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–+ servings
Snickerdoodles
This classic Snickerdoodle recipe from Betty Crocker is a timeless treat that delivers the hallmark tang of cream of tartar and a crackly cinnamon-sugar topping. Known for their chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, Snickerdoodles are beloved across generations as a cozy cookie jar staple. The sugar and cinnamon coating is what sets them apart from traditional sugar cookies, offering a sweet-spiced flavor that's perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just an afternoon treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 48 cookies
Calories 93 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2¾ cups sifted flour
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

For coating:

  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream the Base

  • In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well mixed.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

  • Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up for rolling.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

  • Roll dough into balls about the size of small walnuts (approximately 1 to 1¼ inches in diameter).

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

  • Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  • Remove from the oven. The cookies will puff while baking and flatten as they cool, forming their classic crinkled tops. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips

  • Use butter instead of shortening for a richer, more buttery flavor.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract (1 tsp) to enhance depth of flavor.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra spice.
  • Chill dough overnight to deepen flavor and improve texture.
  • For festive flair, roll dough in colored sanding sugar instead of cinnamon-sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 29mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword cinnamon sugar, classic dessert, from scratch, holiday cookies, nostalgic food, vintage baking
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