Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, perfect for any occasion! These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture that gives them an irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or just a cozy night in, these Snickerdoodles will please everyone. With the right tips and techniques, you’ll create cookies that are bursting with flavor and perfectly chewy every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Follow my tips to ensure your Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out soft and chewy instead of dry.
- Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The double dip in cinnamon sugar adds a sweet crunch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for holidays or casual get-togethers, these cookies are always a hit!
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Snickerdoodle Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make baking enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the dough to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks, softened)
– 1 and 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
- Beat 1 cup of softened butter for about two minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add in 1 and 1/3 cups of granulated sugar along with 1/3 cup packed brown sugar. Beat this mixture for another two minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl again for even mixing.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Prepare your dry ingredients:
- In another bowl, measure out 3 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour. Remember to spoon it into the measuring cup without packing it down!
- Stir together with a small spoon:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
Then gently mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches across.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon
Roll each cookie dough ball in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place your cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets with about two inches between each one.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 9-11 minutes, until edges are just set but centers remain shiny.
Step 7: Shape After Baking
Immediately after removing from the oven:
Use a spoon to gently push the edges toward their centers within the first minute after baking—this creates round cookies with thicker, chewy centers.
Step 8: Cool Down
Let cookies rest on the pan for about 3-5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
Step 9: Final Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While still warm but manageable, dip each cookie back into the leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra sweet touch!
Enjoy your freshly baked Snickerdoodle Cookies right away with a glass of milk!
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or just indulge on your own, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with a Beverage
- Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk complements the sweetness and cinnamon flavor perfectly.
- Coffee: The warm notes of coffee enhance the cookie’s flavors, making for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy dessert experience, serve your cookies alongside rich hot chocolate.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Platter: Arrange your snickerdoodles with other cookies for a colorful dessert spread.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two snickerdoodle cookies for a fun twist.
Enjoy with Fresh Fruits
- Apple Slices: The tartness of apples contrasts nicely with the sweet cinnamon flavors of snickerdoodles.
- Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing touch to your cookie experience.
How to Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies
To ensure your snickerdoodle cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs helps create a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour in measuring cups to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
- Chill the Dough (if needed): If your dough is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
- Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; underbaking slightly will keep them soft and chewy.
Best Side Dishes for Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors and textures. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream elevates the cookie experience with its cool texture.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of snickerdoodles.
- Cheese Platter – Sharp cheeses like cheddar provide a savory balance to the sugary cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors alongside your cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of snickerdoodle into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Coffee Cake – Enjoying snickerdoodles with slices of moist coffee cake makes for an excellent brunch option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Snickerdoodle Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some pitfalls to avoid to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to achieve a light and fluffy texture. Always use softened butter for the best results.
- Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient is essential for the signature tangy flavor and chewy texture. Don’t omit it!
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy Snickerdoodles.
- Incorrect flour measurement: Packing flour into your measuring cup will give you too much. Always spoon and level it for accuracy.
- Not checking cookie doneness: Overbaking will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are barely set.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Snickerdoodle Cookies
- You can freeze both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies.
- Unbaked dough can be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies should be placed in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. They feature a delightful tang from cream of tartar, making them unique.
How do I make my Snickerdoodle Cookies softer?
To ensure soft Snickerdoodle Cookies, avoid overmixing the dough and slightly underbake them so they remain chewy in the center.
Can I customize my Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even experiment with different spices like nutmeg for a twist on the classic flavor.
How should I store my Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness, typically up to 5 days.
Can I freeze my Snickerdoodle Cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze shaped cookie dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar. Just bake straight from frozen when you’re ready!
Final Thoughts
These Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a comforting taste that brings joy with every bite. With their soft texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them as is!
Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle Cookies are a beloved classic that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. These soft and chewy treats are generously coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating an irresistible flavor profile that’s both comforting and nostalgic. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. With straightforward instructions and a few key ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious Snickerdoodle Cookies ready to impress your friends and family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter until creamy, then add sugars and mix until fluffy. Incorporate eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop out dough balls (about 1.5 inches) and roll in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
- Place on prepared baking sheets with space in between. Bake for about 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still shiny.
- Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
