“Snickerdoodles”
This cookie has a special history to go along with its delicious sugar cinnamon taste. This cookie recipe was originally brought to the United States by our English, Scottish, and Dutch immigrants. Cookie recipes in general did not become popular until 100 years ago. Recipes for cookies were not listed in their own section in the earlier cookbooks; instead they were placed at the end of the cake section as they were still thought of as a test cake.
Originating from England should be our first clue as to the reason behind the unusual name. English cooks were known for handing out funny, whimsical names for their creative dishes, just for the fun of saying something funny! Snickerdoodles along with Jolly Boys and Kinkawoodles became very popular in old England. Did you know the English cookie was actually a delicious mistake? Culinary historians say a small clump of batter was placed on a pan as a test cake; it was then placed into the oven to check to see if the temperature was right. They were first given the name as a test cake, then a biscuit, and eventually being changed to a cookie. There are hundreds of cookie recipes recorded today, and not one cookbook could hold them all or does.
Snickerdoodles are a favorite cookie for so many reasons. They are quick and simple to make and their taste is perfect when accompanied with a hot chocolate after a day of playing outside in the snow. I love them with my coffee and a good book!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 eggs
- 2 ¾ cups Gold Medal all-purpose or unbleached flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees
Mix sugar (1 ½ cups), butter, shortening and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
Shape dough into 1 ¼ inch balls. Mix together the ¼ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes until set and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack for cooling. Enjoy!
*Did you know there are just three towns in the United States officially named Santa Claus?
A Creative Idea:
For a magical centerpiece, create a winter wonderland using miniature trees, houses, and figurines on a cake pedestal. Add sugar or artificial snow to complete your scene. Top it off with a clear glass dome, beautiful!
Enjoy from: “In the Kitchen with Sheryl”
