The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe: Soft, Spicy, and Perfectly Cinnamon-Sugar Coated
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible snickerdoodle cookies? This recipe delivers soft, chewy centers, perfectly crisp edges, and that signature warm cinnamon-sugar coating that's simply addictive. Get ready for cookie perfection!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 delicious snickerdoodles. Adjust accordingly if you need more (or less!) for your cookie craving.
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For the Cookies:
- 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
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For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly delightful snickerdoodles:
Step 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 soft, tender texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly risen cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy batter is okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant and even coating.
Step 6: Roll and Coat the Cookie Dough
Roll each tablespoon of cookie dough into a ball. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated cookie dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 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, spicy, and incredibly delicious snickerdoodles!
Tips for Snickerdoodle Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this makes a huge difference in the texture of your cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even more perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake.
Variations:
- Add Extracts: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices, like nutmeg or ginger, in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a decadent twist.
Now you're equipped to bake the most amazing snickerdoodles. Happy baking! Remember to share your delicious creations – we'd love to see your snickerdoodle masterpieces!
