Snickerdoodles Recipe: A Classic Cinnamon Delight

Snickerdoodles are a classic American cookie, known for their soft, chewy texture and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. This timeless treat has been a favorite in kitchens for generations, combining simple ingredients to create a comforting and delicious cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you have a sweet tooth, snickerdoodles are always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making the perfect snickerdoodles.

Ingredients

To make about 24 snickerdoodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s at the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture. Next, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The vanilla adds a depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon coating.

5. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. The cream of tartar is a key ingredient in snickerdoodles, giving them their signature tangy flavor and soft texture.

6. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the cookie dough balls before baking, giving the snickerdoodles their characteristic spiced crust.

8. Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls between your palms. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter.

9. Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

10. Bake the Cookies

Bake the snickerdoodles in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops are slightly cracked. Be careful not to overbake them; snickerdoodles are best when they’re soft and chewy. The cookies will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

11. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy your delicious homemade snickerdoodles!

Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodles

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps it cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough.
2. Don’t Skip the Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is essential for authentic snickerdoodles. It not only adds a slight tang to the cookies but also helps create the soft, chewy texture that snickerdoodles are known for.
3. Properly Measure Your Flour: Too much flour can make your cookies dry and dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for an accurate measurement.
4. Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
5. Adjust the Cinnamon Sugar Ratio to Taste: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon in the coating. Alternatively, if you want a milder flavor, reduce the cinnamon slightly.
6. Store the Cookies Properly: To keep your snickerdoodles soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months; just thaw them slightly before baking as directed.

Variations to Try

While classic snickerdoodles are perfect as they are, you can try these variations to mix things up:

1. Brown Butter Snickerdoodles: Replace the regular butter with browned butter for a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds a gourmet twist to your cookies.
2. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Add ½ cup of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a seasonal take on this classic treat.
3. Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Mix in a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey variation that adds a little extra indulgence to each bite.
4. Lemon Snickerdoodles: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodles are a versatile and beloved cookie that can be enjoyed year-round. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, snickerdoodles are sure to bring smiles to anyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients and get baking—your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar!