Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

Why Make This Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cookies are a beloved classic, known for their soft texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. When you add a festive twist by decorating them as reindeer, you create a fun treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies not only taste great but also make for attractive holiday gifts or desserts for family gatherings.

The combination of sweet dough and the warm flavor of cinnamon gives snickerdoodles a cozy vibe. Plus, making them into reindeer shapes adds a playful element to your baking experience, bringing joy to both the maker and the eater.

Equipment Needed For Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

To make these delightful cookies, you don’t need much beyond the basics. Here’s a list of equipment that will help you create these treats efficiently.

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Rolling pin (optional, if you choose to flatten the dough)
• Decorative candies (for the reindeer)

What You Need to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

To prepare your snickerdoodle cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 3/4 cup flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 1 TBSP cinnamon

How to Cook Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer) Step by Step

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Next, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set this aside; you’ll use it to coat the cookie dough later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients until they are well mixed. This will ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Using an electric mixer, cream together the salted butter, vegetable shortening, and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, gradually add in the eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.

Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you no longer see dry flour.

Take a scoop of the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Once you’ve shaped the dough into balls, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture you made earlier. The coating of sugar and cinnamon not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies their characteristic look.

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents them from merging together.

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remember that cookies continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven, so be mindful not to overbake.

Once done, carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, you can decorate them to look like reindeer with chocolate candies for eyes and a red candy for the nose, adding a playful touch to your holiday baking.

How To Make Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

To make the delightful Snickerdoodle Cookies into festive reindeer, start with the basic cookie recipe as outlined. Once your cookies have baked and cooled, get creative!

Using chocolate chips or other candies, create eyes on the cooled cookies. You can place two chocolate chips or round candies on each cookie to resemble the eyes. For the nose, a red candy like a M&M or a gumdrop can serve perfectly as Rudolph’s prominent nose.

If you want to add some antlers, you can carefully insert pretzel pieces into the tops of the cookies before adding the candies. This adds an extra whimsical flair every kid will enjoy!

How To Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

Snickerdoodle Cookies, particularly when decorated as reindeer, make for a fantastic holiday treat and can be served in several ways. Consider presenting them on a festive platter, garnished with some holiday-themed décor like sprigs of pine or small ornaments for a cheerful touch.

For a cozy night in, pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. The warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar complement the creamy beverages perfectly. Guests will love enjoying them while basking in holiday festivities.

Alternatively, these cookies can be packed into gift boxes or bags as homemade gifts. Add a personal touch with a decorative tag and a note to share the joy of your baking.

What To Serve With Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

When serving your Snickerdoodle Cookies, there are various dishes and drinks to complement their sweet, cinnamon flavor. Here are a few ideas:

• Hot Chocolate: The rich flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup can enhance the comforting aspects of snickerdoodles.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can add a delightful creaminess that balances the spice of the cookies.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

How To Store Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

To keep your Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last about 1 week at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, though it may slightly alter the texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies after they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Tips To Make Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

To ensure your Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow both the butter and eggs to reach room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
• Chill the dough: If time permits, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch the baking time: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking.

Variation (if any)

While the classic Snickerdoodle cookie is cherished, there are variations you can try. For instance, you may add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.

Another variation is to introduce chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. These additions can provide a delightful twist on the traditional cookie.

Best Time To Make Snickerdoodle Cookies (Reindeer)

The best time to make Snickerdoodle Cookies is during the holiday season. Their sweet cinnamon aroma fills the house with warmth, creating a perfect festive atmosphere.

However, they can be enjoyed year-round! Baking them for birthdays, special occasions, or simply as a family treat any time of the year can bring joy to your kitchen.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When making Snickerdoodle Cookies, a few common mistakes can occur. One is not measuring the ingredients accurately, which can lead to incorrect ratios in the dough.

Another mistake is using cold butter straight from the fridge; room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming with sugar. Lastly, overbaking is a common issue; cookies should be golden around the edges but may still look slightly underbaked in the middle.

Nutritional Notes (optional)

Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat, but being mindful of their nutritional content is essential. Each cookie typically contains sugar and fat, so it’s good to enjoy them in moderation.

If you want to make them a bit healthier, consider substituting some white sugar with a natural sweetener or using whole grain flour to add some fiber to your treats.

FAQs

What are Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. They have a unique tangy flavor due to cream of tartar.

Can I freeze Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Yes! Once the cookies are cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do you prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle Cookies, transformed into adorable reindeer, offer a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. They are easy to prepare, and their delightful flavor makes them a favorite among family and friends.

Whether sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them as a special treat, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, roll those delightful dough balls, and create a batch of magical, festive snickerdoodles that everyone will love!