Snickerdoodle cookies are a classic treat cherished for their soft, chewy texture and delightful flavor. Known for their signature cinnamon-sugar coating and slightly tangy taste, snickerdoodles have been a favorite in cookie jars for generations. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a snack for the family, or simply indulging in a homemade treat.
The beauty of snickerdoodle cookies lies in their simplicity. They are made with basic pantry ingredients but deliver an incredible flavor that’s hard to resist. With just a hint of tanginess from the cream of tartar and a generous coating of cinnamon-sugar, these cookies are both comforting and nostalgic.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make these delectable cookies from scratch. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of softness and chewiness while ensuring that the cinnamon-sugar coating is just right. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe will help you create snickerdoodles that are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies
To make these delicious snickerdoodle cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Sugar:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Eggs:
- 2 large eggs
- Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Flour:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Cream of Tartar:
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- Baking Soda:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- Sugar:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cinnamon:
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
How to Make Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. The cream of tartar is essential for giving snickerdoodles their characteristic tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Enjoy
- Serve: Enjoy the snickerdoodle cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter
Butter is a crucial ingredient in snickerdoodle cookies, providing richness and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe and ensures the best flavor. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to cream properly with the sugar.
Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and helps achieve their signature texture. It also contributes to the spread of the cookies during baking. The sugar in the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating work together to create a sweet, flavorful exterior.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is a key ingredient in snickerdoodles, giving them their distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture. It also helps stabilize the cookies and gives them a slightly puffed appearance.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is the primary spice in snickerdoodles, adding warmth and a delightful aroma. The cinnamon-sugar coating provides a burst of flavor and a beautiful, golden appearance to the cookies.
Snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless treat that bring comfort and joy with every bite. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating make them a favorite among cookie lovers. By following this recipe, you can create delicious snickerdoodles that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just looking to enjoy a homemade cookie, these snickerdoodles are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the process and the delightful results of baking these classic cookies!
