Nothing captures the cozy spirit of Christmas quite like the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting from the oven. These Christmas Snickerdoodles are everything a holiday cookie should be — soft, chewy, buttery, and perfectly spiced with that classic cinnamon-sugar coating that sparkles like a snowy December morning.
This timeless cookie has been a festive favorite for generations, and today we’re making it even better — with expert baking insights, foolproof methods, and a few creative twists to make your batch the most memorable treat of the season.
✨ Why You’ll Love These Christmas Snickerdoodles
- Soft and chewy texture that stays perfect for days.
- Classic cinnamon-sugar coating with a hint of holiday magic.
- Simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
- Festive variations for every Christmas table.
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly, so you can bake stress-free.
🍪 The Story Behind the Snickerdoodle
The Snickerdoodle may sound whimsical, but it has deep roots in American and European baking history. Thought to have originated in 19th-century New England, with possible German influences, these cookies became beloved for their simplicity — no frosting, no filling, just pure buttery goodness rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Over time, Snickerdoodles found their way into Christmas traditions across countless families. Their comforting flavor and soft texture make them the perfect companion to hot cocoa, cozy firesides, and twinkling lights.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 24 cookies)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This aerates the dough, giving your cookies that perfect soft chew.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together — don’t overmix, or the cookies may become dense.
Step 6: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes. This helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
Step 7: Roll and Coat
Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls and roll each ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked — they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Step 9: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
🎁 Festive Variations to Try
Want to make your Snickerdoodles truly Christmas-special? Try these creative twists:
- White Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips.
- Eggnog Snickerdoodles: Replace 2 tbsp of butter with eggnog and add ¼ tsp nutmeg.
- Red & Green Sprinkle Snickerdoodles: Mix in colored sugar or sprinkles for a cheerful look.
- Vegan Snickerdoodles: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer (Baked): Freeze cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Freeze Dough Balls: Roll in cinnamon sugar and freeze on a tray; bake straight from frozen by adding 1 extra minute.
Pro Tip: Place a slice of bread in the cookie container — it keeps them soft and chewy for days.
☕ Serving Ideas
These cookies are perfect alongside:
- Hot cocoa or eggnog
- Peppermint mocha or coffee
- As part of a holiday cookie platter
- Wrapped in clear bags with red ribbons as homemade Christmas gifts
⚖️ Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
(Values may vary depending on size and ingredient brands.)
💡 Expert Tips & Common Mistakes
✅ Do:
- Use room-temperature butter — it creams properly for a lighter dough.
- Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
- Bake until edges are set, centers soft — that’s how you get the perfect chewy center.
❌ Don’t:
- Skip cream of tartar — it gives Snickerdoodles their signature tang.
- Overbake — they’ll turn crunchy instead of soft.
- Overmix the dough — it toughens the texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Christmas Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
Yes, replace it with 2 teaspoons of baking powder (omit baking soda). The flavor will be slightly less tangy but still delicious.
Q2: Why did my Snickerdoodles turn out flat?
Usually, the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Chill the dough for 30 minutes next time.
Q3: Can I freeze Snickerdoodle dough?
Absolutely! Roll dough into balls, coat with cinnamon sugar, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen — just add 1 extra minute.
Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that it includes xanthan gum.
Q5: What makes Snickerdoodles taste different from sugar cookies?
The secret is cream of tartar, which gives a slight tang and chewy texture that sugar cookies lack.
🎅 Conclusion
Christmas Snickerdoodles are more than cookies — they’re a celebration of warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness. With their perfect balance of buttery softness and cinnamon sparkle, they’re the cookie that brings families together year after year.
So preheat your oven, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon and Christmas cheer.
✨ Bake. Share. Celebrate. Because Christmas just isn’t complete without a plate of homemade Snickerdoodles.
