Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Snickerdoodles bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your holiday festivities. These soft and chewy cookies, coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, have a nostalgic feel that makes them perfect for any holiday gathering. The delightful aroma of freshly baked snickerdoodles will fill your home, creating a cozy atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy.
Making snickerdoodles is simple and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Baking these cookies can be a fun activity for all ages, making them not just a treat, but an experience to be shared during the holiday season. Gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this classic recipe!
Equipment Needed For Christmas Snickerdoodles
To whip up a batch of Christmas Snickerdoodles, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure the process goes smoothly and your cookies turn out perfectly.
Begin with a large mixing bowl for the dough preparation. You will also need a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar. A measuring cup and measuring spoons are essential for accurate ingredient quantities. Don’t forget parchment paper or a non-stick cookie sheet, as they will help prevent the cookies from sticking. Lastly, keep a cooling rack handy to let your cookies cool down after baking.
What You Need to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Gather the following ingredients needed to make your Christmas Snickerdoodles:
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sanding sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
These ingredients blend together to create the classic flavor and texture that makes snickerdoodles a beloved holiday treat.
How to Cook Christmas Snickerdoodles Step by Step
To begin making your Christmas Snickerdoodles, start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, which will make your cookies soft and tender.
Next, add the eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat them into the mixture one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated after each addition. This will help bind all the ingredients together effectively.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this may lead to tougher cookies.
Once the dough is prepared, it’s time to create the signature cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix the sanding sugar and cinnamon until well blended.
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Then gently roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to space them about two inches apart. This helps ensure they have room to spread while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers might appear a bit underbaked. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the cookie sheet.
Once they are done baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and achieve the perfect chewy texture.
How To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Making Christmas Snickerdoodles is an enjoyable process that anyone can master. Start by creaming the butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth, then mix in the dry ingredients to create your dough. Finally, roll the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar and bake until they are golden on the edges. Your kitchen will soon smell amazing!
This simple cookie recipe is easily customizable as well. You can adjust the spices or even add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. This flexibility allows you to create your own version of snickerdoodles.
How To Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles
These delightful snickerdoodles can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature. They make excellent snacks throughout the day, perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.
For a festive touch, consider stacking them on a decorative plate or serving them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon. This presentation makes them ideal for holiday parties or to give as gifts to friends and family.
What To Serve With Christmas Snickerdoodles
Christmas Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with various beverages. They complement a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a festive eggnog. Each bite becomes even more enjoyable when paired with your favorite drink.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider serving snickerdoodles alongside other Christmas treats like peppermint bark, sugar cookies, and gingerbread men. This variety helps create a festive dessert table that everyone will love.
How To Store Christmas Snickerdoodles
Storing your Christmas Snickerdoodles properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days. Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming stale.
You can store snickerdoodles at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider putting them in the freezer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with minimal air inside and label it with the date. They can stay fresh in the freezer for about three months.
Tips To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
To ensure your Christmas Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly, keep a few helpful tips in mind. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
Don’t skip the chilling step if you find that your dough tends to be too soft. A short chill time in the refrigerator can help firm up the dough, leading to better-shaped cookies.
Lastly, keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Every oven is different, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. It’s better to check them a minute or two early.
Variation (if any)
While the classic snickerdoodle recipe is already a favorite, you can change it up to create different flavors. Add a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the cookies’ sweet notes.
Consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You might also try incorporating spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Best Time To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
The best time to make Christmas Snickerdoodles is during the holiday season when cravings for festive treats are high. Baking these cookies can become a family tradition, bringing everyone together in the kitchen.
You can also prepare them for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. Their delightful taste and familiar cinnamon flavor make them a seasonal favorite that everyone looks forward to enjoying.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoiding certain pitfalls can ensure you bake perfect snickerdoodles every time. One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients accurately. Be sure to spoon and level the flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup.
Another mistake is overmixing the cookie dough. Mix until just combined for the best results. Lastly, make sure to give your cookies enough space on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging as they bake.
Nutritional Notes
If you are keeping track of nutritional intake, remember that cookies can contribute to your daily values. Each snickerdoodle contains sugar, fat, and carbohydrates, making them an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation.
Consider pairing your snickerdoodles with healthier options, like fresh fruit or nuts, when serving. This way, you can balance out your treats during holiday celebrations.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a couple of days. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld.
Can I freeze the baked snickerdoodles?
Absolutely! Bake them and let them cool completely before freezing. They can be kept frozen for about three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, check if you measured the ingredients accurately. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas Snickerdoodles is an enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday season. These cookies are simple to make, perfect for sharing, and filled with festive flavor. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch that will delight friends, family, and guests alike.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, snickerdoodles are a timeless recipe that enhances holiday gatherings. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and experience the joy of baking these delightful cookies together.
Christmas Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine sanding sugar and cinnamon.
- Scoop portions of the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the cookie sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers might appear underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
