Festive Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Jolly Red & White Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe For Santa

Soft, pillowy cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar bring warmth to holiday cinnamon snickerdoodles celebrations.

These classic treats sparkle with festive charm and nostalgia.

Sweet memories of childhood baking flood back with each delightful bite.

Delicate and crisp edges give way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.

The blend of butter, sugar, and warm spices creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Baking these cookies connects generations through a simple, beloved recipe.

Serve these delectable snickerdoodles and watch smiles spread across happy faces.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 25

Christmas Snickerdoodles: Ingredient List

For Base Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential foundation for cookie structure, choose unbleached for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Cream of Tartar: Unique tanginess agent that gives classic snickerdoodle signature taste, key for soft cookie development.
  • Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent ensuring cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, festive spice that defines snickerdoodle character, select fresh ground for maximum aroma.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and depth, perfect for holiday baking.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy base, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges, opt for pure cane sugar.
  • Large Eggs: Binding agent that adds moisture and structure, use fresh eggs at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile, choose pure extract over imitation for best results.
For Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates sparkling, sweet exterior with delightful crunch.
  • Additional Ground Cinnamon: Provides festive coating and extra spice kick, freshly ground preferred.
  • Optional Holiday Sprinkles: Adds playful, colorful holiday touch to classic cookie.

Tools You’ll Need for Holiday Snickerdoodles

  • Large mixing bowl: For creaming butter and sugar, and combining ingredients.
  • Medium bowl: To whisk dry ingredients.
  • Small bowl: For preparing cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Whisk: To mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: For beating butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
  • Baking sheets: To bake cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: For preventing cookies from sticking.
  • Cookie scoop or spoon: To create uniform dough balls.
  • Wire cooling rack: To cool cookies after baking.

How to Bake Christmas Snickerdoodles Right

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, creating a smooth runway for your festive cookies.

  • Whip Together Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and blend flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a quick whisk to marry all those delicious flavors.

  • Create Creamy Base

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Drop in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla. Mix until everything looks dreamy and smooth.

  • Blend Ingredients Together

Slowly fold dry ingredients into your creamy mixture. Stir gently – no aggressive mixing allowed! Stop when everything just comes together.

  • Shape Holiday

Mix extra sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll dough into tiny balls, then tumble each one in the spicy sugar coating. Feel free to sprinkle some festive sparkles for extra cheer.

  • Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on prepared sheets, giving them breathing room. Slide into the oven and bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and tops look beautifully crackled.

  • Cool and Savor

Let cookies rest on baking sheets briefly, then transfer to cooling racks. Grab a mug of something warm and enjoy your delicious holiday treats!

Flavor Ideas for Holiday Snickerdoodle Fans

  • Add a light drizzle of white chocolate or royal icing with holiday sprinkles for extra Christmas cheer.
  • Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough balls for up to 1 month for quick holiday baking.
  • Swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Experiment with different warming spices like cardamom or ginger to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic cinnamon taste.
  • Replace butter with vegan margarine and use egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce to create a plant-based version of these delightful cookies.

Serving Christmas Snickerdoodles with Cheer

  • Festive Flavor Pairing: Serve these warm snickerdoodles alongside a rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or a creamy eggnog for an extra holiday cheer.
  • Cookie Gifting Station: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for holiday gift exchanges or as sweet homemade presents for neighbors and colleagues.
  • Dessert Platter Delight: Create a stunning holiday dessert tray by arranging these snickerdoodles with other seasonal treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate truffles for a festive spread that will impress guests.
  • Cozy Evening Treat: Enjoy these spiced cookies during a family movie night, paired with a warm blanket and soft holiday music for a trulyal Christmas moment.

Best Ways to Store Christmas Snickerdoodles

  • Whip up a double batch of dough and freeze half for spontaneous cookie moments. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Keep your freshly baked snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay deliciously soft and crumbly for 5-7 days, perfect for surprise guests or midnight snack cravings.
  • Add a slice of bread to your cookie container to maintain that heavenly soft texture. The bread will release moisture, keeping your cookies from becoming dry or crispy.
  • Package cooled cookies in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. These make stunning homemade gifts that spread holiday cheer and showcase your baking skills. Stack carefully to prevent crumbling during transport.

FAQs

  • What makes Snickerdoodles different from other cookies?

Snickerdoodles are unique because they’re rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking, which creates a distinctive crackly exterior and sweet, spicy flavor that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Snickerdoodle dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly.

  • Why do Snickerdoodles have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture. It also helps the cookies develop their characteristic cracked top during baking.

  • Are Snickerdoodles hard or soft cookies?

Snickerdoodles are typically soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges. The key to achieving this texture is not overbaking and removing them from the oven when they’re just golden around the edges.

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Healthy Spicy Chicken And Roasted Vegetable Bowls Recipe

Healthy Spicy Chicken And Roasted Vegetable Bowls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy chicken and roasted vegetable bowls deliver a nutritious punch of flavor with Mediterranean-inspired zest. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken mingle in a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while nourishing the body with wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens (optional)
  • ½ avocado, sliced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for vegetables)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

Dressing and Toppings:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with a harmonious blend of olive oil, seasonings, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Position vegetable medley on the baking sheet, spreading them out to guarantee crisp, caramelized edges. Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to promote uniform cooking.
  4. Meanwhile, sear marinated chicken in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), about 5-6 minutes per side. Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing.
  5. Whisk together a zesty dressing using olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt, creating a tangy complement to the dish.
  6. Construct nutrient-packed bowls by layering quinoa or rice as a foundation. Arrange roasted vegetables and sliced chicken atop the grains, then scatter fresh spinach leaves.
  7. Drizzle the chili-lime dressing generously over the bowl. Garnish with creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.
  8. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, or prepare in advance for a delectable meal-prep option that promises robust flavors and nutritional balance.

Notes

  • Customize the marinade by swapping spices to match your flavor preferences, such as using smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste or adding more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Prep chicken in advance by marinating overnight to intensify flavors and save time during meal preparation, ensuring juicier and more flavorful meat.
  • Swap quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that keeps the dish light and nutritious while maintaining a similar texture.
  • Experiment with different protein alternatives like tofu, shrimp, or lean turkey to accommodate various dietary needs and keep the meal exciting and versatile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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