Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles are the kind of holiday magic that instantly makes the kitchen smell like cinnamon hugs. These cookies are soft in the center with just the right crisp along the edges, and the sparkle of cinnamon sugar on top makes them look like they’ve been dusted with Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just cozying up on a snowy afternoon, these snickerdoodles are the perfect nostalgic treat. With a rich buttery flavor and a chewy texture that stays soft for days, they’ll quickly become a staple on your holiday cookie tray.
What Kind of Cinnamon Should I Use for Snickerdoodles?
While any ground cinnamon will work, Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon bring a warmer, deeper flavor that truly enhances the holiday vibe. For an extra layer of coziness, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar mix adds a unique twist.
Ingredients for the Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)

How To Make the Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the chewy texture.
Step 5: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This is your rolling mix.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mix.
Step 7: Bake
Place dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will firm up slightly as they cool.
Serving and Storing Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles
These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as part of a dessert platter at your festive gatherings. Serve them with warm spiced cider, cocoa, or a creamy eggnog for the ultimate holiday experience.
Store snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain softness, tuck a slice of bread into the container—it works wonders!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my snickerdoodles extra chewy?
Using a combination of butter and the right ratio of flour helps with the chew. Also, don’t overbake—remove them when the centers still look a little soft.
Can I freeze snickerdoodle dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and chew. You can substitute with 2 tsp baking powder, but the flavor and texture will change.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
What makes them taste Christmassy?
The cinnamon sugar coating plus optional warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom bring that cozy holiday flavor.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles, try these delicious cookie recipes from the site:
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
- Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 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 add cardamom? Try them with brown butter? I love seeing your spins on holiday classics.
Looking for more cozy treats? Follow me on Pinterest for new recipes every week!

Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, buttery cookies coated in warm cinnamon sugar with just the right crisp edges. Perfect for gifting, gatherings, or sneaking warm from the tray.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes.
5. Mix the 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl for rolling.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar.
7. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon for richer spice.
Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps achieve the chewy center.
Store with a slice of bread to keep cookies soft for days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, snickerdoodles, chewy cookies
