Ah, snickerdoodles! Just saying the name brings back a flood of warm and cozy memories from my childhood. I remember weekends at my grandma’s house – she’d pull out her big mixing bowl and her secret weapon: the cinnamon sugar blend that made these cookies truly irresistible. We’d spend the afternoon filling the house with a heavenly aroma, and when the cookies finally came out of the oven, they were always met with the same excited chorus: “Can I have one? Or two?”
What I love most about this chewy snickerdoodle recipe is that it strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a delightful burst of cinnamon sugar on top. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Whether you’re wanting to treat yourself after a long day or impress friends at a gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and nostalgia.
What’s in Chewy Snickerdoodles?
All-purpose flour: The star of the show! This is what gives the cookies their structure. I always opt for unbleached all-purpose flour for a richer taste.
Sugar: You’ll need both granulated sugar and brown sugar for that perfect chewy texture. The brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor!
Baking soda: This magical ingredient gives the cookies their nice rise. Always check that your baking soda isn’t outdated – trust me, you want these cookies fluffy!
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
Cinnamon: Essential for that signature snickerdoodle taste! I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its sweeter flavor, but regular ground cinnamon works just fine too.
Unsalted butter: This is what makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Eggs: Just one large egg to bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor and makes everything taste that much better.
Is Chewy Snickerdoodles Good for You?
While I don’t think anyone would argue that snickerdoodles are health food, there are a few positives to consider!
Butter: It does provide fat that can help you feel full. Plus, it can add some vitamins when consumed in moderation.
Eggs: Packed with protein, eggs also contain essential nutrients that can benefit your overall health.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these cookies are high in sugar and calories, which means moderation is key. So feel free to treat yourself on special occasions or when you need that little pick-me-up!
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tsp cinnamon (plus more for rolling)
– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
This recipe makes about 24 deliciously chewy snickerdoodles!
How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodles?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, beat the butter and both sugars together until creamy and light in color. This’ll take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it!
6. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough (I like to use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies) and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips for Sweet Cookies
– For an added flavor twist, try experimenting with different flavored extracts like almond or maple along with the vanilla.
– If you like a bit of a crunch, you can lightly press the tops with a fork before baking, creating a cute crisscross pattern!
– These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of milk, coffee, or even some vanilla ice cream.
I hope you give these chewy snickerdoodles a try! They have a wonderful way of bringing people together and spreading joy, just as they did in my childhood. Don’t forget to come back and share your cookie-making adventures with me! Happy baking!
