I’m bursting with excitement to share my absolute favorite holiday cookie recipe! These aren’t your ordinary snickerdoodles – they’re my Christmas-ified version that combines cozy classic flavors with festive holiday sparkle. Every bite is like a warm holiday hug!
Let me tell you how these beauties came to be. Last Christmas Eve, while baking cookies for Santa with my kids, my little one asked if we could make them “more Christmas-y.” After experimenting with different spices and a sprinkle of holiday magic (aka colorful sugar!), these cookies became our family’s new tradition. Even my mother-in-law, the queen of Christmas cookies, asked for the recipe!
Every time I make these, the kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma of butter, cinnamon, and holiday spices. They’re perfectly soft in the middle with slightly crispy edges, and that sparkly sugar coating makes them look like they’ve been touched by Christmas fairy dust!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture
- Extra festive with holiday spices
- No chilling time required
- Kid-friendly baking project
- Perfect for cookie exchanges
Why use cream of tartar?
Here’s the science behind that magical ingredient – cream of tartar is what gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and chewy texture! Without it, you’d just have a cinnamon sugar cookie. It also helps activate the baking soda, creating that perfect crackly top we all love.
My cookies spread too much – what went wrong?
Temperature is everything in cookie baking! Your butter should be just soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed – not melty. If your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh – it’s crucial for proper rise!
Can I make these ahead for a cookie exchange?
Absolutely! These cookies actually get better after a day, as the spices have time to develop. They’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Perfect for getting ahead on holiday baking!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Festive Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Red and green sanding sugar
- Optional: Gold or silver sprinkles
Instructions:
- Getting Started: Heat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in bowl.
- Creating Cookie Magic: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spice Mix Creation: Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in shallow bowl. Add colored sanding sugar for sparkle.
- Cookie Formation: Scoop dough using tablespoon. Roll into balls. Coat thoroughly in spice mixture. Place on prepared sheets 2 inches apart.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft. Let cool on pan 2 minutes before transferring to rack.
Pro Tips For Success:
- Room temperature ingredients are crucial
- Don’t overmix dough once flour is added
- Use light-colored baking sheets
- Rotate pans halfway through baking
- Don’t overbake – centers should look soft
- Let cool completely before storing
Storage & Serving Ideas:
Keep Fresh:
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Layer between wax paper.
Perfect For:
- Cookie exchanges
- Holiday parties
- Christmas Eve plates
- Teacher gifts
- Santa’s cookie plate
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with hot cocoa
- Add to holiday cookie platters
- Pack in festive tins
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Gift in mason jars with ribbon
