Snickerdoodle Recipe

If you’re a fan of soft and chewy cookies with a perfectly crisp exterior, this Snickerdoodle recipe is going to become your new favorite! With a buttery base, a hint of vanilla, and a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a glass of milk, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a batch of cookies that are soft on the inside, slightly tangy, and coated with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar. Let’s dive into the secrets behind making the perfect snickerdoodles!

Ingredients Overview

To create the best snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create that distinctive texture and flavor. Here’s a breakdown:

• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks): The butter provides the rich, creamy base for the cookies.
• 1 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar & 1/3 cup packed brown sugar: The combination of white and brown sugar adds depth and helps achieve that soft and chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture, making the cookies soft and tender.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For a subtle sweetness and warm flavor.
• 3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Ensures the right amount of flour for a balanced dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect texture.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors in the cookies.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar: The secret ingredient for the classic tangy flavor in snickerdoodles.
• For Rolling:
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar & 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: The traditional coating that adds a sweet, spiced crunch to every bite.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a few baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally to ensure an even consistency.

Next, add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the butter. Beat for another 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed. The mixture should be light and fluffy with no visible sugar lumps.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. At this point, the dough should look creamy and homogeneous.

Gently spoon and level the all-purpose flour into your measuring cup—do not scoop directly from the flour bin, as this can pack the flour and lead to dense cookies. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender; stop mixing when you see a few streaks of flour remaining.

2. Rolling the Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar

Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to shape the dough into balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully covered. Reserve any remaining cinnamon-sugar for later.

3. Baking to Perfection

Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still slightly shiny. Remember, slightly underbaking the cookies is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture.

Once out of the oven, immediately use a spoon to gently push the edges of each cookie towards the center. This helps create a round shape and a thicker, chewier middle. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Spoon and Level the Flour: Properly measuring the flour ensures the right dough consistency. Too much flour can result in dry cookies.
• Bake Until Just Set: For soft and chewy snickerdoodles, remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire cooling rack

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve your snickerdoodles warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. For a fun presentation, stack them in a clear jar or arrange them on a decorative plate, dusting with a little extra cinnamon sugar before serving.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To store your snickerdoodles, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls after rolling them in cinnamon sugar. Store them in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Add a Nutty Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Chocolate Lover’s Snickerdoodles: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-cinnamon combo.
• Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: Substitute half of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Why is Cream of Tartar Used in Snickerdoodles? Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their classic tangy flavor and helps prevent the sugar in the dough from crystallizing, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
• How Can I Make My Snickerdoodles Extra Soft and Chewy? Slightly underbake your cookies and use a spoon to gently push the edges towards the center as soon as they come out of the oven.
• Can I Freeze Snickerdoodle Dough? Absolutely! Freezing the dough allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Pairings Suggestions

Snickerdoodles pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or coffee. For a light snack, enjoy them with fresh fruit like apple slices or a banana.

Conclusion

We hope you love this snickerdoodle recipe as much as we do! Whether you’re making them for a cozy family night or to share with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow cookie lovers and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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