Cinnamon-Sugar Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
7. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
   • Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Enjoy your warm, soft, and cinnamon-sugar-coated snickerdoodles with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Importance of Each Ingredient

• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the cookies, contributing to their soft and chewy texture. Softened butter helps achieve a light and fluffy dough when creamed with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the characteristic crispy edges of snickerdoodles.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and contributing to the cookies’ structure and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, adding warmth and depth to the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookies. The right amount ensures a soft, chewy texture without being too dense.
• Cream of Tartar: Gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create a soft texture. It also stabilizes the egg whites and contributes to the cookie’s rise.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy, creating a lighter texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture: This classic combination gives snickerdoodles their distinctive flavor and sweet, spiced coating, creating an inviting aroma and taste.

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the deliciously soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon flavor that make snickerdoodles such a beloved cookie. Enjoy!