Oh my goodness, you guys! It’s that delightful time of year again when the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air and every corner of your home starts to feel like a warm hug. And let me tell you about my absolute favorite festive treat: Snickerdoodle Cookies! These delightful little gems are not just your average cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and coated in a sugary cinnamon bliss that makes them perfect for Christmas. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for cookie exchanges or a cozy evening with family.
Whenever I bake these Snickerdoodles, I’m transported back to my childhood, helping my mom roll the dough balls in sugar while we listened to holiday music. There’s just something magical about snickerdoodles that brings people together. The vibrant colors of red and green sugar make them extra festive, and they never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face!
What’s in Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Let’s break down the magic behind these cookies, shall we?
Unsalted Butter: A full cup of softened butter is essential for that creamy base and rich flavor. I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the salt content, which is especially important in sweet treats like these.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe calls for 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar in the dough and an additional ¼ cup mixed with cinnamon for rolling. This sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and that delightful crispy exterior.
Large Eggs: Two large eggs add moisture and help bind everything together, ensuring your cookies are perfectly chewy.
All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, which forms the backbone of your cookie dough. Make sure to spoon and level it for the perfect texture!
Baking Soda: This leavening agent will give your cookies a bit of lift, creating a nice fluffy texture.
Cream of Tartar: This is the secret weapon in snickerdoodle cookies! It gives that classic tangy flavor and contributes to their lovely chewy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to enhance all the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp of vanilla adds a delightful aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Cinnamon and Sugar for Rolling: 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon mixed with ¼ cup sugar creates that iconic cinnamon-sugar crust that snickerdoodles are known for.
Red and Green Granulated Sugar: For a festive touch, we’re rolling these cookies in colored sugar. Feel free to get creative with it!
Is Snickerdoodle Cookies Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend these cookies are the health food we all wish they were, but here’s a little breakdown of what you’re getting:
Butter: While butter adds a rich mouthfeel to your cookies, it’s also high in saturated fat, so enjoy these in moderation.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the primary sweetener here. Too much sugar can lead to energy crashes, but in moderation, these cookies are a perfectly sweet indulgence during the holidays.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the main ingredient for the structure of the cookie. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Enjoying a couple of Snickerdoodles with a glass of milk or taking them to a festive gathering can be a fun way to celebrate the holidays!
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Ready to dive into cookie heaven? Here’s how you can make these delicious Snickerdoodle Cookies:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that fantastic texture!
3. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract – this is when your kitchen will start smelling wonderful!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tougher cookies.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon for rolling.
7. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then coat with red or green granulated sugar for that festive finish!
8. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving them plenty of space (about 2 inches apart).
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Remember, they will continue to firm up while cooling, so be careful not to overbake.
10. Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Get Creative with Your Snickerdoodles!
Now that you know how to make these delightful cookies, here are some tips to take your Snickerdoodle game to the next level:
– Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They might not last that long, but just in case!
– Want to spice things up? You can add some fun variations like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.
– Experiment with different colors of sugar for rolling, or top them off with festive sprinkles for an extra holiday touch.
So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready, and let the cookie magic begin! I can’t wait for you to share these with your loved ones. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night with a good movie, these Snickerdoodle Cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness everywhere!
