If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that carries the perfect balance of cinnamon spice and melt-in-your-mouth softness, look no further than Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe. This charming classic combines a tender crumb with a delightfully crisp cinnamon-sugar exterior, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for the holidays or just sneaking a mid-afternoon treat. The magic really lies in the simple ingredients, skillfully blending to create that nostalgic, heartwarming flavor that makes each bite feel like a warm hug from a dear friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays an essential role, contributing to the cookie’s texture, sweetness, and that iconic cinnamon kick.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps create a light, tender cookie.
- Butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, lending to a soft crumb.
- Shortening: Helps keep the snickerdoodles tender and prevents spreading.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: The base that provides the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
- Cream of tartar: Gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and helps maintain their soft texture.
- Baking soda: Works with cream of tartar to create the right rise and character.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- White sugar (for coating): Combined with cinnamon to form the classic crispy sugared shell.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives snickerdoodles their unmistakable warmth.
How to Make Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly – this little prep step makes cleanup a breeze, too.
Step 2: Cream Together Your Wet Ingredients
This is where the magic starts! Beat the granulated sugar, softened butter, and shortening together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract – their addition brings moisture and richness, tying the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Each ingredient here has a purpose: the flour gives the cookie body, cream of tartar adds that signature tang, baking soda aids in rising, and salt sharpens the sweetness. Once combined, gradually add this dry mix into your wet mixture, stirring until just blended to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In another small bowl, mix together white sugar and ground cinnamon. This combination will coat every cookie ball, giving your snickerdoodles that irresistible crunchy, spiced exterior. The smell alone at this stage is enough to get you excited!
Step 5: Roll and Coat Your Cookies
Now, roll your dough into 1-inch balls. Then, gently roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure each one is well coated. This step is crucial—it ensures every cookie has that beautifully sweet and spicy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Give them room to rise and spread just enough. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still look soft – that guarantees a chewy center with a slightly crisp outside.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the snickerdoodles to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes after you take them out of the oven. This resting time helps them firm up without losing their tender texture. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm for that gooey, irresistible treat.
How to Serve Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
While these snickerdoodles are delightful on their own, sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top fresh out of the oven adds an enchanting sparkle and extra crunch. For an elegant touch, try dipping one edge in melted chocolate after they’ve cooled.
Side Dishes
Serve your snickerdoodles alongside a classic glass of cold milk, a cozy cup of coffee, or a creamy chai latte for a comforting snack or after-dinner treat. Their warm cinnamon notes complement cold or hot beverages beautifully and make every bite feel like a cozy moment in a cup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, stack snickerdoodles with layers of whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced fruit for a quick cookie trifle. Alternatively, sandwich them with cinnamon buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent twist. Presentation can turn this humble cookie into a showstopper no matter the event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to 5 days, maintaining their tender bite and cinnamon sugar coating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe anytime, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Frozen snickerdoodles retain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To refresh your snickerdoodles, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This quickly warms the cookies and revives their signature soft center with a slightly crisp outside, as if they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
What makes snickerdoodles different from regular sugar cookies?
Snickerdoodles are distinctive because of the cinnamon sugar coating and the use of cream of tartar in the dough, which gives them a subtle tang and chewy texture unlike typical sugar cookies.
Can I substitute butter with all shortening or vice versa?
Absolutely! The combination of butter and shortening in Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe balances tenderness and structure. Using all butter might make the cookies spread more and become crispier, while all shortening can yield a softer texture. Experiment to find your perfect bite!
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the flavors meld and reduce spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier snickerdoodles.
Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon?
You can, but cinnamon is traditional and key to the signature flavor. If you want to try something new, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can add a warm twist, but cinnamon sugar remains the classic coating.
How do I know when the snickerdoodles are perfectly baked?
Look for cookies with edges that are set and slightly golden while the centers still look soft and a bit underbaked. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring the classic chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe that goes beyond its simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a warm memory on a plate, a cozy bite you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth, these snickerdoodles will not disappoint—so go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and start that cinnamon sugar magic!
Print
Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles are classic, soft, and chewy cookies featuring a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies have a perfect balance of buttery richness and a slight tang from cream of tartar, making them a timeless treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: Cream together granulated sugar, softened butter, and shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated but not overmixed, forming a soft, pliable dough.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix the white sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the signature cinnamon sugar coating.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Do not overbake; snickerdoodles should have soft centers for the best texture.
- Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking gives the classic crackled and flavorful outer crust.
- For an extra soft cookie, slightly underbake and allow to cool fully on the rack.
- Shortening helps achieve the tender texture distinct to snickerdoodles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
