Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies for Christmas Dinner

Snickerdoodle cookies are a beloved classic during the holiday season, especially at Christmas dinner. With their soft texture, perfect cinnamon-sugar coating, and a touch of tangy flavor, these cookies capture the essence of holiday baking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this snickerdoodle cookie recipe is easy to follow and yields perfect results every time. The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for anyone looking to add a festive treat to their holiday spread. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!

Key Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies

All-Purpose Flour and Cream of Tartar

Flour gives the cookies their structure, while the cream of tartar is the secret ingredient that makes snickerdoodles so unique. It reacts with the baking soda, helping the cookies rise and giving them a slight tangy flavor.

The Role of Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

Butter adds richness and flavor, making the cookies soft and tender. The sugar sweetens the dough, while the eggs contribute to the texture and help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the cookies stay moist.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

The cinnamon-sugar topping is what gives snickerdoodles their signature flavor. The sweet, spicy coating adds an extra burst of warmth, making every bite delightful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Snickerdoodle Cookies

Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set this aside—this will be used to coat the dough balls.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture forms the dry base of the cookie dough.

Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 and 1/3 cups of granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add in 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough becomes thick and well combined.

Shaping and Rolling the Dough

Scoop the dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated, then place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets.

Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes. If the cookies come out too puffy, gently flatten them with a spoon or fork to achieve that perfect snickerdoodle shape. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking; they should be slightly golden at the edges.

Cooling and Storing the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is essential in this recipe for a few reasons. Not only does it activate the baking soda for a fluffy texture, but it also gives snickerdoodles their characteristic tangy flavor. Without it, the cookies might not have the same tender texture or slight flavor kick, making them just another sugar cookie. So, don’t skip this ingredient—it’s what makes snickerdoodles special!

No Chilling Required: Quick and Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies

One of the best things about this snickerdoodle recipe is that it doesn’t require chilling the dough. This means you can go from mixing to baking in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute holiday baking needs. No need to wait around for the dough to chill—just mix, roll, and bake!

Notes and Tips for Success

For extra soft snickerdoodles, use an extra egg yolk in the dough. This small trick helps create a softer, moister cookie. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze the dough balls for up to 2-3 months. To bake frozen dough, let it thaw for about 30 minutes before rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar and baking.

You can also try variations! Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, or add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to swap it out for other warm spices like ginger or cardamom.

Related Recipes to Try

• Irresistible Candy Cane Cookies Recipe for a Festive Holiday
• Chewy Sugar Cookies Soft Buttery Holiday
• Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe Christmas Dessert
• Christmas Tree Cupcakes Recipe
• Christmas Peppermint Pie Holiday Dessert
• Snowman Cake Pops Fun Easy Christmas Treats

FAQ

Why is a cookie called a snickerdoodle?

The name “snickerdoodle” likely comes from a German word “Schneckennudeln,” meaning “snail noodles,” referring to the shape of the dough. Over time, it morphed into “snickerdoodle” as it gained popularity in the U.S.

What flavor is a snickerdoodle cookie?

Snickerdoodle cookies are known for their sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of cinnamon and a slightly tangy taste thanks to the cream of tartar.

What makes snickerdoodle cookies different?

The key difference is the cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside of the cookie. This gives them a unique sweet and spicy flavor, making them stand out from other cookies.

What is a snickerdoodle made of?

Snickerdoodle cookies are made with simple ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and cream of tartar. The addition of cream of tartar gives these cookies their signature flavor and soft texture.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle cookies are the kind of treat that make every Christmas dinner feel extra special. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating bring comfort in every bite. If you’re looking for more cozy dessert inspiration, check out my Pinterest board for festive holiday recipes — it’s filled with classic Christmas cookies and simple baking ideas you’ll love. Bake a batch, share them with family and friends, and enjoy the warm, homemade goodness of the holidays.

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