Baking these Christmas Snickerdoodles fills your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar—a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for holiday cookie swaps. Creaming the butter just right ensures a soft, pillowy cookie with that classic crackled top. Roll them in festive red and green sugar for a cheerful finish, and watch them disappear from the dessert tray in minutes.
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Ingredients for Christmas Snickerdoodles
For the cookie dough
- All-purpose flour – The base of these classic spiced cookies using all-purpose flour; no need to overthink it.
- Cream of tartar – This is the secret ingredient that gives chewy holiday cookies with cream of tartar their signature tang.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect crackle on top.
- Kosher salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature for easy holiday baking with butter and eggs.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that tender texture.
- Eggs – Room temperature eggs blend smoothly into the dough.
- Pure vanilla extract – A splash of warmth and depth for soft snickerdoodles with vanilla extract—don’t skip it!
For the cinnamon sugar coating
- Granulated sugar – The perfect base for the cinnamon coating.
- Ground cinnamon – The cozy spice that makes these baked spiced cinnamon sugar cookies Christmas-ready.
Optional tips
- Parchment paper – Makes baking and cleanup a breeze.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – Definitely speeds up the process, but elbow grease works too!
Cook Time for Christmas Snickerdoodles Cookies
I love how quickly these chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles come together, making them a lifesaver during the busy holiday baking rush.
You can go from mixing bowl to cooling rack in just over half an hour, which is perfect for those last-minute cookie tray emergencies.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 32 minutes |
If you’re looking for more quick cookie inspiration, our collection of easy oatmeal cookie recipes is perfect for busy bakers.
How to Make Baked Christmas Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup so much easier!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and no streaks of dry flour remain.
Step 6: Create Cinnamon Sugar
In a small, shallow bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon for that classic coating.
Step 7: Roll, Coat, and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized portions, roll each into a ball, and coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place the coated balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making these Christmas Snickerdoodles more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make them even more special.
These little adjustments can turn a great cookie into an absolutely unforgettable one!
- Flavor Swap: Try adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a wonderfully unexpected warmth that complements the classic flavor.
- Diet Tweak: For a slightly different texture, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour—it adds a nice nuttiness while keeping them tender.
- Texture Fix: If you prefer your cookies extra soft, pull them out at exactly 10 minutes. They’ll continue to set on the hot baking sheet, giving you that perfect chewy center.
- Storage Tip: Keep your baked Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container with a piece of bread—the cookies absorb the moisture from the bread, staying soft for days. For more holiday baking inspiration, check out our full Christmas cookies collection, or if you’re looking for a fun drink pairing, our snickerdoodle protein shake makes a delightful post-baking treat!
Christmas Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon for rolling
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- oven
- shallow bowl
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together and no dry streaks of flour remain.
- In a small, shallow bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated before placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked, then allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While these Christmas Snickerdoodles are a treat, I like knowing a little about what I’m sharing with my family. Baking these chewy holiday cookies with cream of tartar and simple ingredients means you can feel good about enjoying them.
Here’s a general look at what each cookie offers. Remember, the joy of sharing homemade goodness is a benefit all its own!
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 1g |
This easy holiday baking with butter and eggs provides a comforting, energy-boosting snack. For those looking for different options, our vegan cookies are a wonderful plant-based alternative.
The cinnamon in these Christmas Snickerdoodles isn’t just for flavor—it’s a cozy spice that adds a warm touch. If you’re curious about other ways to enjoy these flavors, check out this resource on classic snickerdoodle baking techniques to deepen your understanding.
And if you love the snickerdoodle taste but want a frozen treat, our snickerdoodle ice cream is a delightful twist!
A Lighter Version of Christmas Snickerdoodles
I know many of us are looking for ways to enjoy our favorites a little more mindfully. These Christmas Snickerdoodles are wonderfully adaptable for a lighter treat without sacrificing that classic, comforting flavor.
My favorite simple swap is using a blend of whole wheat pastry flour and all-purpose flour. It adds a subtle nuttiness and extra fiber while keeping the texture tender.
For the sugar, you can reduce the amount in the dough slightly, and the cookies will still be plenty sweet from their cinnamon-sugar coating. Another trick I use is substituting unsweetened applesauce for half of the butter—it keeps the cookies incredibly soft.
If you’re experimenting with different flours, you might find inspiration in our collection of peanut butter cookies, which also adapt beautifully to healthier tweaks. And for a completely different but equally charming cookie, our Danish oatmeal cookies are a lovely, simple option.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In my own kitchen, I love that baking can bring everyone together, no matter their dietary needs. I often think about friends and family who are sugar conscious, and I’ve found a few gentle tweaks that make these cookies more inclusive.
For a truly diabetic-friendly version, you can experiment with a natural sweetener like a monk fruit and erythritol blend, which works beautifully as a one-to-one substitute for granulated sugar.
Another idea is to simply make smaller cookies, which naturally helps with portion control. You can also try using almond flour for half of the all-purpose flour to lower the overall carbohydrate impact slightly. The goal is simply to share the warmth and joy of these classic spiced cookies using all-purpose flour, making them work for your table.
How to Serve Christmas Snickerdoodles
One of my most cherished holiday memories is the year my daughter insisted we leave a plate of warm Christmas Snickerdoodles out for Santa with a big glass of milk. She was so convinced that the cozy scent of cinnamon would guide his sleigh right to our roof!
