Snickerdoodles: The Classic American Cookie You Need in Your Life
Craving a cookie that’s both crispy on the outside and delightfully soft and chewy on the inside? Look no further than Snickerdoodles, the iconic American treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are known for their distinct cinnamon-sugar coating, a hint of caramel flavor, and a satisfyingly gooey texture that comes from the brown sugar.
A Bite of History and Flavor
Snickerdoodles have been a beloved part of American baking for generations. Their origins are debated, but some believe they originated in the 19th century, evolving from traditional German or Dutch cookies. Whatever their history, they have a timeless appeal that continues to delight cookie lovers.
Why Snickerdoodles are a Must-Bake
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of toppings. A classic pairing is with a creamy cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookie. Snickerdoodles are also perfect for dunking in a warm glass of milk or your favorite cup of tea.
The Recipe: Easy and Delicious
This recipe is simple to follow and yields a batch of 12-18 cookies, depending on your desired size. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
* 200g unsalted butter, softened
* 150g caster sugar
* 50g light brown soft sugar
* Two teaspoons of vanilla bean paste
* 300g plain flour
* One and a half teaspoons of cream of tartar
* One teaspoon of baking soda
* Three tablespoons of milk
* Three tablespoons of caster sugar
* One tablespoon of cinnamon
* 100g butter, softened
* 100g icing sugar, sieved
* 200g full-fat cream cheese
Method:
1.
Preheat your oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Line a baking tray with baking parchment to prevent sticking.2.
Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, caster sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will create a light and airy texture for your cookies.3.
Add vanilla:
Incorporate the vanilla bean paste and beat until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.4.
Dry ingredients:
Add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.5.
Milk adjustment:
Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a slightly sticky consistency. This will give your cookies a soft and chewy texture.6.
Cinnamon sugar coating:
Combine the caster sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Roll the dough into evenly sized balls and coat them thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.7.
Bake:
Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking tray, leaving about 5cm of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.8.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.Cream Cheese Frosting:
1.
Combine ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and well combined. It might appear a little lumpy at first, but keep mixing until it becomes smooth.2.
Frosting application:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can pipe or spread the frosting onto them for a decadent finish.Enjoy!
Store your freshly baked Snickerdoodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and make you a baking hero. Happy baking!
