Cranberry Chia Snickerdoodle Bites
These delightful little treats are the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season while keeping your snack game nutritious and delicious. Cranberry Chia Snickerdoodle Bites combine the festive flavor of cranberries with the classic warmth of snickerdoodles, and the superfood benefits of chia seeds. Not only are these bites packed with flavor, but they also provide a healthy dose of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Imagine serving these bite-sized delights at your next holiday gathering, or simply enjoying them yourself with a warm cup of tea or coffee. With their inviting aroma and mouthwatering taste, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Chia Snickerdoodle Bites
- Festive Flavor: The sweet-tart cranberry paired with a hint of cinnamon makes each bite a joyful experience.
- Healthy Ingredients: Incorporating chia seeds adds not only texture but also a nutritional boost.
- Quick and Easy: Whip them up in just a few simple steps, perfect for last-minute holiday snack prep!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite add-ins or adjust the spices to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather all the ingredients you need for this easy and flavorful recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s create these delicious cranberry chia snickerdoodle bites!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature for those delightful bites.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bites from sticking and make cleanup easier!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Coconut sugar
This combination will form the base of your dough.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes. You can use a handheld mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bites.
Step 7: Fold in the Add-Ins
Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chia seeds into the dough. This is where the bites get their flavor and health benefits!
Step 8: Form the Bites
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 9: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling. Roll each ball in this mixture before placing it on the baking sheet.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to firm up and develop the perfect texture.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
These Cranberry Chia Snickerdoodle Bites pair wonderfully with:
- Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or cinnamon tea enhances the flavor.
- Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a latte or cappuccino for a satisfying midday snack.
- Milk: For a classic touch, pair them with a glass of cold milk.
Conclusion
Cranberry Chia Snickerdoodle Bites are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate flavors and nutrition in every bite. With their festive taste and healthy ingredients, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. So gather your ingredients, crank up the holiday playlists, and enjoy the process of creating these gorgeous, bite-sized snacks. Your family and friends will surely thank you! Happy baking!