Growing up, Snickerdoodles were always my favorite holiday cookie. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about that warm, cinnamon-y aroma wafting through the house. My grandma would bake batches and batches of Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar every Christmas, and we’d all gather around her kitchen table, sipping hot cocoa and laughing as we dunked the soft, pillowy cookies into the steaming mugs. Those were some of my fondest childhood memories.
Now that I’m all grown up, I still find myself craving those same Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar that Grandma used to make. But as much as I love her recipe, I’ve discovered a little secret that takes these classic cookies to a whole new level.
Why This Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
You see, while cream of tartar is the traditional leavening agent in Snickerdoodles, it’s not actually essential. In fact, you can make an equally delicious batch of Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar by using baking powder instead. The result is a cookie that’s just as soft and pillowy, but with an even richer, more intense cinnamon flavor. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect Snickerdoodle texture without the hassle of tracking down cream of tartar.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these incredible Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter – for a rich, creamy base
- Granulated sugar – to give the cookies their signature sweetness
- Brown sugar – for depth of flavor and a chewier texture
- Eggs – to bind everything together
- Vanilla extract – for that classic baking aroma
- All-purpose flour – the foundation of the cookie dough
- Baking powder – the magic leavening agent that replaces cream of tartar
- Cinnamon – the star of the show, of course!
Step-by-Step Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar Instructions
Preparing Your Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
These Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar come together in just a few simple steps. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
2- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll it into balls.
4- Roll each ball in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Look for the edges to just start turning golden brown.
5- Bake the Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar for 8-10 minutes, until the centers are still slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6- Once cooled, serve your delicious Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar with a tall glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar is all in the technique. Be sure not to overmix the dough, or your cookies will turn out tough and dense. And don’t forget to let them cool completely before serving – the centers will continue to set as they cool, resulting in that irresistibly soft and chewy texture.
Serving and Storing Your Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
Perfect Pairings for Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are the ultimate Christmas cookie, but they’re equally delicious year-round. Serve them with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or apple cider for a cozy, nostalgic treat. Or, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. These cookies also make a wonderful edible gift – just package them up in a festive tin or cellophane bag.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop it into balls, roll in the cinnamon-sugar coating, and freeze on a baking sheet. When ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls straight into the oven and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
Creative Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar Variations
While the classic cinnamon-sugar version is always a hit, you can get creative with Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar by trying different flavor combinations. Fold in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist. You can also make them seasonal by swapping the cinnamon for other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
Making Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. And to make them vegan, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg. These dietary-friendly Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are just as delicious as the original!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute something else for the cream of tartar?
A: Absolutely! This recipe uses baking powder instead of cream of tartar, which works just as well to give the Snickerdoodles their classic soft and pillowy texture.
Q: How do I get the perfect cinnamon-sugar coating?
A: For the best results, roll the dough balls in a mixture of equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently press the coating onto the dough to help it adhere.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough for these Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar freezes beautifully. Simply scoop it into balls, roll in the cinnamon-sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Then, you can bake them straight from frozen whenever a craving strikes.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24 Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, depending on the size you scoop the dough. Feel free to adjust the servings to suit your needs.
Q: Why are my Snickerdoodles turning out flat?
A: If your cookies are coming out flat, it’s likely because the dough was overmixed. Be sure to only mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, and handle the dough gently when shaping the balls.
Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar
- Total Time: 18
- Yield: 24
Description
These easy Snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with classic cinnamon-sugar flavor – without the need for cream of tartar! Perfect for a quick dessert or baking with the kids.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 1/4 cups of the sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
4. – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. – In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon.
6. – Scoop dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
7. – Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
9. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For chewier cookies, bake for the shorter time. For crispier edges, bake for the longer time. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar. This easy recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the classic flavor and texture you love, with the added convenience of using baking powder instead of cream of tartar. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for the holidays or satisfying a cookie craving year-round, these Snickerdoodles are sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy the most delicious Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar you’ve ever tasted!
