2-Ingredient Holiday Snickerdoodles That’ll Blow Your Mind

Nothing says holidays like the warm scent of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen! My Holiday Snickerdoodles have been a family tradition since my aunt first taught me to roll the dough balls in that magical cinnamon-sugar coating when I was eight. That first bite of soft, chewy perfection with its crackly sugar crust still transports me right back to those snowy December afternoons.

What makes these Holiday Snickerdoodles special? It’s that perfect balance between pillowy soft centers and slightly crisp edges, all wrapped in that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar hug. The cream of tartar gives them just the right amount of tang, while the simple ingredients come together in minutes – leaving you more time for holiday memories than kitchen stress.

Why You’ll Love These Holiday Snickerdoodles

• That irresistible crackly cinnamon-sugar coating that sparkles like holiday lights
• Soft, chewy centers that stay fresh for days (if they last that long!)
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• Dough comes together in one bowl – less cleanup means more holiday fun
• The scent of cinnamon baking will make your whole house feel festive

Holiday Snickerdoodles Ingredients

Grab these simple ingredients for cookies that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (that’s 2 sticks – and yes, it must be real butter!)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (divided – we’ll use some for coating)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature works best)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spoon and level it – don’t scoop!)
• 2 tsp cream of tartar (the secret ingredient for that signature tang)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar + 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for that magical coating)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here’s the scoop on making these work for you: gluten-free 1:1 flour works surprisingly well here, and dairy-free butter can substitute in a pinch (though the texture changes slightly). But please – don’t skip the cream of tartar! It’s what gives snickerdoodles their distinctive flavor and texture. No tartar? You’re just making cinnamon sugar cookies (still tasty, but not the same magic!).

How to Make Holiday Snickerdoodles

Okay, let’s get baking! First things first – turn that oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when our cookie dough is ready. Trust me, cold ovens make sad, flat cookies.

Now for the fun part: grab your mixer (or strong arms and a wooden spoon if you’re old-school like me) and cream that softened butter with 1 ½ cups sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes – don’t rush it! You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale yellow and makes little peaks when you lift the beaters.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar (our secret weapon!), baking soda and salt in another bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the buttery mixture until just combined – a few flour streaks are okay!

Here comes the messy joy: mix 2 tbsp sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls between your palms (pro tip: slightly damp hands prevent sticking!), then give each one a generous roll in the cinnamon sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets – they’ll spread into perfect circles.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden but centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll finish cooking on the sheet out of the oven – this keeps them soft for days. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Try not to eat them all while warm… I never succeed!

Tips for Perfect Holiday Snickerdoodles

If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes – cold dough prevents overspreading. Cookies too dry? You probably overmeasured flour (always spoon and level!). And if they come out flat, your butter was likely too soft – it should leave a slight fingerprint when pressed, not squish completely.

Storing & Freezing Holiday Snickerdoodles

These cookies stay miraculously soft for days when stored right! Just pop them in an airtight container with a slice of bread (trust me – it keeps them perfectly chewy). They’ll last about a week at room temperature this way.

Want to freeze them? No problem! Layer cooled cookies between parchment paper in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To revive that just-baked magic, warm frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes – the cinnamon sugar will sparkle like new!

Holiday Snickerdoodles Variations

While I’m obsessed with the classic version, sometimes I like to mix things up! Try adding ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth, or dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate – the contrast is divine. Feeling fancy? Roll the dough balls in crushed peppermint candies along with the cinnamon sugar for festive stripes. Just promise me you’ll try the original first – it’s perfection!

Holiday Snickerdoodles Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re nibbling on (not that it’ll stop you!): Each cookie contains about 120 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated), and 8g sugar. Remember, these are estimates – your exact amounts may vary slightly depending on ingredients and how generously you coat them in that irresistible cinnamon sugar!

FAQ: Holiday Snickerdoodles

Can I skip the cream of tartar? Oh honey, no! That tangy magic is what makes a snickerdoodle a snickerdoodle. Without it, you’ve just got cinnamon sugar cookies (still tasty, but not the holiday magic we’re after!).

Why did my cookies come out flat? Betcha your butter was too soft! It should hold a slight fingerprint when pressed – if it squishes completely, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. Cold butter equals perfectly puffy cookies.

Can I freeze the dough for later? Absolutely! Portion into balls (don’t coat in sugar yet), freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. They’ll keep for a month – just add 1 extra minute when baking from frozen.

Share Your Holiday Snickerdoodles!

I’d love to see your cookie creations! Tag me when you post those cinnamon-dusted beauties – nothing makes me happier than seeing families enjoy this recipe together.

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