When the holiday season rolls around, there’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Among all the festive treats that grace our tables, Christmas Snickerdoodles hold a special place in the hearts of many. These delightful cookies, with their cinnamon-sugar topping and soft, chewy texture, are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Let’s take a closer look at why you should make these mouthwatering cookies this season and how you can whip up a batch.
Why We Love This Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe
What’s not to love about a cookie that’s as delicious as it is fun to prepare? Christmas Snickerdoodles are the epitome of comfort food. The combination of sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon creates a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of cozy family gatherings and the joy of baking together. Plus, the colorful sugar coating adds a festive flair, making them not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, leaving them for Santa, or enjoying them solo with a cup of cocoa, these cookies will make your holiday season even more special.
Ingredients About Christmas Snickerdoodles
To create your Christmas Snickerdoodles, you’ll need the following ingredients that bring this delightful cookie to life:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup red sugar
- 1/4 cup green sugar
Having these ingredients at hand ensures that you can create delicious Snickerdoodles that are bound to impress.
How to Make Christmas Snickerdoodles Directions
The process of making Christmas Snickerdoodles is simple and can be broken down into a series of straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal baking environment for your cookies.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is essential for ensuring that your cookies rise properly and have the best texture.
- Cream Together the Butters and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to your sugar mixture, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to give your cookies a wonderful flavor.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Prepare the Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, red sugar, and green sugar. This colorful blend will give your Snickerdoodles a festive appearance.
- Shape the Dough: Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the sugar mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the rolled dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them apart as they will spread while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies sit on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows them to finish setting while still remaining soft and chewy.
With these instructions, you’re on your way to creating a batch of Christmas Snickerdoodles that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles
Serving your Christmas Snickerdoodles is where the fun begins! There are several delightful ways you can present these cookies to make your holiday gatherings even more festive.
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a large festive platter or a tiered dessert stand. You can even sprinkle some additional cinnamon or festive decoration like candy canes around to enhance the theme.
- With a Beverage: Snickerdoodles pair perfectly with a warm drink. Serve them with eggnog, hot chocolate, or even a cozy cup of tea. This combination will create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests.
- Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in cute holiday-themed cellophane bags or decorative boxes tied with ribbons. Hand them out as gifts to friends and family, or leave them as treats for neighbors.
- Decorate a Cookie Bar: If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a cookie bar where guests can help themselves. Include a variety of other holiday cookies alongside your Snickerdoodles, giving everyone a chance to sample various flavors.
No matter how you choose to serve them, your Christmas Snickerdoodles will surely delight everyone around you.
Expert Tips: Christmas Snickerdoodles
Creating consistently delicious Snickerdoodles every time can be achieved by following some expert tips that ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Soften Butter Properly: Make sure your unsalted butter is truly softened and not melted. This will help in achieving the right texture for your cookies.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting your flour and other dry ingredients helps eliminate lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, try placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps in shaping the dough balls and can also prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature. This step can greatly impact your cookies’ texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look set around the edges but may still appear slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to bake the best Christmas Snickerdoodles you’ve ever had.
How to Store Christmas Snickerdoodles
To keep your Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure your cookies are completely cooled. This prevents steam from building up inside the storage container, which could make them soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from becoming stale.
- Add a Slice of Bread: For extra moisture retention, consider adding a slice of plain bread to the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
- Store in the Freezer: If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place layers of cookies between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
By following these tips, your Christmas Snickerdoodles will stay just as delicious as the day you baked them, allowing you to enjoy them for weeks to come.
Variation of Christmas Snickerdoodles
While the classic Christmas Snickerdoodles are delightful as they are, experimenting with different variations can add an exciting twist to this festive treat. Here are a few ideas to inspire your baking:
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: For those who love chocolate, consider adding cocoa powder to the dough. Swap out a half-cup of flour for cocoa powder to create chocolaty Snickerdoodles. Adding chocolate chips can create a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for an added crunch. Chop them finely and fold them in before rolling.
- Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: As a nod to fall flavors, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to your batter to create a seasonal twist to your Snickerdoodles.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Get your kids involved by allowing them to sprinkle colorful holiday-themed sprinkles over the cookies before baking. This adds a fun visual touch.
- Frosted Snickerdoodles: Once your cookies are cooled, consider frosted options. A simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting can add a decadent layer of flavor.
With these variations at your disposal, you can enjoy Snickerdoodles in a whole new way, making your holiday baking even more exciting.
FAQ About Christmas Snickerdoodles
What makes Snickerdoodles different from regular sugar cookies?
Snickerdoodles are characterized by their unique cinnamon-sugar coating and the use of cream of tartar, which gives them their signature tangy flavor.
How can I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?
To achieve soft and chewy Snickerdoodles, be mindful not to overbake them. They should appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have; however, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to maintain a balanced flavor.
Can I freeze the dough for future baking?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do Snickerdoodles stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Snickerdoodles can stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If frozen, they can last for up to three months.
Christmas Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup red sugar
- 1/4 cup green sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, red sugar, and green sugar.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and roll each ball in the sugar mixture.
Baking
- Place the rolled dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until set but still soft to the touch.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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