Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies - A Sweet Indulgence with Cinnamon Flavor

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Who doesn’t love a sweet snack alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of aromatic coffee? Snickerdoodle cookies are just that perfect choice: soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, with a sweet crust of sugar and cinnamon that makes them irresistible. These cookies have an interesting story, with deep roots in baking tradition, cherished by many generations. It is said that the name "snickerdoodle" comes from a German term, but what truly matters is that each bite brings a smile to the faces of loved ones.

The ingredients needed to make these delicious cookies are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:
- 225 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g chopped nuts (optional)
- For rolling: 2 tablespoons sugar and 4 tablespoons cinnamon

Step by Step to Perfection:

1. Preparing the Dough: Start by mixing the soft butter with the granulated sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and smooth cream. This step is essential, as the air incorporated into the butter will make the cookies fluffier. Add the beaten eggs gradually and the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well integrated.

2. Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients are key to achieving the perfect texture for the cookies. The baking soda will help the dough rise, while the nutmeg will add a subtle and warm flavor.

3. Incorporating the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the butter and sugar cream. Use a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to gently but effectively combine everything. The dough will become soft and sticky, so don’t worry if it seems a little different – it’s perfect!

4. Chilling the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is crucial, as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to form balls. Additionally, chilling will intensify the flavors!

5. Forming the Balls: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and form balls about 3 cm in diameter. To achieve a uniform shape, you can use an ice cream scoop or simply your hands.

6. Rolling in Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix the sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. Take each dough ball and roll it well in this mixture. This step will add a delicious crust and give the cookies that characteristic cinnamon flavor.

7. Baking: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Preheat the oven to 190°C and bake the cookies for 10 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges are slightly golden, but the center is still soft.

8. Cooling and Serving: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack for a few minutes before transferring them to a platter. Serve them warm, alongside a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Practical Tips:
- Optional Nuts: If you want to add a bit of crunch, you can incorporate chopped nuts into the dough. Choose pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- Vegan Version: You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and the eggs with chia or applesauce to create a vegan version of these cookies.
- Storage: Snickerdoodle cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits:
These cookies are a better choice compared to other more complex desserts, featuring simple and natural ingredients. The butter and nuts provide healthy fats, while the sugar can be reduced by using alternative sweeteners. A Snickerdoodle cookie has about 120 calories, though this number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why do I need to chill the dough? Chilling helps firm up the dough, making the cookies fluffier.
2. Can I add chocolate? Absolutely! Add chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
3. How can I tell if they are baked? The edges should be golden, but the center should be slightly soft.

Snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration. Try this simple recipe and let yourself be carried away by the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Perhaps you’ll create your own unforgettable culinary memories!

Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!