Snickerdoodle Cookies


 
Snickerdoodle Cookies

Photo from Chocolate Star Bakery

Cookies as we know them in America were originally brought to the United States by our English, Scottish, and Dutch immigrants. Earlier names for cookies such as Snickerdoodles and Cry Babies originated with the New England states. Even with its early history, cookies did not become popular until about a hundred years ago. In earlier American cookbooks, cookies were given no space of their own but were listed at the end of the cake chapter. They were called by such names as "jumbles," "Plunkets," and "Cry Babies." The names were extremely puzzling and whimsical. New England cooks seem to have had a penchant for giving odd names to their dishes, apparently for no other reason than the fun of saying them. Snickerdoodles comes from a tradition of this sort that includes Graham Jakes, Jolly Boys, Branble, Tangle Breeches, and Kinkawoodles.

My mother made these cookies when I as young, and I made these cookies for my children. They still are a family favorite.

More of Linda's favorite Cookie Recipes and Secrets To Making Perfect Cookies.

Also learn How To Have A Successful Holiday Cookie Exchange or Cookie Swap.


Snickerdoodle Cookies

1/2 cup vegetable shortening*
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs

2 3/4 cups all-purpose
flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

* Do not try making this recipe using butter only and skipping the shortening. You will not be happy!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, cream vegetable shortening, butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; stir until well blended.

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon.

Using your hands, roll dough into balls the size of small walnuts; roll in sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown and just almost set (these cookies firm up as they cool).

Remove from oven and cool on wire racks. NOTE: Cookies puff when they begin to bake and then flatten out with crinkled tops.

Yields 8 dozen cookies.