Make Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
Snickerdoodle cookies are a beloved treat, known for their perfect balance of buttery sweetness and cinnamon sugar coating. Traditionally, snickerdoodles call for cream of tartar, an ingredient that helps the cookies maintain their soft, chewy texture. However, for many home bakers, cream of tartar can be hard to find or not always on hand. Don’t worry – making snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar is possible, and they can turn out just as delicious. In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe that skips the cream of tartar but still delivers those irresistible soft and chewy results. Plus, we’ll discuss ingredient substitutes, tips, and variations to elevate your cookies.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to bake perfect snickerdoodles without cream of tartar – and you won’t even miss it!
Table of contents
What Are Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Snickerdoodles are a classic American cookie known for their distinctive cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies are typically soft and chewy on the inside, with slightly crisp edges. The hallmark flavor of snickerdoodles is a combination of sweet, buttery dough and cinnamon.
While snickerdoodles are often associated with their tangy flavor from cream of tartar, the original recipe traces back to New England, where they were made with a simple dough of butter, sugar, and flour. Over time, the use of cream of tartar became the norm, thanks to its ability to stabilize the dough, keep cookies soft, and enhance the flavor.
Why Skip Cream of Tartar in Your Snickerdoodle Recipe?
Many home bakers may find themselves in a situation where cream of tartar is either unavailable or forgotten. While it’s commonly used in snickerdoodle recipes, it’s not a make-or-break ingredient. Here’s why you might want to skip it:
- Availability: Cream of tartar can be difficult to find in some kitchens, especially if it’s not a common pantry item.
- Alternatives: Baking soda or baking powder can be excellent substitutes.
- Simplicity: Sometimes, simplifying a recipe can make it more accessible to beginners or those looking for a quicker baking process.
Without cream of tartar, snickerdoodle cookies will still have that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor and soft texture, thanks to baking soda’s leavening effect.
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Cream of Tartar
Before we dive into the step-by-step recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to make snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar.
Main Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies
Below is a table of the core ingredients required to bake snickerdoodle cookies. This recipe uses common baking ingredients, ensuring a simple yet delicious outcome.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups | The base of the dough, providing structure. |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Adds richness, moisture, and flavor. |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups | Sweetens the dough and helps with texture. |
| Eggs | 2 large eggs | Provides moisture and binds ingredients. |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Adds depth of flavor. |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Key flavoring for the signature snickerdoodle taste. |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Acts as a leavening agent (substitute for cream of tartar). |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness and enhances flavors. |
Substitutes for Cream of Tartar
For those skipping cream of tartar, here are some great alternatives that work well:
| Substitute | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda + vinegar | 1 teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon vinegar | Works well as a substitute for cream of tartar. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help cookies rise. |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | A simpler alternative that combines both acid and base for leavening. |
| Lemon juice | ½ teaspoon | Another acid-based substitute that can help with leavening when paired with baking soda. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Cream of Tartar
Now, let’s go through the detailed steps to bake snickerdoodle cookies that don’t require cream of tartar. This simple process will yield soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will be your dry ingredients, which will help give your snickerdoodles their flavor and structure.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to achieving the right texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.
Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar (about 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon).
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
To make sure your snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
Achieving the Soft Texture
- Use room temperature butter: This ensures a smooth and even dough consistency.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they’re golden around the edges to keep them soft and chewy.
Baking Tips
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling into balls.
- Oven temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even results.
Storing Your Snickerdoodles
Store snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer bag, and they’ll be ready to enjoy later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Snickerdoodles
To ensure your snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: This can make the cookies tough instead of soft.
- Using too much cinnamon: Too much cinnamon can overpower the flavor, so stick to the recommended amount.
- Not letting the cookies cool: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up properly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Snickerdoodle cookies are a treat on their own, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Pair them with:
- A cup of coffee or tea: The warmth and spices make for a cozy pairing.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve snickerdoodles alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Hot cocoa: Perfect for winter holidays or cozy evenings.
Conclusion
Making snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar is easy and convenient, and the result is just as delicious as the classic version. By following the simple steps and using the suggested substitutes, you can still enjoy these sweet, cinnamon-flavored treats with minimal effort. So, grab your ingredients, and start baking your next batch of snickerdoodle cookies today!
FAQs
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can easily replace it with baking soda and an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice. Typically, for every teaspoon of cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This combination helps achieve the same leavening effect, ensuring your snickerdoodles still turn out soft and chewy.
The best substitute for cream of tartar in cookies is baking powder, as it already contains both an acid and a base to help leaven the dough. Use 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder to replace every 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Alternatively, a mix of baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice can also work as a substitute for cream of tartar.
If you skip cream of tartar in your cookie recipe, your cookies may lack the signature tangy flavor and soft texture that cream of tartar usually imparts. However, you can still achieve delicious results by using baking soda and an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) as a replacement. Without cream of tartar, your cookies may not be as soft, but they will still be tasty!
Yes, you can leave cream of tartar out of a cookie recipe. While it helps to create a soft texture and slightly tangy flavor, there are plenty of alternatives that provide similar results. Baking soda combined with vinegar or baking powder can work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to ensure your cookies come out perfectly.