My Favorite Snickerdoodle Cookies
Imagine a cookie with slightly crisp edges, a cinnamon-sugar crackle top, and a soft, chewy center. That's the classic Snickerdoodle cookie in a nutshell. These beloved cookies have a nostalgic charm that's hard to resist. If you're ready to embark on a journey to create the best chewy Snickerdoodle cookies, you're in for a treat. This recipe is a game-changer, and you'll be baking up a storm in no time.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the world of Snickerdoodles, ensure you have the following ingredients at hand:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dry Mix:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This is the foundation of your delicious Snickerdoodle dough, so be sure to mix it well.
2. Creamy Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, let the magic begin. Cream together the sugar and softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly. Then, introduce the vanilla and blend it well.
3. The Dough Comes Together:
Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until you have a perfectly blended dough. For that authentic Snickerdoodle flavor, you'll want to chill this dough for at least an hour.
4. Preheat for Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It's time to get that Snickerdoodle goodness baking.
5. The Cinnamon-Sugar Magic:
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is where the magic happens. It coats the dough evenly, creating that signature Snickerdoodle exterior. Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Baking Bliss:
Now, pop those Snickerdoodles into the preheated oven and bake them for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden hue. If needed, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time for even baking.
7. The Cooling Stage:
Allow your cookies to cool for 3-4 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes:
While you can replace the cream of tartar and baking soda with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, it's the cream of tartar that gives Snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor, setting them apart from basic sugar cookies.
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
If you have extra dough, you can freeze it. Shape the dough balls, roll them in cinnamon sugar, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply place the dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion:
Get ready to fall in love with these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies. The combination of slightly crisp edges, a cinnamon-sugar crackle top, and a soft, chewy center is the epitome of comfort and delight. Baking these cookies is like creating a warm, cozy memory in every bite. So, grab your ingredients and let the baking adventure begin.
For more inspiration and the original recipe, visit Don't Sweat The Recipe.