Soft And Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles Cookie Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking a batch of soft and chewy Christmas snickerdoodles? These cinnamon-sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat that's easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

As the winter months approach, our homes are filled with the warm and comforting aromas of baking spices, and the soft and chewy texture of snickerdoodles is a perfect match for the season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition.

In this article, we'll dive into the world of soft and chewy Christmas snickerdoodles, exploring the history of this beloved cookie, the benefits of using cream of tartar, and of course, providing you with a simple and delicious recipe to try at home.

What Are Snickerdoodles?

Snickerdoodles are a type of sugar cookie that's made with butter, sugar, eggs, and cream of tartar. The dough is typically rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking, giving the cookies a distinctive flavor and texture. The origin of the snickerdoodle is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

Snickerdoodles are often described as having a soft and chewy center, with a crispy edge. This texture is achieved by using a combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar, which helps to retain moisture in the cookies. The addition of cream of tartar also plays a crucial role in creating the signature snickerdoodle flavor.

What Is Cream of Tartar?

Cream of tartar is a common ingredient used in baking, particularly in recipes that involve eggs or yeast. It's a white powder extracted from the sediment of wine barrels, and it has a number of benefits when used in baking.

Cream of tartar helps to strengthen the structure of eggs, making them more stable and less likely to collapse. It also has a unique flavor that's often described as tangy or slightly sour. In the case of snickerdoodles, cream of tartar helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and gives the cookies a distinctive flavor.

Benefits of Using Cream of Tartar in Snickerdoodles

Using cream of tartar in snickerdoodles has a number of benefits, including:

• Improved texture: Cream of tartar helps to create a soft and chewy center, while also giving the cookies a crispy edge.
• Unique flavor: The tangy flavor of cream of tartar balances out the sweetness of the sugar, creating a delicious and complex taste experience.
• Increased stability: Cream of tartar helps to strengthen the structure of the eggs, making the cookies more stable and less likely to collapse.

Soft and Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for soft and chewy Christmas snickerdoodles:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (see below)

Cinnamon Sugar:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the brown sugar and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.
7. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
8. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Perfect Snickerdoodles

Here are a few tips for making the perfect snickerdoodles:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, including real butter and pure vanilla extract.
• Don't overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use the right sugar: Use a combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar for the best flavor and texture.
• Don't overbake: Bake the cookies until they're lightly golden and still slightly soft in the center.

Conclusion

Soft and chewy Christmas snickerdoodles are a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their unique flavor and texture, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to delight. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season a little sweeter!