Best Snickerdoodles Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a comforting, delightfully chewy cookie that champions simplicity and classic flavors, look no further than the Best Snickerdoodles Recipe. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of buttery dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, producing cookies that are crisp on the edges and tender in the center. Each bite offers that nostalgic warmth that feels like a cozy hug from a close friend. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just because, these snickerdoodles shine as an effortless, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up the Best Snickerdoodles Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet play crucial roles in texture and taste. From the creaminess of butter to the warm spice of cinnamon, each component is essential to achieving that perfect cookie experience.

• Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Flour (2¾ cups / 374 grams): The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and integrity to every bite.
• Cream of tartar (2 teaspoons / 7 grams): Adds the signature tang and tender crumb unique to snickerdoodles.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon / 6 grams): Works alongside cream of tartar to help the cookies rise just enough.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Vegetable shortening (½ cup / 92 grams): Provides a light texture and keeps the cookies perfectly soft.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup / 113 grams, room temperature): Adds rich flavor and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (2½ cups / 500 grams, divided): Sweetens the dough and, combined with cinnamon, coats the cookies in a delightfully crunchy exterior.
• Large eggs (2, 100 grams): Bind the dough and contribute to the luscious chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon (¼ cup / 36 grams): The star spice that gives snickerdoodles their signature warmth and aroma.
• Iced water (2 cups / 454 grams): A unique step that helps achieve the perfect cinnamon sugar coating by wetting the dough just enough for it to stick.

How to Make Best Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining three baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures even baking and easy cleanup, giving your cookies the perfect base to develop their iconic texture.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Getting these dry ingredients properly combined sets the stage for consistent flavor and the classic slightly tangy bite of snickerdoodles.

Step 3: Creaming the Shortening and Butter with Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the vegetable shortening and unsalted butter for about 30 seconds. Then add 1½ cups of sugar and beat until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy—around 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which gives the cookies their tender lift.

Step 4: Adding Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. This helps keep the dough smooth and creates that ideal chewiness that snickerdoodles are loved for.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the entire flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar all at once. Mix on low speed just until no flour remains visible. Be careful not to overwork the dough here—overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.

Step 6: Setting Up the Cinnamon Sugar Workstation

Arrange a “work station” near your baking sheets with a bowl of ground cinnamon mixed with the remaining 1 cup of sugar and a separate bowl of iced water. Place a folded paper towel beside the water bowl to dab off excess moisture from the dough balls. This method is a game changer for evenly coating the cookies and maintaining the perfect balance of moisture and sugar.

Step 7: Forming and Rolling the Dough Balls

Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and gently roll it into a ball. Dip it quickly into the iced water, then press lightly on the paper towel to remove any excess water. Roll the damp dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for some spreading. Repeat until all your dough is rolled—this recipe makes 24 scrumptious cookies, 8 per baking sheet.

Step 8: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and just starting to brown, while the centers remain soft with those classic crinkled cracks. These slightly underbaked centers contribute to the cookie’s signature chewy texture.

Step 9: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up just enough while retaining their tender bite.

How to Serve Best Snickerdoodles Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar just after baking can add an extra sparkle and burst of spice. For serving at special occasions, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the cookie adds an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

Snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a steaming cup of spiced chai, warm apple cider, or a glass of cold milk. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels both timeless and instantly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange snickerdoodles in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy gathering or layer them between parchment paper in a decorative tin as a thoughtful homemade gift. You might even sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a playful twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to five days. To maintain their fresh-from-the-oven texture, a slice of bread placed in the container can help retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls and fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze them rolled and coated in cinnamon sugar on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, placed in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

To revive the warm, soft texture of snickerdoodles, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel for 10 seconds. This simple step brings back that freshly baked joy any time.

FAQs

What makes snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?

Snickerdoodles are unique because they use cream of tartar and baking soda, giving them a signature tangy flavor and soft, chewy texture. They are also traditionally coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, which adds a warm spice that sets them apart from plain sugar cookies.

Can I substitute butter for shortening?

You can use all butter instead of a mix of shortening and butter, but be aware that the texture might be slightly different—often firmer and less tender. Using shortening helps keep snickerdoodles soft and soft-centered.

Why do I need to dip the dough in iced water?

Dipping the dough balls in iced water before rolling them in cinnamon sugar helps the coating stick evenly and creates a nice crust during baking. It also prevents the sugar from melting too quickly and losing its signature crunchy coating.

How can I make my snickerdoodles more or less chewy?

If you prefer chewier cookies, avoid overbaking and keep the centers slightly underdone. For firmer cookies, bake until center cracks disappear completely. Adjusting the balance of shortening and butter slightly can also influence chewiness.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of Bob’s Red Mill Organic?

Yes, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe. Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Flour is just a quality choice that guarantees consistency and wholesome goodness, but substituting won’t drastically change your results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about mastering the Best Snickerdoodles Recipe—it’s a warm, inviting classic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings smiles with every bite. Whether you bake them for friends, family, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies offer timeless comfort that’s impossible to resist. So, roll up your sleeves and start baking your batch soon; your perfect snickerdoodles are waiting!

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