Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm and inviting smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. Snickerdoodle cookies hold a special place in many people’s hearts. They are delicious, soft, and slightly chewy with that signature cinnamon-sugar coating. This classic cookie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply a cozy day at home. Today, we will guide you on how to make these delicious treats from scratch.

Why Make This Recipe

Snickerdoodle cookies are not just tasty; they are a delightful experience. The buttery flavor combined with the sweet notes of cinnamon creates a mouth-watering treat that many enjoy. Making these cookies at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought versions.

Moreover, the process of baking can be therapeutic. It brings joy and satisfaction. Biting into a soft, warm Snickerdoodle cookie provides comfort and happiness. These cookies are also kid-friendly and fun to make together. Cooking with children can inspire creativity and teach them valuable skills.

Furthermore, they can be enjoyed in different ways. You can serve them warm with a glass of milk or even top them with ice cream for a quick dessert. No matter how you enjoy them, making Snickerdoodle cookies at home can provide a wonderful experience.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies

Making Snickerdoodle cookies is easier than you might think. You don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll end up with a delicious batch of cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make Snickerdoodle cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important as it ensures even baking for your cookies.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, take your all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together well to combine. This mixing helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   Now, in a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Next, beat in the large eggs and vanilla extract. Make sure they are fully mixed into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
   Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this slowly to avoid making a mess. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or it may change the texture of the cookies.

6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
   In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the sweet and slightly spicy coating for the cookies.

7. Shape the Dough
   Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Once you have shaped the balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them evenly.

8. Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Place the coated dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space will allow the cookies to spread as they bake.

9. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.

10. Cool the Cookies
    Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two. This brief cooling time helps them firm up. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served in various delightful ways. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve them:

• Classic Milk Pairing: A glass of cold milk complements the sweetness and cinnamon-flavored goodness of Snickerdoodles perfectly.
• Warm with Ice Cream: You can create a fun dessert by serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot cookie and cold ice cream combination is heavenly.
• Party Treats: Snickerdoodles make excellent finger foods for parties. Place them on a large platter for everyone to enjoy.

How to Store Snickerdoodle Cookies

Proper storage will help your Snickerdoodle cookies stay fresh for longer. Here are some tips on how to store them:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
• In the Fridge: If you prefer, you can extend their shelf life by placing them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about two weeks when stored this way. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for longer storage. Place them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfect every time:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it blend well with the sugars, resulting in a fluffy cookie base.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you mix the dry and wet ingredients, stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This can result in cookies that hold their shape better while baking.
• Experiment with Spices: You can add a hint of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a unique twist on the flavor.

Variations

While the classic Snickerdoodle is a favorite, you can try some variations for a different taste:

1. Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful treat that combines two beloved cookie flavors.
2. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Substitute some of the butter with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
3. Nutty Snickerdoodles: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to give your cookies a crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may change the overall flavor slightly. If you do use salted butter, you can skip adding extra salt to the recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead and freeze it?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in balls or as a whole. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I do if my cookies are too hard?

If your cookies turn out too hard, it may be due to overbaking. To avoid this, keep an eye on them as they bake, and take them out when the edges are set but the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Baking Snickerdoodle cookies is easier than it seems! These simple steps will help you bring the delightful flavors and warm feelings to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of your homemade treats!

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy Snickerdoodle cookies coated with cinnamon-sugar, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-4 minutes).
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon for the coating.
7. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Place the coated dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Baking

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. For best results, use softened butter and avoid overmixing the dough.