Description
These Christmas Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, infused with warm holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet, spiced coating make them an irresistible treat, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re an ideal homemade gift or a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. The hint of nutmeg elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary, making them a memorable part of your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This ensures that the spices and baking powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is essential for achieving a tender cookie.
Step 4: Add Eggs: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This mixture will provide the classic snickerdoodle coating.
Step 7: Shape: Roll the dough into 1 3/4-inch balls. This size is perfect for a satisfying cookie that’s not too large.
Step 8: Coat: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. The coating adds sweetness and a delightful texture to the cookies.
Step 9: Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 10: Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft in the center.
Step 11: Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can bake these delightful cookies.
- Perfect for gifting: Homemade snickerdoodles are a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
- Festive and flavorful: The warm spices and sweet coating capture the essence of the holiday season.
- Soft and chewy: The perfect texture makes these cookies irresistible.
- A crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a classic snickerdoodle, especially when it’s made with love.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
- Package in festive tins or cellophane bags for gifting.
- Arrange on a holiday cookie platter with other seasonal treats.
- Enjoy as a sweet treat after a holiday meal.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Tips:
- Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Roll evenly: Roll the dough balls to a uniform size for even baking.
- Watch baking time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are still soft.
- Store properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9-10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 75mg
Conclusion
These Christmas Snickerdoodles are more than just cookies; they’re a symbol of holiday warmth and sharing. With their soft texture, sweet cinnamon coating, and a hint of nutmeg, they bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a gift or enjoying them with your family, these snickerdoodles are sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions. Enjoy the process of creating these treats and sharing them with those you love!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
- What if I don’t have nutmeg? Can I still make these?
- Yes, you can still make them. The nutmeg adds a unique holiday flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a slightly different but still delicious taste.
- My cookies came out flat. What did I do wrong?
- Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, such as using butter that was too soft, overmixing the dough, or not using enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, measure your flour accurately, and avoid overmixing.
- How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
