Christmas Snickerdoodles

Introduction

Every holiday season, my family and I bake a batch of cookies to share with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Among all the varieties of cookies, Christmas Snickerdoodles have become a firm favorite. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg is the perfect treat to usher in the holiday cheer. I was introduced to this recipe by a friend who shared the joy of baking these cookies every Christmas, and it quickly became a tradition in our home. Not only are they delicious, but they also make the perfect holiday gift. Every year, I make a batch and package them up in festive tins to give to neighbors, coworkers, and friends. The cinnamon-sugar coating on these cookies gives them that familiar snickerdoodle flavor, while the slightly nutmeg twist adds a unique, seasonal touch that makes them stand out. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for the holidays, then these snickerdoodles are the way to go!

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 Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s properly heated before you start baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside to ensure these dry ingredients are well combined.

Cream Butter & Sugar:

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will create the smooth base for your dough.

Add Eggs:

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, even dough.

Combine:

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. It may seem a bit crumbly at first, but continue mixing until the dough is fully combined.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon. This mixture will be used to coat the dough balls for that signature snickerdoodle taste.

Shape:

7. Roll the dough into 1 3/4-inch balls. It’s helpful to use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely.

Bake:

8. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, making sure to leave about 3 inches of space between each one. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they appear a bit soft when you first take them out.

Cool and Enjoy:

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 130 kcal
• Sugar: ~14g
• Sodium: ~70mg
• Fat: ~6g
• Saturated Fat: ~4g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~19g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Protein: ~1g
• Cholesterol: ~30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with a hot drink: These snickerdoodles are perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Serve at gatherings: These cookies are an excellent addition to any holiday gathering, from family dinners to office parties.
• Gift them: Package the cookies in a festive tin or jar to give as a thoughtful holiday gift.
• Enjoy with ice cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve a couple of snickerdoodles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Additional Tips

1. Use softened butter: Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the perfect texture for these cookies.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
3. Chill the dough: If you prefer your cookies thicker, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
4. Adjust the cinnamon: If you love a strong cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the dough or the sugar mixture.
5. Use fresh baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal cookie rise and texture.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist on the classic.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a festive fall variation.
• Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Vegan Snickerdoodles: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

• For a holiday dessert table: Serve these snickerdoodles alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for a festive spread.
• As a mid-day snack: These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack with a glass of milk.
• For cookie exchanges: Bring these snickerdoodles to a cookie exchange party—everyone will love them!

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store these snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Freezing: To freeze the dough, roll the dough into balls, coat with cinnamon sugar, and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing baked cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
   While traditional snickerdoodles contain cream of tartar, this recipe doesn’t call for it. The combination of baking powder and baking soda gives the cookies the perfect texture.
2. Why are my snickerdoodles flat?
   If your cookies turn out flat, the dough may have been overmixed or the oven temperature may have been too low. Make sure your oven is preheated properly.
3. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
   Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but be sure to increase the salt in the dough slightly to compensate.
4. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
   Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor, but the texture may be slightly different.
5. How can I make my snickerdoodles chewier?
   For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough before baking or adding a bit more butter to the recipe.
6. Can I add other flavors to snickerdoodles?
   Yes, you can experiment with adding vanilla, almond extract, or even citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist.
7. Can I make these snickerdoodles in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
8. Can I make snickerdoodle bars instead of cookies?
   Yes, you can bake the dough in a 9×13-inch baking pan for about 20-25 minutes for snickerdoodle bars.
9. What should the texture of snickerdoodles be like?
   Snickerdoodles should be soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.
10. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, snickerdoodle dough freezes well. Roll it into balls, coat with cinnamon sugar, and freeze until firm before storing in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Christmas Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday treat that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re the ultimate holiday cookie for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with family. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or giving them as a gift, these snickerdoodles will surely make your holiday season even sweeter. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the holiday baking begin!

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