your Christmas Snickerdoodles? Here are some creative twists:
- Add a Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle heat.
- Stuffed Snickerdoodles: Hide a piece of chocolate or caramel inside each dough ball before baking.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these cookies are a treat, it’s helpful to know what’s inside. Here’s the breakdown:
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin D: 1% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 3% DV
These cookies provide a small amount of calcium and iron, making them a guilt-free indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.
FAQs About Christmas Snickerdoodles
Yes, you can! Freeze the dough balls before coating them in sugar. When ready to bake, thaw, coat, and bake as directed.
Their cinnamon-sugar coating and slight tang (thanks to the baking powder) set them apart from regular sugar cookies.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain the cookies’ moisture.
If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, simply omit it or replace it with a bit of allspice for a similar warm flavor.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Snickerdoodles are more than just cookies—they’re a symbol of holiday joy and togetherness. With their buttery flavor and festive spices, these cookies will surely become a staple in your holiday baking. Try this recipe today and create memories that last a lifetime!
More Relevant Recipes
PrintChristmas Snickerdoodles
These Christmas Snickerdoodles are soft, chewy, and coated in a festive cinnamon-sugar blend, making them the perfect holiday cookie for any gathering.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookies’ texture.
- Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Roll and coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake to perfection: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This will make rolling the balls much easier.
- Adjust the spices: Love a spicier kick? Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Storage: Store your Christmas Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them perfect for holiday prep.
- Gift-worthy: Wrap these cookies in festive tins or bags for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg