The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a batch of Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles? These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, bringing a festive flair with the addition of colorful holiday M&Ms, crunchy pretzel sticks, and rich chocolate chips. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or for indulging in a cozy evening at home. Let’s dive into the magic of these cookies that will surely become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
Why It’s My Go-To
There’s something special about the combination of flavors and textures in these Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles. The buttery richness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the M&Ms and the salty crunch of the pretzels, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Each bite is a celebration, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fireplace. Plus, they’re fun to make! The recipe is straightforward, and the outcome is a showstopper that will impress everyone.
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups holiday M&Ms
- 1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Setup & Equipment
Before you begin baking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer – for creaming the butter and sugars
- Baking sheets – lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements
- Cookie scoop – for uniform cookie sizes
- Cooling rack – to cool the cookies after baking
Make Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles: A Simple Method
Baking these Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for delicious results:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 sticks of salted butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk to the butter mixture, along with the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Fun Stuff
Now for the best part! Gently fold in the 1 1/4 cups of holiday M&Ms, 1 cup of crushed mini pretzel sticks, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make your cinnamon-sugar coating. Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh out of the oven, or let them cool completely for later indulgence!
Better-for-You Options
If you’re looking to lighten up these Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles without sacrificing flavor, consider these options:
- Substitute unsalted butter for salted butter for a lower sodium option.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips as they contain antioxidants and less sugar.
Problems & Prevention
Baking can sometimes come with its challenges. Here are a few common problems and how to prevent them:
- Cookies spreading too much: Ensure your butter is at room temperature and not melted. If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Dry cookies: Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Uneven baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even heat distribution.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls. Roll them in cinnamon-sugar, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips for different variations.
What can I use instead of M&Ms?
If you prefer, you can replace M&Ms with other candies like chocolate-covered pretzels, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for a different twist.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of the eggs.
Quick Weeknight Wins
If you’re looking for more easy, delicious recipes to whip up during the busy holiday season, check out these links:
The Takeaway
These Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles are more than just cookies; they’re a joyful celebration of flavors that encapsulates the spirit of the season. With their chewy texture and festive ingredients, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will not disappoint. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delicious batch that will warm your heart and home this holiday season. Enjoy every bite of your Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles!
Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups holiday M&Ms
- 1 cup mini pretzel sticks crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 sticks of salted butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk to the butter mixture, along with the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the 1 1/4 cups of holiday M&Ms, 1 cup of crushed mini pretzel sticks, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make your cinnamon-sugar coating. Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your Chewy Christmas Snickerdoodles fresh out of the oven!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie Scoop
- Cooling rack
Notes
- For a lower sodium option, substitute unsalted butter for salted butter.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
