Snickerdoodle Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back warm memories and fills your home with a delightful aroma, you’ve come to the right place! Snickerdoodle Cookies are not just any cookie; they are a perfect blend of soft and chewy goodness, coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar mix. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something comforting or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a homemade delight. They are sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Follow my tips to achieve that classic snickerdoodle softness without the dryness.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar! It’s a fun way to get them involved in baking.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special treat, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these Snickerdoodle Cookies! Just some simple, wholesome items that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 (for rolling)
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or add-ins. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Coconut Flavor: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some delightful crunch.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Stir in pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired version!

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or using silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together your softened butter until it’s smooth. This step is essential because it helps create that lovely fluffy texture we all crave in our cookies. After about two minutes, add both sugars—granulated and brown—mixing until light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything well.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, crack in those two eggs along with the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth again. This adds moisture and flavor, making your cookies taste incredible.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour! Make sure you spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping straight from the bag—this prevents packing too much flour into your dough. Before mixing it in, stir together the baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar into the flour to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gently fold your flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender! Stop mixing as soon as there are no flour streaks left.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, shape your dough into balls about 1 and ½ inches across. Roll each ball in cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated—this gives them that signature snickerdoodle look!

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Place your rolled dough onto your prepared baking sheets with enough space between each one for spreading (about two inches apart). Bake these little delights for about 9-11 minutes until their edges are just set but still soft in the center.

Step 8: Perfecting Their Shape

As soon as they come out of the oven, gently push the edges toward the center with a spoon. This little trick helps create those perfectly round shapes while keeping them chewy inside.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, give each cookie another quick dip in cinnamon-sugar—it’s pure bliss! Enjoy one right away with a nice glass of milk; you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Snickerdoodle Cookies

Baking the perfect Snickerdoodle cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor!

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can develop gluten in the dough, resulting in cookies that are tough rather than tender.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened and at room temperature for easier mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and contributes to a soft texture in the final cookies.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but slightly underbaked in the center for optimal softness. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven!

• Cool Before Storing: Allow your cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture build-up that could make them soggy.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are not just delicious; they also make for an inviting treat that you can serve in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your cookies look even more tempting.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and complement the soft texture of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! A glass of cold milk perfectly balances the sweetness and adds a creamy texture that enhances every bite.
• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of Snickerdoodles, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
• Ice Cream: Serving warm Snickerdoodles alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates a delectable dessert experience that everyone will love.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert spread.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these tips and serving suggestions, and share these delightful Snickerdoodle cookies with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want to have some delicious treats on hand, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container. It helps maintain moisture!

Freezing

• Shape the cookie dough into balls and roll them in cinnamon sugar.
• Place the dough balls in a ziplock bag, ensuring they’re not touching each other, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen; just add a couple of minutes to the bake time!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Snickerdoodle Cookies:

How do I make my Snickerdoodle Cookies soft and chewy?

To ensure your Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft and chewy, avoid overmixing the dough and slightly underbake them. The centers should still look shiny when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use a substitute for cream of tartar in Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Yes! If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. Just remember to reduce the baking soda by 1/2 teaspoon since baking powder already contains it.

Can I make Snickerdoodle Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into balls, roll them in cinnamon sugar, and freeze until you’re ready to bake. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies whenever you like!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! These soft and chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delightful but also incredibly easy to make. Enjoy baking them with loved ones or indulge in a few yourself. Happy baking!