Snickerdoodles

Indulge in the timeless taste of a delicious, chewy cookie that bursts with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. The snickerdoodle is a classic treat that has delighted taste buds for generations, and for good reason. Its soft, chewy texture and delightful blend of sugar and cinnamon make it the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or want to share a delightful treat with friends and family, this cookie is sure to satisfy you. So why not try making your own batch of Snickerdoodles today and enjoy the simple pleasure of a truly timeless treat?

Food is Memory

Today is a rainy, cold, day here in Western Massachusetts. Spring in New England is as frustrating as it is beautiful. Just last weekend we were working in the yard, making preparations for a new kitchen garden, it was 50, sunny, and glorious. Today, I’m “stuck” inside making cookies, such a burden I know. Being inside today I am remembering my childhood, I think of my mom and grandmother, both amazing bakers.

Grammy’s house was always filled with the delectable aroma of her baking, as food was her way of showing love. I can vividly recall her sitting on her rocking chair, peeling and slicing apples to make the most amazing cinnamon-infused applesauce. She always used Macintosh apples and kept the sauce chunky, and it was just so delicious. Along with other women in my mother’s life, Grammy passed on the art of baking to her.

Keeping Watch

My siblings and I were raised by our mother, who worked hard to provide us with clothing and food on a limited budget. As the youngest of three, I recall my brother and sister’s teenage years, when they would often invite their friends over to our house. To keep everyone under her watchful eye, my mother would frequently bake treats such as fried dough or apple pie, which filled the house with an irresistible aroma. It was a clever way to ensure everyone stayed close by, and that they were well-fed.

Mom was an expert pie maker, oh my goodness would she go to town at Thanksgiving. Lemon meringue, apple, pumpkin, pecan, chocolate, and banana cream pies. She also made scratch dinner rolls, I remember helping shape them, like croissants, smothered in butter. I guess rainy days inside aren’t a complete washout. A little walk down memory lane and the delicious scent of Snickerdoodles baking in the oven have put a smile on my face, and joy in my heart.

Timeless Cookies

When I think of a timeless cookie, Snickerdoodles are always on the list, next to peanut butter and chocolate chip. They are so easy to make and I don’t believe anyone has ever told me they don’t like cinnamon. The key to good Snickerdoodles is, once again, creaming that sugar and butter mixture until light and fluffy. I recently posted a chocolate chip cookie recipe and discussed the importance of this step when making cookies.

Cream of Tartar

Not an ingredient you see too much of, it is crucial in Snickerdoodles. Cream of tartar adds flavor, and a little tartness, as well as adding to the chewy texture associated with a good Snickerdoodle. You will find cream of tartar in meringue recipes, combined with egg whites and sugar to create that airy, cloud-like texture. It’s also a great substitute for baking powder when combined with baking soda. You can Google “uses for cream of tartar” and get plenty of interesting cleaning and cooking tips.

Cinnamon

You cannot make Snickerdoodles without cinnamon, it is just not possible. Some studies show the health benefits of cinnamon, particularly its positive impact on blood glucose levels. I doubt it has the power to combat the sugar in these cookies, but that doesn’t stop me from baking them. Adding cinnamon to the dough elevates these Snickerdoodles to another level. You not only get cinnamon on the outside but with every delicious bite.

This recipe requires chilling, so some planning ahead is necessary. If this step is skipped, the cookies might turn out flatter, but they will still taste delicious. The recipe yields 15 large cookies, with 2.5 ounces of dough per cookie. Sometimes, it’s necessary to flatten the cookies straight out of the oven as they tend not to spread much. These cookies are not small or dainty; if you prefer smaller cookies, use 1.5 ounces of dough instead. It’s important to use high-quality, thick baking pans for a consistent final product.

Equipment

I have developed a fondness for USA baking pans, owing to their thickness and durability. They are easy to clean and produce consistent results. It is advisable to avoid thin pans as they tend to warp when exposed to heat in the oven. Investing a little more money upfront can save you from having to replace your pans often. High-quality baking equipment is a wise investment that will last you for many years.

I love my KitchenAid stand mixer, it’s 30 years old, and was a gift from my Grammy. Yes, the same applesauce-making Grammy who inspired a lifelong love of baking and gardening. I remember her buying one for my mom and my sister at the same time, an incredibly generous gift. It is starting to slow down a bit, and gets sluggish when mixing bread, particularly my cinnamon rolls. I think I will likely cry the day it finally quits on me.

My oldest son is a chef with classical training and has been managing restaurants for over a decade. He and my husband are helping me to choose my next mixer, which is likely to be a commercial-grade stand mixer. Since I bake at least once a week, and often more frequently, I need a mixer that is durable and tough. For now, my current mixer is still working well, and I’m hoping it will continue to do so, 30 years of consistent, reliable mixing is a testament to the quality of the older KitchenAid stand mixers.

Enjoy

You will enjoy these Snickerdoodles, they are easy to whip up and although they do not last very long in this house, will store nicely. This cookie is a very good freezer, giving you the option to bake ahead, simply store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. I don’t usually freeze cookies for more than a month, simply because it does change the final product a bit. These will stay fresh for 3 days in an airtight container without freezing.

My house smells heavenly with the aroma of cinnamon right now. I guess rainy March days in New England aren’t such a burden after all. These Snickerdoodle cookies are perfect companions to enjoy with a nice cup of hot Earl Grey tea or coffee. Take your pick and savor one (or two) warm from the oven.

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