My Favorite Snickerdoodles

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One of the most universally loved cookies in the world is the snickerdoodle. It is also delicious and very easy to make which may be part of the reason it is so well loved. The origin of the name is shrouded in the mysterious veil of time. 

Roll the batter into small balls and dip in the sugar and cinnamon mixture and place on a cookie sheet or stone. Try to keep the cookies about the same size so that they will all bake to the same doneness.

It may have either Dutch or German origin but it may just as easily just be a silly New England name. It lends itself very well to making large batches of cookies and is a Christmas plate staple in many families.

You will need:

• 2 sticks of butter or 1 stick of butter and 1 stick of butter flavored shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

To roll the cookies in:

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and blend with your electric mixer. There is really no difference in the taste or texture of the cookie if you substitute butter flavored Crisco for half of the butter. Add the eggs one at a time alternating with the dry ingredients. Beat until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for two hours.

Mix the 2 tablespoons white sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and place in a small bowl. 

When the batter has cooled, turn the oven on to 400 degrees. Place the oven rack in the center of the oven. 



Bake in oven for eight to ten minutes. When making then last week I found with my oven 12 minutes was ideal. If you want crisp cookies let them cool on the sheet, if you want softer cookies move the cookies to a cooling rack.



This recipe makes 4 dozen cookies. This recipe doubles or triples easily. I never vary it because it is perfect the way that it is. Why mess with perfection? You could however use colored sugar to roll the cookies in for a festive touch. This is a great recipe to let the children help with. They really love rolling the balls of dough in the sugar.
 
If you want to make up gift bags to give away just double or triple the recipe.