Name: Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Optional: red and green colored sugar for decorating

These Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles are the ultimate holiday treat. Soft in the center with perfectly crispy edges, they sparkle with festive colored sugar and bring cozy cinnamon warmth in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, leaving treats out for Santa, or just need a comforting sweet after dinner, these cookies are sure to spread joy.

What makes these Snickerdoodles extra special is their chewy texture and subtle tang, thanks to a touch of cream of tartar. Rolled in cinnamon sugar (or red and green sugar for holiday flair), they bake into picture-perfect, crinkled tops that are as gorgeous as they are delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference:

Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly is essential for that light yet chewy texture. A mixer ensures it gets done fast and evenly.
Mixing Bowls: Use one for wet ingredients and one for dry to avoid over-mixing your dough.
Cookie Scoop (Medium Size): Ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly.

Baking Sheets: Opt for light-colored sheets to prevent the bottoms from overbaking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevent sticking and promote even baking with less clean-up.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Having these tools prepped and ready will streamline your baking process and guarantee chewy, holiday-ready Snickerdoodles every time.

Ingredients for the Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles

Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and a soft, tender texture. Room temperature butter is best for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough. Also used in the cinnamon sugar coating.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness, contributing to that chewy bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives the cookies structure.

Cream of Tartar: The secret ingredient for that classic tang and chewy center.
Baking Soda: Leavens the cookies and helps them puff up while baking.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: For rolling the dough before baking—adds a sweet, spicy crust that defines a Snickerdoodle.
Red and Green Colored Sugar (optional): Perfect for making them festive and eye-catching for the holidays.

How To Make the Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Coating

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. If using colored sugar, place each in separate bowls.

Step 6: Roll and Coat Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll them generously in the sugar mixture. For a Christmas look, alternate between red, green, and cinnamon sugar.

Step 7: Bake

Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles

These cookies are at their best when enjoyed slightly warm, fresh from the oven—soft, chewy, and still a little gooey in the center. They make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays, hot cocoa bars, or wrapped in cellophane for sweet homemade gifts.

For storing, once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They thaw beautifully at room temp and still maintain that festive sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does cream of tartar do in Snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar adds a slight tang and works with baking soda to create that signature chewy texture and crinkled top.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze the rolled dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer—just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

How do I keep Snickerdoodles soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain the moisture.

Can I use pre-colored sugar instead of cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! That’s what gives them their Christmas twist. Red and green sugar make them extra festive, but you can also use gold or silver for a glam holiday vibe.

Why did my cookies come out flat?

The dough might have been too warm. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Are these good for mailing?

Yes, they ship well! Their sturdy yet chewy texture holds up during transport. Just pack them in layers with parchment between each.

If you love these Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles, you’ll definitely want to try these other festive treats:

Traditional German Lebkuchen for a spiced holiday classic.
Coconut Snowballs if you’re craving a no-bake coconut dream.

Brownie Mix Cookies for a fudgy, chewy twist on a favorite.
Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for an ultra-easy, chocolatey companion.
Apple Enchiladas if you want something warm, sweet, and cinnamon-kissed.

For even more holiday baking inspiration, follow my recipe boards on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic cinnamon sugar or jazz them up with red and green sparkle?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles are the perfect balance of soft and chewy with festive holiday flair. Coated in cinnamon sugar or rolled in red and green sprinkles, they’re a holiday favorite for cookie swaps, gifting, or cozy nights in.