Snickerdoodles. Just the name conjures up images of warm, spicy, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies, perfect with a glass of cold milk. But achieving that perfect, soft, chewy texture can seem tricky. This guide will walk you through making delicious snickerdoodle cookies, ensuring your baking adventure ends with a batch you'll be proud of.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients. Having everything measured and ready will make the process smoother:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (very important for texture!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly soft snickerdoodles:
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results. Don't rush this part!
2. Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs bind the ingredients and add moisture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even coating.
5. Shape and Roll the Cookies:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the coated cookie balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious snickerdoodles!
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted, but pliable. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
Variations to Try:
- Add Extracts: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Fold in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
Making snickerdoodles is a rewarding baking experience. By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating perfectly soft, chewy, and incredibly delicious cookies. So, gather your ingredients and get baking! Happy baking!
