Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles will become one of your family’s traditional Christmas cookies. Who knew that a math lesson on fractions would lead to this, but I’m so glad it did! The early morning sunlight is gleaming in my kitchen giving these cookies their own natural spotlight of which they are quite deserving! Alas, there is a little bit of a story here, so listen up! …
Once upon a time(last year), in a 5th grade math class, a lesson on multiplying and dividing fractions was in the plan book. Fractions always appear in recipes and kids love to eat, so the “Activating Strategy”, i.e. the hook for the lesson, was presented. Situation:”You’re planning a party but this recipe doesn’t make enough. What would you do to ensure you have enough?”(doubling) We also had a recipe that made more than what was needed and had to split in in half. Both of these situations are real-life occurrences. Our discussions lead to what is your favorite thing your family makes that you enjoy eating. The “hook” worked; it always does, and this time it hooked me, too!The students were sharing their favorite items with eyes wide open and mouths drooling for a taste of all the food mentioned. When it was Trinity’s turn, she mentioned Snickerdoodles. I paused briefly and asked, ” Are they really good?” She assured me emphatically that they were the best. ” Do you think mom would share the recipe with me?'” I asked. I really didn’t have one but had been searching for a while. “Of course,” she stated.
Now, truth be told, I had to be very patient in waiting for this family heirloom. Persistence and an email to Trinity’s mom paid off and I finally received a handwritten copy with a note at the end which said: “I usually bake them around the Christmas holidays. I hope you enjoy!” We have most certainly enjoyed them. Thank you for being so kind as to sharing the goods on this amazing treat! It has been enjoyed by many!
The process was quite simple! I used a small scoop(melon ball- 2 t.) to make these for the little hands which love to grab a handful of whatever Gigi is making. However, a regular cookie scoop(1 1/2 T.) would be perfect for these. If using the smaller scoop, it makes about double the amount. The pictures on this posting only show the smaller scoop size. The scooped dough are rolled up into balls then rolled into cinnamon sugar. Bake. Press with the back of a wooden spoon and voila! Now it’s your turn to make some memories! It’s simple! You’ve got this!
Merry Christmas to Trinity and her loving family who gave me permission to post the recipe and the story. These Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles will be part of my family’s Christmas tradition.
After baking, I used a wooden spoon to press down the soft center, then moved them to a cooling rack to finish the cooling process.
I couldn’t resist the taste test. The proof is in the photo.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 3 dozen
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 c. unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ c. granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 t. vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 c. flour
- 1 t. baking soda
- 2½ t. cinnamon
- 2 t. cream of tartar
- ½ t. salt
- Rolling Mixture:
- ¼ c. sugar
- 1 t. cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cream the butter then add the sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Use a medium cookie scoop(1½ T. capacity) to create cookies of the same size.
- Roll cookie dough scoops into balls.
- Roll balls into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cookies will appear very puffy and soft.
- While they are still warm, press down lightly with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar if desired.
- Cool slightly on cooling rack.
