Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy during the holiday season. Their unique flavor combines spices with the sweetness of sugar cookies, making them a perfect addition to your festive gatherings. Plus, their charming appearance dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with colorful sprinkles adds a cheerful touch to any dessert table.
These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as they bake. They are simple to make and can be a fun family activity. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, Christmas Snickerdoodles bring a warm, festive feeling to your holiday celebrations.
Equipment Needed For Christmas Snickerdoodles
To make Christmas Snickerdoodles, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Gather the following items to get started:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Oven
Having all your equipment ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
What You Need to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Gather these ingredients to create delicious Christmas Snickerdoodles:
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 10 oz. bag white chocolate melting wafers
Christmas sprinkles
How to Cook Christmas Snickerdoodles Step by Step
Begin by preparing your baking environment. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This also makes for easy cleanup later.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps. Once combined, set this bowl aside; you will add it to the wet ingredients later.
In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to combine these until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient. After it reaches the right texture, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Include the vanilla extract and blend everything until it is well incorporated and smooth.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be thick and sticky but manageable.
Now it’s time to shape the cookies. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out one-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture made from the sugar and cinnamon. Make sure each cookie is well coated for that signature snickerdoodle flavor.
Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This will allow them room to spread as they bake. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underbaked, which is fine; they will firm up as they cool.
Once the cookies are done, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain their soft texture.
While the cookies cool, prepare the white chocolate. Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a small pot over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
Now, dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted white chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookie back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle your Christmas-themed sprinkles on the melted chocolate, ensuring they stick well. Allow the chocolate to set completely before enjoying your delicious creations.
How To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
Making Christmas Snickerdoodles is not just about the taste; it’s the whole experience. Start by setting the mood with some holiday music in the background. Gather your loved ones and participate together in measuring, mixing, and rolling the cookie dough. This collaborative effort can create fun memories that everyone will cherish.
As your cookies bake, involve everyone in decorating. The melted white chocolate and Christmas sprinkles create a perfect chance for creativity. See who can come up with the most festive designs! Enjoying the fruits of your labor with loved ones makes these cookies infinitely more special.
How To Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles
Serving Christmas Snickerdoodles is as fun as making them. Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and serve them at holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat during the season. You can even wrap a few in cellophane bags with a ribbon to give as gifts to neighbors and friends.
For an extra festive touch, serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog. The combination of sweet flavors will create a lovely holiday experience.
What To Serve With Christmas Snickerdoodles
Christmas Snickerdoodles pair beautifully with various drinks and snacks. Consider offering fresh milk, hot cocoa, or coffee as perfect complements to the sweetness of the cookies.
For a more festive celebration, you could offer a selection of other holiday treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or even a fruit platter. This way, you can showcase the joy of the holiday spirit with an array of delicious options.
How To Store Christmas Snickerdoodles
To keep your Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture and prevent them from becoming hard or stale. They should last for about a week, although they probably won’t last that long due to their delicious flavor!
If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
To ensure your Christmas Snickerdoodles come out perfect, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar.
- Don’t skip the rolling in cinnamon-sugar; this adds that distinct snickerdoodle flavor.
- Watch the baking time closely; cookies can easily become overbaked.
- Experiment with different sprinkles to customize your cookies for any festive occasion.
- Store them properly to keep them soft and delicious.
Variation
While traditional snickerdoodles use regular sugar and cinnamon, feel free to experiment with flavors. You might try adding a scoop of pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal twist. Another variation could include adding finely chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough for extra texture.
Best Time To Make Christmas Snickerdoodles
The holidays are the ideal time to bake Christmas Snickerdoodles. Typically, these cookies can be made a couple of weeks before your holiday events, allowing you to easily keep your cookie jar full. They can also be made as part of a cookie exchange or holiday gift basket, which is a fun way to share your festive spirit!
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When making Christmas Snickerdoodles, avoid the common mistakes that can affect your cookies. One mistake is overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. This can lead to tough cookies.
Another common mistake is underbaking them too much. If you take them out too soon, they will crumble and won’t have that chewy texture. Always monitor them closely during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutritional Notes
If you’re curious about the nutritional content, here’s a general idea. Each cookie contains around 150-200 calories, depending on size and toppings. They contain carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, making them a sweet treat for the holidays.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just shape and bake when you are ready.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the center may look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking as they cool.
Conclusion
Christmas Snickerdoodles are a delicious addition to any holiday gathering. Their warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor paired with creamy white chocolate and festive sprinkles creates a delightful experience for both bakers and eaters alike. Following this straightforward recipe, you can create these beautiful cookies that not only taste fantastic but also share joy and warmth during the holiday season. Enjoying them fresh from the oven or sharing them with loved ones makes them a true holiday treat. So gather your ingredients and spread some holiday cheer with these flavorful cookies!
Christmas Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop one-inch balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate and let excess chocolate drip off.
- Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on the chocolate and allow to set completely.
