Snickerdoodle Recipe: No Cream of Tartar Needed!
Are you craving those warm, cinnamon-sugar cookies but don't have cream of tartar? Don't worry! This recipe delivers the classic snickerdoodle flavor and texture without relying on that often-missing ingredient. Get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious treats!
Why Cream of Tartar? And Why We Don't Need It!
Cream of tartar is traditionally used in snickerdoodles to create a tangy flavor and help stabilize the egg whites, contributing to that signature chewy texture. However, we can achieve a similar result with some clever substitutions. This recipe provides a delightful alternative that's just as satisfying.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions for Perfectly Delicious Snickerdoodles:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure everything is fully incorporated before moving on.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Baking Time!
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Snickerdoodle Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Enjoy Your Delicious, Cream-of-Tartar-Free Snickerdoodles!
This recipe proves you don't need cream of tartar to enjoy perfectly delicious snickerdoodles. These cookies are perfect for any occasion – a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day! So, gather your ingredients and start baking! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
