Grandmother'S Snickerdoodles

Prep: 70 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Grandmother's Snickerdoodles are classic, soft cookies coated in cinnamon sugar, offering warm, sweet flavors perfect for comforting treats or sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix the shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Sift together the flour, cream of tartar, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to the wet mixture.
  3. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls.
  6. Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  7. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Place the coated dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a light texture. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

These snickerdoodles are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a warm cup of Mama Hall'S Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat. For a full dessert experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make for a great addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside other American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmother'S Snickerdoodles contains roughly 97 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

97 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 4.4g 6% DV
Carbs 5.8g 2% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 291.6mg 13% DV
Potassium 258.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 7.4mg 1% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, using butter may result in a slightly different texture, making the cookies a bit more chewy rather than crisp. If you prefer a buttery flavor, this is a great option.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls. If it's still sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour while rolling.

How can I tell when the snickerdoodles are done baking?

The snickerdoodles are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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