Why Make This Recipe
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies are a beloved treat that many people enjoy. Their soft and chewy texture combined with the hint of cinnamon makes them a favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a school event, or just for a sweet snack at home. The best part about Snickerdoodles is the simple ingredients that create such delightful flavors.
Making these cookies can also be a fun activity for everyone. Kids can join in by rolling the dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Plus, baking these cookies fills your home with a warm and inviting aroma. As they bake, you will experience the comforting scents of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. When you think about sharing love and joy through baking, Snickerdoodle cookies are a wonderful choice.
How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Learning how to make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies is easy and straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. Let’s break down the ingredients and directions to make this delightful treat.
Ingredients:
To make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Follow these steps to make your own Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by turning on your oven. This will ensure it’s hot enough to bake your cookies properly.
Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend them well. This step helps to ensure that the baking soda and cream of tartar are evenly distributed, giving your cookies the right texture.
Mix the butter and sugars. In a separate bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and beat it with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix them together until the mixture is fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugars, which helps your cookies rise and become light.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Crack the two large eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, adding them one at a time. After each egg, mix well. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The egg and vanilla add moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just mixed together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
Scoop and roll the dough. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form dough balls that are about 1-2 inches wide. Roll each ball in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat them evenly.
Place on baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the dough balls on it, giving them some space as they will spread while baking.
Bake the cookies. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be golden, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked. This gives them the chewy texture that Snickerdoodles are famous for.
Cool and enjoy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies can be served in a variety of delightful ways. Here are a few ideas to enjoy these delicious cookies:
As a Sweet Snack: These cookies make a perfect afternoon treat. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
At Parties: Serve them on a cookie platter during gatherings or parties. Guests will love the soft texture and cinnamon flavor.
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your Snickerdoodle cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon pairs wonderfully with both beverages.
In Lunchboxes: Pack a few cookies in your children’s lunchboxes for a sweet surprise during their school day.
With Ice Cream: Create a fun dessert by sandwiching ice cream between two cookies for a delicious ice cream cookie sandwich.
How to Store Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh. Here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, consider placing the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerating them. They can last for about a week in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to store them for an even longer time, freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring there is no excess air. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
For the best results with your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, consider these helpful tips:
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create a creamy mixture when combined with the sugars.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This can enhance the flavors and improve the texture of your cookies.
Experiment with Spice: If you love cinnamon, feel free to adjust the amount to your liking or even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm flavor.
Check the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies around the 8-minute mark. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them.
Variation
While the classic Chewy Snickerdoodle is always a hit, you can add some variations to change things up:
Chocolate Chips: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist.
Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be stirred into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese: For creamier cookies, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese into the batter for a richer taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum, as it helps with the texture.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
3. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
By following this recipe, you will create delightful Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring every bite!
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and ground cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture, stirring gently until just mixed.
- Scoop and form dough balls about 1-2 inches wide and roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the dough balls spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.