The aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar is synonymous with the holidays. There's nothing quite like the cozy feeling of baking Christmas cookies, and these snickerdoodles are the perfect embodiment of that festive spirit. This easy recipe creates soft, chewy, and delightfully spiced cookies that are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe makes delicious homemade cookies without any fuss. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand with a little elbow grease. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. In a shallow dish, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar with the cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these delightful Christmas treats with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage.
Cooking Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure that the cookies are soft and chewy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Evenly Coat the Balls: Ensure that each cookie ball is thoroughly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor and texture.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent twist.
- Ginger Snickerdoodles: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Mini Snickerdoodles: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Protein: 1-2g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe provides easy and healthy Christmas cookies, perfect for quick dinner ideas or festive gatherings. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results!