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Christmas Snickerdoodles

Imagine walking into a warm kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked cookies wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a winter’s night. Christmas Snickerdoodles, with their soft texture and cinnamon-sugar coating, embody that comforting essence of the season. They’ve been a holiday staple for generations, yet their versatility invites you to put your own spin on tradition. What unique twist might you add to make them your own? Exploring the rich history and simple recipe can open the door to a delightful holiday experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both easy to make and delicious, Christmas snickerdoodles are the perfect choice. This recipe is straightforward, involving simple steps like creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, and mixing dry ingredients. You can whip up the dough in just a few minutes, making it ideal for last-minute baking. The classic combination of sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates a delightful flavor, while the soft and chewy texture makes each bite satisfying. Plus, you can customize the cookies with red and green sprinkles, or even dip them in chocolate for an extra treat. With forgiving measurements, you’ll enjoy tasty cookies every time, making this recipe a holiday favorite. These cookies are often rolled in colored sugar or sprinkles, adding a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.

History

Christmas snickerdoodles aren’t just beloved for their delightful taste; they also have a rich history that adds to their charm.

The name “snickerdoodle” likely comes from the German word “schneckennudel,” meaning “snail noodles,” or the Dutch “snekrad,” which describes their crinkled surface.

Early recipes appeared in the late 19th century, with the first recorded cookie recipe by Cornelia Campbell Bradford in 1891. The dough evolved over time to include baking soda and cream of tartar, while the 1923 Crisco campaign introduced an all-shortening version. This cookie has been a sweet staple in America since the 19th century, reflecting its enduring popularity and cherished status.

Recipe

Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These soft, chewy cookies are rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, giving them a festive touch that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings. With their warm flavors and inviting aroma, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday party.

This recipe combines the classic snickerdoodle with a festive twist, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. The process of making Christmas Snickerdoodles is straightforward, and the results are simply delicious.

You’ll begin by preparing the dough, which will be chilled to guarantee a perfect texture. Once the dough is ready, you’ll roll it into colorful sugar-coated balls before baking them to golden perfection. These cookies maintain quality for up to five days at room temperature, whether enjoyed plain or dipped in white chocolate, these cookies will bring holiday cheer to your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • Shortening (optional)
  • Red and green sanding sugar
  • Additional cinnamon for sugar mixture
  • White chocolate melting wafers (optional)
  • Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare Sugar Mixtures****: In two small bowls, combine red sanding sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon in one bowl, and green sanding sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon in the other bowl. Set aside.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, shortening (if using), butter, and eggs until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
  3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  4. Form Dough Balls: After chilling, use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the balls in the prepared colored sugar mixtures.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (or 400°F if you prefer a slightly crispier cookie). Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the centers are almost set.
  6. Cool and Optional Dipping*: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to *cool completely. If desired, dip the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with extra decorations.
  7. Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

For the best results, remember that chilling the dough is key to achieving soft, thick cookies. If the dough feels a bit dry, don’t worry – it will come together nicely with mixing.

Feel free to get creative with your cookie decorations; adding colorful sprinkles or drizzling chocolate can make these Christmas Snickerdoodles even more festive. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with your friends and family this holiday season!

Final Thoughts

While enjoying your festive batch of Christmas Snickerdoodles, it’s important to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved treat.

Snickerdoodles have been a staple in American baking, especially in Mennonite and Amish communities, where they delight both children and adults alike. The cookie’s evolution from the original “snipdoodle” coffee cake to its modern drop cookie form reflects changing tastes and techniques. With the introduction of shortening in the 1920s, these cookies became softer and fluffier. Interestingly, the first recorded snickerdoodle recipe appeared in 1889 Home-Maker, showcasing the cookie’s long-standing popularity. Today, you can find various creative twists, like chewy versions with M&M’s or pretzels.

As you savor each bite, remember that snickerdoodles are more than just cookies; they represent a warm, shared tradition during the holiday season.

FAQ

If you’re looking for answers about making the perfect Christmas Snickerdoodles, you’re in the right place. First, verify your butter is softened at room temperature; this helps achieve the right texture. Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls. For a festive touch, add red, green, and gold sprinkles before baking. You can freeze dough balls up to three months; just roll them in cinnamon-sugar before baking. If you’re after extra flavor, consider adding spices like ginger or cloves. For a classic look, press the dough balls slightly after coating them in cinnamon-sugar. Additionally, remember that refrigerating the dough before baking helps enhance the flavor and reduces spreading. Finally, enjoy these cookies with hot cocoa or coffee, or share them at holiday gatherings!

Christmas Snickerdoodles

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • Shortening optional
  • Red and green sanding sugar
  • Additional cinnamon for sugar mixture
  • White chocolate melting wafers optional
  • Christmas sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions
  • Prepare Sugar Mixtures****: In two small bowls, combine red sanding sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon in one bowl, and green sanding sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon in the other bowl. Set aside.
  • Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, shortening (if using), butter, and eggs until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
  • Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  • Form Dough Balls: After chilling, use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the balls in the prepared colored sugar mixtures.
  • Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (or 400°F if you prefer a slightly crispier cookie). Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the centers are almost set.
  • Cool and Optional Dipping*: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to *cool completely. If desired, dip the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with extra decorations.
  • Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • For the best results, remember that chilling the dough is key to achieving soft, thick cookies. If the dough feels a bit dry, don't worry – it will come together nicely with mixing.
  • Feel free to get creative with your cookie decorations; adding colorful sprinkles or drizzling chocolate can make these Christmas Snickerdoodles even more festive. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with your friends and family this holiday season!

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