Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. With their warm, cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying at home. This recipe ensures you will have the BEST Snickerdoodle Cookies that are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These Snickerdoodle Cookies remain perfectly soft and chewy even after baking.
- Bursting with Flavor: The double dip in cinnamon sugar elevates the taste, making each bite a delicious experience.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up a batch without hassle.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Snickerdoodle Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Cookie scoop
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and energy when beating butter and sugar to achieve a fluffy consistency.
- Cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size for even baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your delicious Snickerdoodle Cookies:
- 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. Prepare a few baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or using a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl or with a stand mixer:
1. Beat the softened butter for about two minutes until smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally.
2. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat for another two minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract:
1. Beat well while scraping down the sides to ensure an even mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Stir together flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar.
2. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop:
1. Form dough balls approximately 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches wide.
2. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar for an extra flavor boost.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place rolled cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet:
1. Ensure there’s enough space between each ball (about two inches).
2. Bake for approximately 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly shiny.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once baked:
1. Immediately push edges toward centers with a spoon for rounder shapes.
2. Let cookies cool on the pan for about three to five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Enjoy!
While still warm, dip cookies back into cinnamon sugar for an irresistible coating. Enjoy your freshly baked Snickerdoodle Cookies with milk!
This method ensures that your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—truly what every Snickerdoodle should be!
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, but there are many delightful ways to serve them that enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some serving suggestions that can elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your freshly baked Snickerdoodle cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The milk complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two Snickerdoodle cookies. This adds a creamy texture and coolness to the warm cookie.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange Snickerdoodle cookies on a dessert platter along with other cookies and treats. This makes for an inviting display at parties or gatherings.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- For an indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over your Snickerdoodles. The sweetness of the caramel pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for a light and airy contrast to the chewy texture.
As Part of Breakfast
- Serve Snickerdoodles as part of a breakfast spread alongside coffee or tea. Their sweet, cinnamon flavor makes them a delightful morning treat.
How to Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies
Making the perfect Snickerdoodle cookies involves attention to detail and following specific techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and chewy every time.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth dough that incorporates air more effectively, leading to fluffy cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies. Stop as soon as you see no flour streaks.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for maximum flavor impact. Stale spices can dull the taste of your cookies.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Bake just until edges set while centers remain slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Shape Cookies Before Baking: Rolling each dough ball in cinnamon-sugar before baking gives an extra sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Best Side Dishes for Snickerdoodle Cookies
While Snickerdoodle cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can create a more satisfying dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or snickerdoodle-flavored ice cream complements these cookies perfectly.
- Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the warm flavors and provides a nice contrast.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate adds warmth and indulgence, making it a cozy pairing during colder months.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light counterpart to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside fruit spreads for an unexpected savory twist.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides crunch and balances out the sweetness of the Snickerdoodles.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and cookie pieces for a fun twist on dessert that’s also slightly healthier!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Snickerdoodle Cookies can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies every time.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream properly with the sugars. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy dough.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour in your dough. Always spoon it into your measuring cup.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking longer than needed results in dry cookies. Aim for slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
- Skipping the cinnamon-sugar roll: Not rolling your cookies in cinnamon sugar means missing out on that essential flavor contrast. Don’t skip this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Place fully baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to an airtight container or ziplock bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Snickerdoodle Cookies that may help you get the best results.
How do I make my Snickerdoodle Cookies softer?
To achieve softer Snickerdoodle Cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked.
Can I use brown sugar only in Snickerdoodle Cookies?
While you can use only brown sugar, mixing white and brown sugars gives your cookies a balanced flavor and texture.
Why do my Snickerdoodle Cookies spread too much?
Excess spreading can occur if your butter is too warm or if there’s too much sugar. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
What makes Snickerdoodle Cookies chewy?
The combination of cream of tartar and underbaking helps create that signature chewy texture, so pay attention to those details!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Snickerdoodles by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines warmth and sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the spices. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delicious cookies with loved ones!
Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle Cookies are the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for any occasion! These delightful cookies are known for their soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (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
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars, beating until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls about 1 and 1/2 inches wide. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly shiny.
- Cool for a few minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