Now, it’s a tradition we keep every Christmas Eve. These soft snickerdoodles with vanilla extract are perfect for sharing, whether it’s with family by the fire or neighbors during a holiday drop-in.
I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or a chilly glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. For a festive gathering, arrange them on a tiered stand alongside other holiday favorites from our Christmas cookies collection.
And if you’re planning a full holiday spread, don’t forget to check out our Christmas breakfast ideas to make the whole season special. These baked spiced cinnamon sugar cookies truly are the heart of holiday cookie baking for me.
Mistakes to Avoid
After sharing this recipe with friends over the years, I’ve noticed a few common missteps that can happen when making these Christmas Snickerdoodles. Fortunately, they’re all easy to avoid with a little know-how!
First, don’t over-cream the butter and sugar. You want them light and fluffy, but beating for too long incorporates too much air, which can cause the cookies to spread excessively and lose their signature soft, chewy texture. Cream just until the mixture is pale and well-combined.
Another frequent mistake is using baking powder instead of cream of tartar. This ingredient is essential for that classic snickerdoodle tang and soft, cake-like interior. For those who need an alternative, our guide to making snickerdoodles without cream of tartar is a helpful resource.
Also, resist the urge to flatten the dough balls before baking. The dough will spread perfectly on its own in the oven, resulting in beautifully cracked, chewy holiday cookies with cream of tartar. For more expert guidance, these classic snickerdoodle baking techniques from Better Homes & Gardens offer wonderful insights.
Finally, baking at the wrong oven temperature is a classic error. An oven that’s too hot will cause the edges to burn before the centers are set. I always recommend using an oven thermometer for accuracy. For another cookie that requires similar temperature precision, our oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a great bake to master.
Remember, the secret to soft snickerdoodles is patience and trusting the process. I learned that the hard way with my first batch, but now these baked Christmas Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time!
How to Store Christmas Snickerdoodles
My grandmother always said a well-stored cookie is a gift that keeps on giving, and she was right. I love having a stash of these Christmas Snickerdoodles on hand for unexpected guests or a quiet moment with a book.
To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I often place a piece of bread in the container with them; the cookies absorb the bread’s moisture and stay wonderfully soft snickerdoodles with vanilla extract for days.
If you’d like to freeze them, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
You can also freeze the dough balls! Roll them in the cinnamon sugar, then freeze on a parchment-lined tray before bagging. This makes for incredibly easy holiday baking with butter and eggs whenever you want a fresh-baked treat. For more great make-ahead cookie ideas, browse our full cookie collection.
And if you find yourself with leftover snickerdoodles, why not try blending one into our snickerdoodle protein shake for a festive post-holiday walk treat? It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavor in a new way.
Try This Christmas Snickerdoodles Yourself
I truly hope this Christmas Snickerdoodles recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just like it has for my family. There’s something so special about filling the house with the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla during the festive season.
I’ll never forget the first time my nephew helped me bake these. His little hands were covered in cinnamon sugar, and his face lit up when he saw the cracked, golden cookies come out of the oven. It’s moments like these that make holiday cookie baking so magical.
So, I encourage you to gather your ingredients and create your own memories. This recipe for classic spiced cookies using all-purpose flour is wonderfully forgiving and always brings joy. If you love the flavor, you might also enjoy turning it into a loaf with our snickerdoodle banana bread.
For another quick baking project, our small batch oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are perfect for a cozy night in. And if you’re looking for more spooky fun, our Halloween cookies are a blast to decorate with kids.
For a super easy start, consider preparing a snickerdoodle cookie mix in a jar as a lovely homemade gift. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with the cozy warmth of these baked spiced cinnamon sugar cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Christmas cookie?
While sugar cookies often top the list for their decorating fun, I find that spiced cookies like gingerbread and these Christmas Snickerdoodles hold a special place in people’s hearts. Their warm, comforting aroma just feels like the holidays. For more classic ideas, our Christmas cookies collection is full of popular choices.
What is the secret to soft snickerdoodles?
The secret is definitely the cream of tartar! It reacts with the baking soda to create a soft, tender crumb and that signature slight tang. Also, be careful not to overbake them; they should be just set on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
What is the least favorite Christmas cookie?
Tastes vary so much by family tradition, but cookies with very strong spices or fruitcake-like ingredients sometimes get passed over. In my experience, the simple, buttery classics like these Christmas Snickerdoodles are almost always a hit with everyone at the cookie exchange.
What is the least common Christmas cookie?
You don’t see cookie varieties like pfeffernüsse or springerle as often nowadays, as they require special ingredients or techniques. Simpler drop cookies, like these chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles, are much more common in modern holiday baking because they are so straightforward and reliably delicious.
More Cozy Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed baking these Christmas Snickerdoodles, here are a few more of my favorite recipes to fill your cookie jar with warmth and flavor all year round.
Peanut Butter Cookies – Classic, criss-crossed cookies that are irresistibly soft and packed with rich, nutty flavor.
Danish Oatmeal Cookies – Simple, wholesome cookies with a delightful chewiness, perfect with an afternoon cup of tea.
Vegan Cookies – A wonderfully versatile collection of plant-based treats that everyone can enjoy, from chewy chocolate chip to festive snickerdoodles.
Easy Oatmeal Cookies – The ultimate easy-bake recipe for a comforting, hearty cookie that’s perfect for lunchboxes and cozy snacks.
