Soft Alton Brown Snickerdoodle Recipe with Warm Spice Delight

Snickerdoodle cookies dance with nostalgic charm, weaving comfort into every buttery, cinnamon-dusted bite.

These dreamy rounds whisper tales of grandma’s kitchen and sweet childhood memories.

Delicate yet robust, they promise a symphony of textures that crackle and melt simultaneously.

Crafting these beloved treats requires simple pantry staples and a sprinkle of baking magic.

No fancy techniques needed – just pure, unadulterated cookie joy awaits.

Soft centers hugged by crisp, sparkling edges make these cookies irresistible to everyone from novice bakers to seasoned pros.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary cinnamon-sugar sensation that’ll make taste buds sing!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients to Bake Alton Brown’s Snickerdoodles

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Cream Of Tartar: Ensures soft, chewy cookie consistency and adds subtle tanginess.
• Baking Soda: Fresh, unexpired baking soda guarantees proper cookie rise.
• Salt: Use fine-grain table salt for even distribution.

• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality, room temperature butter for smooth creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Look for fine-grain sugar that dissolves easily.
• Large Eggs: Fresh eggs at room temperature blend more smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides deeper, more complex flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Select freshly ground cinnamon for robust, warm aroma and use fine sugar for even coating.

Tools Required for Alton Brown’s Snickerdoodle

• Stand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes with ease.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Snickerdoodles

Whip Up Heavenly Cinnamon Delights

Craft these mouthwatering treats that’ll make your kitchen smell like pure happiness. Get ready for a baking adventure that’ll have everyone begging for more!

• Prep Your Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a clean baking sheet and set it nearby. This is where the magic happens!

• Mix Magic Powder

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended. The secret is to combine everything so smoothly that no lumps dare to show their face.

• Create Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and transform softened butter into a fluffy cloud. Crack in some eggs and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks creamy and dreamy. This is where flavor starts to dance!

• Bring It All Together

Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the buttery mixture. Stir gently until a soft, irresistible dough forms. Don’t overmix – we want these cookies tender and perfect.

• Roll in Sparkly Goodness

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Scoop out little dough balls and roll them through this magical coating. Each cookie gets a luxurious cinnamon hug!

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cinnamon-kissed dough balls on the baking sheet, giving them space to spread their wings. Slide into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown – about 8 to 10 minutes.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. Watch them transform into crispy-edged, soft-centered pieces of pure joy. Grab a glass of milk and dive in!

Cookie Tips for Snickerdoodles

• Customize Cookie Texture: Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier cookies. Shorter baking creates chewier centers, while extra minutes produce crunchier edges.
• Ingredient Swaps: Replace vanilla extract with almond or maple extract for unique flavor profiles. Experiment with different extracts to create exciting taste variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Chilled dough intensifies flavors and helps cookies maintain better shape during baking.
• Decorative Twists: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the cinnamon-sugar coating for added crunch and nutty dimension. Mix in mini chocolate chips for an unexpected sweet surprise.

Serving Snickerdoodles from Alton Brown’s Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Beverage: Serve these warm, soft snickerdoodle cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa for a delightful taste combination.
• Create Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an elegant presentation.
• Make Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a decadent summer treat that transforms the classic cookie into a cool dessert.
• Gift Packaging Idea: Stack cookies in a clear mason jar, tie with a ribbon, and add a handwritten recipe card for a charming homemade gift that spreads sweet joy.

Snickerdoodle Storage Guidelines

• Optimize Cookie Storage: Keep snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, lasting up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Prevent Moisture Mishaps: Place a piece of bread in the storage container to maintain soft, chewy texture and prevent cookies from becoming dry or crisp.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls for spontaneous cookie cravings.

Legendary Alton Brown Snickerdoodle Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s snickerdoodle recipe delivers classic comfort with perfectly balanced cinnamon-sugar warmth. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies irresistible for home bakers seeking a delightful sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, just softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 ¾ cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67 grams) sugar
• 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
• 2 tsps cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat to 350°F (175°C), creating optimal baking conditions for crisp, golden snickerdoodles.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl until uniformly blended, ensuring consistent texture throughout the dough.
3. Butter Transformation: Cream granulated sugar and unsalted butter using a stand mixer, developing a light, airy mixture that promises tender cookies with a delicate crumb.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract to create a smooth, homogeneous base for the cookie dough.
5. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, combining until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain the cookies’ delicate structure.
6. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Prepare a separate bowl with remaining sugar and ground cinnamon, creating a fragrant, sweet exterior for each cookie.
7. Shaping and Coating: Portion dough into uniform rounds, roll into perfect spheres, and generously coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Baking Process: Arrange dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them to allow proper spreading, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, developing their signature crisp exterior and soft interior.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture and optimal cookie structure.
• Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Technique: Roll dough balls twice in the mixture for maximum flavor and a beautifully crisp, sparkling exterior.
• Precise Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute window; golden edges indicate they’re perfectly done without becoming dry or overcooked.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg