If it were humanly possible to fall in love with a food item I would think I had found my soulmate and the greatest love of my life. Although, now that I think of it I have seen documentaries where people have fallen in love with their horses, goats and dogs so maybe I should pay a little closer attention to my feelings. Hmm.
I have loved snickerdoodle cookies since I was a kid. They have always incited feelings of warmth and comfort in me and I have veryfond memories of my grandmother baking this particular cookie. There is something about the slightly tangy flavor balanced with the sweet and spicy cinnamon/sugar coating that puts me in a bit of a frenzy.
In fact, this reminds me ofa slightlyembarrassing moment I now feel compelled to share with you all. Why do I feel compelled? I think I might be a bit of a glutton for punishment and wholeheartedly believe that it’s healthy to laugh at yourself. I’m not sure if that falls true for others laughing at you. If that were thecase Ishould be able to give Jack LaLanne a run for his money in the ‘health’ department.
Anyway, so I was shopping at this office supply store with a teacher friend who was picking up supplies for her classroom. The store had gift bags and goodies for “teachers” as an incentive to shop. While perusing notebooks I glanced over at the goody table and noticed a plate full of individually wrapped snickerdoodle cookies, a sign stating “One Per Customer” strategically placed behind them. I grabbed my one allowed cookie and hoovered that thing down like a dog and his s’nausage. Should have been fine, right? Yes, well it would have if I hadn’t gone back for a second cookie and lied to the clerk that it was for my friend who chose right then to walk up behind me and emphatically state that she “hates snickerdoodles.” The clerk said, “Is this your friend? Sounds like she doesn’t want a cookie.” I gingerly placed the wrapped cookie back on the plate and moved away, the clerk hovering over her table with a renewed resolve to enforce the “one cookie” rule.
So, you can see that I am terribly obsessed with snickerdoodle cookies and have quite a discerning taste for what makes a dang good cookie. Today’s recipe is a kick-butt version resulting in soft and chewy, sweet and spicy cookies. Try it.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar (baking powder can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3tablespoons white sugar
- 3teaspoons cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cream together butter, shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend in sifted flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Shape balls of dough, slightly smaller than a golfball.
- Prepare mixture of white sugar and cinnamon on plate. Roll balls of dough in mixture until coated well.
- Place on ungreasedcookie sheet approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cookie should be set but not crispy. Remove from cookie sheet as soon as possible and cool. Cookies should be soft and chewy so DO NOT OVERBAKE.
Yield: 48 cookies
How can you NOT like a snickerdoodle? Even the name is fabulous.
I know, right? =)
Mindy
Snickerdoodles are my all time favorite too! They were the first cookie I ever learned to bake on my own. I too remember my grandma and I in the kitchen baking these.
Fabulous recipe!
♥Spot
I’ve always been so intimitated by these cookies. I’ve never tried to bake them because I was just sure I would ruin it and assumed it was some kind of complicated recipe. Glad there are others on the snickerdoodle bandwagon! =)
Mindy
Looks yummy! We’re vegan, but I think I might try “veganizing” this recipe over the weekend. I love doing that! (taking a recipe and making it vegan). Good for me my family is not too picky. We haven’t had snickerdoodles in years so I’m hyped!
Oh, wow! If you figure out a good way to “veganize” it you should post back and share. Good luck! =)
Mindy
I LOVE snickerdoodles! I make them at Christmas every year, though I think the hubby is tired of them. If you mush them with the bottom of a glass before you put them in the oven, they seem so come out better for some reason. I guess it’s like the whole fork and peanut butter cookie thing?
TIRED OF SNICKERDOODLES??? Surely you jest. =) I will have to try the “smushing” technique. Maybe it makes them more dense and chewy. Hey…I’m willing to try anything that will enhance my favorite food! =)
Mindy
I don’t think I’ve ever had a Snickerdoodle.
I would make it, if I was a cookie eater. We can’t have cookies anymore. Although I could make it and give to the neighbor kids. I think I’ll give it a try, had to talk myself into it.
Those will be some lucky neighbor kids!! Sorry that you can’t have cookies…I’ll eat your share for you! Now, how’s that for a blogging buddy?? =)
Mindy
Oh Snickerdoodles! I love Snickerdoodles!!
But I suck at baking, siiiiiiiigh.
I would have totally made off with that cookie. That clerk couldn’t leave the table. I bet you could have eaten it before he got to you. *haha* Too funny!
I considered running…but thought that might have appeared even more pathetic than taking an extra cookie. =)
Mindy
One cookie? Whatever, what a job anyway, guarding the cookies. If you just started grabbing cookies and stuffing them in your mouth the clerk would have taken a while to stop you. You could have hogged down at least 5 or 6. One cookie my butt. What’s the point of one cookie…….Butthead clerk.
God, I LOVE that word, “Butthead.” It really just says it all, doesn’t it? And you are exactly right…I think the butthead clerk had a little case of “power junky” going on. Whatever. But, man that was a good cookie. =)
Mindy
*drool* Thanks, now I’m craving a snickerdoodle! LOL I’ve never heard of making them without cream of tartar though. I thought that’s what gave them their “tang”?
See? That’s how amateurish I am at baking. I didn’t even realize that cream of tartar stood for the “tart.” I’ve only made the recipe with baking powder because that’s what I have but I have read that others have substituted white vinegar or even lemon juice. I don’t know though…vinegar in my coveted cookie? =)
Mindy
How did they turn out without the cream of tartar? Still good?
That’s the only way I’ve made them so far. I’ve used baking powder and I thought they were delicious!!! =)
I was so enamored of this cookie and its peculiar name that I decided to write about it as well. I gave you credit. Check it out!
Marly
http://www.namelymarly.com
snickerdoodles. sigh. the name just rolls of the tongue doesnt it?
how can u not like the cinnamon sugary goodness????
YUMM!!!
thanks for the recipe
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