The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible snickerdoodles? This recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with that signature cinnamon-sugar coating. Forget everything you thought you knew about snickerdoodles – this recipe is the gold standard!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let's get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked snickerdoodles every time.
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
2. Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
6. Roll and Coat the Dough:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the coated dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, chewy, and perfectly spiced snickerdoodles!
Tips for the BEST Snickerdoodles:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a more complex spice profile.
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist!
This snickerdoodle recipe is your ticket to baking success. Impress your friends and family with these perfectly spiced and deliciously chewy cookies. Happy baking!
