Snickerdoodles are a beloved holiday treat, known for their soft texture and cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
This recipe is simple and requires basic baking skills, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. You can easily double the batch for larger celebrations.
The Allure of Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless classic, especially cherished during the holiday season. Their soft, chewy texture combined with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating makes them irresistible.
These cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia, often reminding people of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake adds to their charm, making them a must-have treat during Christmas.
Creating the Perfect Dough
The foundation of any great cookie lies in its dough. For snickerdoodles, a buttery base is essential. The process starts with creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporating eggs one at a time ensures that the dough remains smooth and well-combined. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture that snickerdoodles are known for.
Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the dough is prepared, the fun begins! Rolling the cookie balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar is what gives snickerdoodles their signature flavor. This step not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful, sparkly finish to the cookies.
Each ball should be coated thoroughly before being placed on the baking sheet. The spacing between them is important, allowing room for the cookies to spread and develop their characteristic crackle on top.
Baking to Perfection
Baking snickerdoodles requires careful attention to time and temperature. Preheating the oven ensures even baking, while the right timing is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown color.
As they bake, the edges set while the tops crack slightly, creating a delightful texture contrast. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps maintain their softness.
Festive Presentation
Once baked, snickerdoodle cookies are ready to be showcased. Placing them on a decorative plate against a backdrop of holiday decorations creates an inviting atmosphere. The sight of these golden-brown treats dusted with cinnamon sugar is sure to bring smiles.
They make for a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering, whether served alongside hot cocoa or as part of a cookie exchange. Their festive appearance and delightful taste are bound to leave a lasting impression on guests.
Sharing the Joy
Snickerdoodle cookies are not just a treat; they are a way to share joy and warmth during the holiday season. Baking a batch for friends, family, or neighbors can spread cheer and create cherished memories.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared as a thoughtful gift, these cookies embody the spirit of togetherness that defines the holidays. So, gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and savor the delightful moments that come with each bite.
Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
These snickerdoodle cookies are made with a buttery dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and baked to perfection. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 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 mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g