Snickerdoodles. The name itself evokes a sense of warmth and childhood joy. These cinnamon-sugar dusted cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion, and surprisingly easy to make with this Simple Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tips to bake perfect snickerdoodles every time.
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What Makes Snickerdoodles So Special?
Unlike regular sugar cookies, snickerdoodles have a distinct tangy flavor thanks to the addition of cream of tartar. This ingredient, often used in meringue and whipped cream, creates a chewier texture and adds a unique depth of flavor. The signature cinnamon-sugar coating provides that irresistible sweet and spicy crunch that sets snickerdoodles apart. This simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe focuses on highlighting those core elements.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Snickerdoodle
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our ingredients. This simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe calls for everyday pantry staples, so you likely have most of these on hand already. You’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Ground cinnamon
- Sugar (for the cinnamon-sugar coating)
A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Snickerdoodles
This simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps:
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Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets, which contribute to a tender cookie. Remember that time I tried to rush this step and ended up with dense cookies? Lesson learned!
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Adding Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
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Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In another bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Roll the cookie dough into balls, then coat generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Baking: Place the coated cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Ingredients for Simple Snickerdoodle Cookies
Tips and Tricks for the Best Snickerdoodles
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Chilling the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavors. If you’re short on time, this step can be skipped, but it’s a worthwhile addition to this simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth dough.
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Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are just set.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Coated in Cinnamon Sugar
Variations on the Classic Snickerdoodle
While this simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations:
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Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist. This is a personal favorite!
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Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the dough for a seasonal treat.
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Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You might be surprised how similar the texture can be to traditional snickerdoodles. Similar to our best gluten free cookie recipes, adapting this recipe for gluten-free diets is quite simple.
Baked Snickerdoodle Cookies on Cooling Rack
Enjoying Your Homemade Snickerdoodles
These cookies are best enjoyed warm, with a glass of cold milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. But honestly, they rarely last that long! This simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe creates a batch perfect for sharing or simply indulging in a comforting treat. For those looking for quick cookie options, check out our Simple snickerdoodle cookie in 15 minutes. If you’re on a keto diet, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our best keto cookie recipes. And for those upcoming holidays, consider our easy holiday cookies recipe as part of your holiday baking recipes.
This simple snickerdoodle cookie recipe is a surefire way to create a batch of warm, comforting, and undeniably delicious cookies. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of snickerdoodles.
FAQ: Your Snickerdoodle Questions Answered
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What is the purpose of cream of tartar in snickerdoodles? Cream of tartar creates a chewier texture and adds a tangy flavor.
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Can I freeze snickerdoodle dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
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Why are my snickerdoodles flat? This could be due to overmixing the dough, using softened butter that is too warm, or not chilling the dough before baking.
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How do I store leftover snickerdoodles? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating? While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with other sugars like brown sugar or turbinado sugar.
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My snickerdoodles are hard, what went wrong? They were likely overbaked.
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Can I add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar coating? Absolutely! Nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom would be delicious additions.
