There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sugary embrace of a snickerdoodle cookie. But what if we could take it up a notch? Enter snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies—a delightful twist on the classic treat that adds an extra layer of cinnamon goodness. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive holiday gathering.
Snickerdoodles have been a beloved favorite for generations, known for their soft, chewy texture and signature cinnamon-sugar coating. By incorporating cinnamon chips, we elevate this timeless cookie into something truly special. The chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey cinnamon that complement the traditional flavors perfectly. If you’re a fan of snickerdoodles, you’re in for a real treat with this recipe.
Ingredients
Below are the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies.
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cinnamon chips
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Tools and Equipment
To make perfect snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies, having the right tools and equipment on hand is essential. Here’s what I recommend:
- Mixing Bowls: Several large and medium-sized mixing bowls to combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements of ingredients.
- Sifter: A sifter or fine-mesh sieve to ensure there are no lumps in the flour and other dry ingredients.
- Baking Sheets: Non-stick baking sheets or standard baking trays lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cookie Scoop: A medium-sized cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough evenly, ensuring uniform size and baking.
- Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack to allow the cookies to cool thoroughly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Rolling Pin: Optional but handy if you prefer to roll your dough before portioning.
- Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the precise temperature for even baking.
Each tool is crucial for ensuring the cookies come out just right, from mixing the dough to baking and, finally, cooling.
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delectable snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies at home.
Prepare the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Cinnamon Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup cinnamon chips using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
Chill the Dough (Optional)
Chilling the dough helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
- Cover Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. For best results, chill for 1-2 hours.
Roll and Coat the Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.
- Form Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffy.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Making snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies can be simple and rewarding with a few expert tips. Here are key strategies to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Browning the Butter
Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to your cookies. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat Your Pan: Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Melt the Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt thoroughly.
- Watch for Golden Brown: Stir constantly with a rubber spatula as the butter foams. After about 5-7 minutes, you’ll see it turn golden brown.
- Remove from Heat: When you see brown specks at the bottom, remove the pan from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Cool Down: Let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to your cookie dough.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For the ideal soft and chewy texture, follow these practical steps:
- Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, roll it into balls and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. For the flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing.
- Cream of Tartar: Don’t skip this ingredient. It’s essential for the unique tangy flavor and soft texture of traditional snickerdoodles.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. Use an oven thermometer to make sure the temperature is correct.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This helps them bake evenly.
- Baking Time: Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes. They should be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to set on the baking sheet as they cool.
By following these tips, your snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies will have that perfect balance of flavor and texture every time.
Serving Tips
When it comes to serving snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies, presentation and pairing can enhance the overall experience. Here are my top serving tips to make the most of these delightful treats:
Serving Temperature
Snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies taste best when served slightly warm, fresh out of the oven. The gooey, melted cinnamon chips blend beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie. Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes if needed before serving.
Accompaniments
Consider pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The creamy, smooth texture of milk complements the spiced sweetness of the cookies, while the bitterness in coffee or tea balances the sugary flavor.
Plating Tips
For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a large, flat plate. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra cinnamon on top for that professional touch.
Storing for Freshness
If you need to store the cookies before serving, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Label and date the bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Adding Extras
For a festive twist, consider drizzling a light icing made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk over the cookies. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Follow these serving tips to make your snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies a hit at any gathering or simply enjoy them as a comforting treat.
Storage and Freezing
When it comes to keeping your snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies fresh, proper storage is key. Here’s how I store mine to maintain their delightful taste and texture:
Storage
- Cool Completely: Once the cookies have baked to perfection and cooled to room temperature, be sure they are fully cool before storing them.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer the cookies to an airtight container. This prevents them from becoming stale and ensures they stay soft and chewy.
- Add a Slice of Bread: Place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread helps absorb moisture and keeps your cookies fresh longer.
- Room Temperature: For the best quality, store the container at room temperature. The cookies should stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy your snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies at a later date, freezing is an excellent option:
- Pre-Freeze Cookies: Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour to pre-freeze them.
- Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once the cookies are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-lock bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date.
- Remove Excess Air: Removing as much air as possible from the bag helps prevent freezer burn.
- Store in Freezer: Keep the cookies in the freezer for up to three months.
- Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a warm treat, you might even reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
By following these storage and freezing tips, your snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies will always be ready to delight your taste buds, whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after some time in storage.
Conclusion
Baking snickerdoodle cinnamon chip cookies brings a delightful twist to a beloved classic. With the right ingredients and a few expert tips, these cookies promise to be a hit every time. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after proper storage, their flavor and texture remain irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for any occasion, these cookies pair wonderfully with milk or coffee and can be enhanced with a touch of icing or a scoop of ice cream. By following the storage and freezing tips, you can ensure that your cookies stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking!