Snickerdoodles: A Classic Cookie Recipe That's Easy to Make
Snickerdoodles. Just the name conjures up images of warm, spicy, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies, perfect for a cozy afternoon or a holiday gathering. This classic recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yielding deliciously soft and chewy cookies that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Let's dive into the recipe and discover the secrets to making perfect snickerdoodles!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for creating a light and airy texture. Don't melt it!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This provides sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: This is a key ingredient in giving snickerdoodles their characteristic chewy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This provides the warm, comforting spice that snickerdoodles are known for.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked 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 best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Step 6: Roll and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake 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 your warm, delicious snickerdoodles!
Tips for the Perfect Snickerdoodle:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent spreading.
- Adjust baking time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on your cookies.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with adding other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to the dough or coating.
FAQs:
- Can I use salted butter? Yes, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for later use.
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats! Remember to share your delicious creations and tag us! Happy baking!
