Snickerdoodle cookies are a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia for many. These soft, chewy cookies, rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, have a unique flavor that makes them irresistible. The first bite transports you to a world of warm kitchens and family gatherings. With their signature crinkled tops and deliciously sweet aroma, snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for any occasion.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a freshly baked snickerdoodle cookie, you’re in for a treat. The combination of sweet dough and cinnamon creates a wonderful flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is designed to guide you through each step, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just to indulge yourself, these amazing cookies are sure to impress.
In this article, you’ll discover why this snickerdoodle cookie recipe is a favorite among many, how to prepare the dough, and tips for serving. Get ready to bake these incredible cookies that will fill your home with an inviting aroma and leave everyone wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might wonder what sets this snickerdoodle cookie recipe apart from others. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with making these cookies:
1. Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
2. Quick to Prepare: You can have these cookies ready to enjoy in less than an hour.
3. Perfectly Chewy: This recipe guarantees a soft, chewy texture that makes each bite delightful.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering crust that enhances the flavor.
5. Versatile Treat: Snickerdoodles are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply as an after-school snack.
6. Family-Friendly: Kids love to help roll the dough in cinnamon sugar, making it a fun activity for everyone.
With these reasons in mind, it’s clear why snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless favorite!
Preparation and Cooking Time
In total, making snickerdoodle cookies will take about 30 minutes, including prep and baking time. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
– Cooling Time: 5-10 minutes
These times may vary slightly depending on your kitchen setup and personal skills, but this timeline should guide you well.
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating snickerdoodle cookies is straightforward and fun. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
7. Form Cookie Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
8. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly crinkled.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
These steps will ensure that your snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfectly every time!
How to Serve
Serving snickerdoodle cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them. Here are some tips to elevate your cookie experience:
1. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or cake stand to showcase their beautiful appearance.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for a delicious treat.
3. Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
4. Warm Up: For an even more delightful experience, microwave cookies for a few seconds to enjoy them warm and gooey.
5. Add-Ons: Consider drizzling melted chocolate on top or adding nuts for extra texture and flavor.
By following these serving suggestions, you can make your snickerdoodle cookies even more enjoyable for yourself and your guests!
Additional Tips
– Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your cinnamon is fresh. It can significantly enhance the taste of your snickerdoodle cookies.
– Allow Butter to Soften: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.
– Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
– Experiment with Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla bean for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to get creative with these snickerdoodle cookies! Here are some delightful variations to try:
1. Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet surprise.
2. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Add half a cup of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal treat.
3. Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles: Substitute half the butter with peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free variant.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep your snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to one week.
– Freezing: If you want to store them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
– Thawing: To enjoy, simply take out the desired number of cookies and allow them to thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave them for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Special Equipment
To make your baking experience smoother, ensure you have the following essential tools:
– Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
– Electric mixer: To cream butter and sugar efficiently.
– Cookie scoop: For uniformly sized cookie balls.
– Parchment paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
– Wire racks: For cooling the cookies evenly after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to soft snickerdoodle cookies?
The key is to ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center looks a bit underbaked.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, using light brown sugar will give your snickerdoodles a deeper flavor and added moisture.
Why do you use cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar adds a slight tanginess and helps create the signature chewy texture of snickerdoodle cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to work with.
Conclusion
Snickerdoodle cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience. With their delightful sweetness and hint of spice, they bring joy to any gathering or quiet afternoon at home. This ultimate recipe makes it easy to create soft, chewy cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to try out the variations and tips provided to make this classic recipe your own!
Snickerdoodle Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe for 12
- Total Time: 59 minute
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
Creating snickerdoodle cookies is straightforward and fun. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
7. Form Cookie Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
8. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly crinkled.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
These steps will ensure that your snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g