Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie that brings joy with their warm, buttery goodness and a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. This version skips the cream of tartar, simplifying the process without sacrificing flavor. With a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Let’s dive into the reasons you’ll love these easy snickerdoodles, made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Why We Love This Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
You’re going to love this easy version of snickerdoodles because it cuts down on hassle while still delivering that sweet, comforting taste you crave. By omitting cream of tartar, it keeps the ingredient list simple and approachable for bakers of all levels. This cookie has a lovely balance of sweetness and spice, thanks to the combination of sugar and cinnamon. The texture is just right—not too soft, not too crisp—which makes it perfect for dipping in a hot drink or enjoying on its own. Plus, this recipe typically uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an easy choice for a last-minute baking adventure. The straightforward method ensures that you spend less time stressing about measurements and more time enjoying the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Ingredients for Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
Serving your easy snickerdoodles can be just as exciting as baking them. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven, tapping into that delicious melting butter flavor. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break. To take it a step further, consider making a dessert platter with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and maybe some chocolate sauce for dipping.
For gatherings or cozy family evenings, arrange them on a decorative plate, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for presentation, and offer them alongside other homemade treats. You might even want to package some in a clear bag tied with a ribbon as a thoughtful gift for a friend or neighbor. Their inviting aroma and adorable appearance will make them a hit at any event.
Expert Tips for Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
If you want to ensure your easy snickerdoodles come out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. Cold butter won’t blend properly with sugar, leading to an uneven texture. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag; this prevents dense cookies.
Don’t skip the rolling in cinnamon sugar. This step is crucial because it adds flavor and creates an appealing, slightly crunchy exterior. For more visual interest, consider making various sizes or using cookie cutters for fun shapes. If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking; this can prevent excessive spreading.
Finally, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so it’s best to check them a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want the edges to be barely golden and the centers soft. Overbaking will lead to tougher cookies, so check often!
How to Store Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
To keep your easy snickerdoodles fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can typically last for about five to seven days when kept this way. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. For an extra comforting treat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that freshly baked warmth.
Variations of Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
There are many delightful variations of easy snickerdoodles that you can experiment with based on your tastes. One popular twist is to add chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the dough for a sweet surprise in every bite. Alternatively, you could try rolling the dough balls in a mix of sugar and spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor combination.
For a fun seasonal touch, incorporate pumpkin spice during the fall months or crushed peppermint during the holiday season, giving your cookies a festive flavor profile. You might even explore using flavored extracts such as almond or coconut instead of vanilla for an interesting new taste. Another delicious option is to drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies to create a decadent dessert.
Lastly, if you enjoy a softer cookie, experiment with slightly underbaking them so the centers remain gooey, creating a delightful texture contrast between the chewy middle and the crispy edges.
FAQ about Easy Snickerdoodles (without cream of tartar!)
Can I make easy snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
Absolutely! The recipe provided here skips cream of tartar but still delivers the classic flavor and texture you love. You can simply use baking soda as the leavening agent.
What’s the best way to get my snickerdoodles to be extra soft?
To achieve softer snickerdoodles, avoid overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or freeze it for longer. Just let it thaw slightly before rolling and baking.
What can I use if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can substitute with salted butter, but be mindful to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
How can I make my snickerdoodles more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, or mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Easy Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar For rolling the dough balls.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For rolling the dough balls.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon.
Baking
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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