Go Back

Christmas Snickerdoodles

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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!