Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. One cookie that never fails to bring joy and warmth is the classic snickerdoodle. Soft and chewy with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, this Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delightful world of snickerdoodles and learn how to make these scrumptious cookies from scratch!
Top Reasons to Make Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
1. **Irresistible Flavor**: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a sweet and spicy flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
2. **Easy to Make**: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized techniques or ingredients. Perfect for bakers of all levels!
3. **Perfect Texture**: Soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the edges, these cookies have the ideal texture.
4. **Versatile**: Snickerdoodles can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
5. **Great for Sharing**: Baking a batch of these cookies is a wonderful way to spread joy and share deliciousness with friends and family.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of your cookies, providing richness and flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that delightful texture.
- 1 large egg, room temperature – Binds the ingredients together for a smooth dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar – Gives the cookies their characteristic tang and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon table salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookie.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – For rolling the cookies before baking.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The signature flavor of snickerdoodles.
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer – To achieve a smooth cookie dough.
- Baking sheet – Essential for baking your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – For portioning out cookie dough.
Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
To the creamed mixture, add the large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon table salt, and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will be used to roll your cookie dough balls.
Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Budget & Availability Swaps
- Unsalted butter – You can use margarine or coconut oil as an alternative.
- Granulated sugar – Brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Whole wheat flour works as a healthier option, though it may alter the texture slightly.
- Cream of tartar – If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use an equal amount of baking powder instead, but the flavor will change slightly.
What Could Go Wrong
- Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix until just combined.
- Underbaking – If the cookies are not baked long enough, they may fall apart. Keep an eye on them and ensure they’re lightly golden around the edges.
- Incorrect measurements – Baking is a science! Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately to achieve the best results.
- Using cold ingredients – Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother dough.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time! Simply follow the recipe up to the point of rolling the dough into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. It will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic snickerdoodle.
What makes snickerdoodles chewy?
The combination of cream of tartar and the right baking time helps create that tender, chewy texture that makes snickerdoodles so beloved.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—a simple yet delicious Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe that will have you baking and sharing with joy. These cookies capture the essence of home-baked goodness and are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in these delightful treats. Happy baking!
Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of tartar, baking soda, table salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for rolling.
- Step 6: Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Step 7: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for easy baking later.
- Experiment by adding chocolate chips for a fun twist!
