Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a religion for me, right up there with Basset hounds, Tex-Mex food, and Ethel Merman. They're everything you want in homemade cookies: soft, chewy, perfectly crisp around the edges, and flecked with cinnamon. All that's missing is a glass of milk!

What I love most about snickerdoodles is their versatility. You can take a batch anywhere and they'll be gone in two seconds flat. Bring these cookies to a bake sale, a cookout, or any neighborhood potluck. Around the holidays, I like to pack them up in a tin for a homemade Christmas food gift for friends! These cookies are so scrumptious, you'll want to make them all year long. Just wait until you try one.

Do you have to chill snickerdoodle cookie dough?

No, there's enough flour in the dough that it holds its structure without any chilling. That's part of what makes this recipe so quick and easy! If you'd like to make the dough ahead of time and chill it, you certainly can. Just cover your mixing bowl and store in the fridge for up to three days. When it comes time to bake the cookies, scoop the dough, roll it in the cinnamon sugar, and bake as directed. You'll likely need to add one to two minutes to the bake time, so keep an eye on them.

Why do snickerdoodles need cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is an essential ingredient in snickerdoodles because it contributes to the cookies' soft, light texture. It also gives snickerdoodles the slightest tang, which differentiates them from other cookies. Cream of tartar is one of those ingredients I always on hand for whenever I have a hankering for these cookies or angel food cake, or need to whip up a quick meringue!

How do you know when snickerdoodles are done?

Snickerdoodles are done when they're puffed and just barely set in the center. It usually takes 10 minutes or a little less. Keep a careful eye on these as your timer winds down. This is a cookie that you do not want to overbake; they need to have that chewy, soft texture. Plus, they'll continue to set up as they cool on the cookie sheet.

How long do snickerdoodles last?

Snickerdoodles will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Let thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping. For an easy last-minute treat, freeze the dough in balls; let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling in cinnamon sugar and baking.