A Short Story About the Recipe
I have always had a soft spot for Snickerdoodle cookies—there’s just something magical about that sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and the chewy center. But one day, I thought to myself, why not take the classic Snickerdoodle cookie to the next level? That’s when I came up with the idea for Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups. These little treats combine the best part of a Snickerdoodle cookie, the irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch, with the cozy, comforting shape of a mini muffin.
The first time I baked these Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups, I knew they were going to be a hit. Not only are they adorable and fun to eat, but they also offer that perfect balance of a crisp edge and a soft, chewy center. Every bite is filled with cinnamon goodness, making them a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
These cookie cups are incredibly easy to make and don’t require any fancy ingredients, making them a great option when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just looking to brighten up your day with a batch of homemade cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups are incredibly adaptable. You can add a dollop of frosting, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of caramel for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Budget-Friendly
The ingredients for these cookie cups are simple and affordable. With just butter, sugar, cinnamon, and flour, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon cream of tartar
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for coating)
How to Make This Recipe
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups are so easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Here’s how to prepare them step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is nice and hot, ready to bake those delicious cookie cups to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare your muffin tin
Next, grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line it with paper liners. This will make it easier to remove the cookie cups once they are baked. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a standard muffin tin, though the cookie cups will be a little larger.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and soft texture, so don’t skip this ingredient. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 4: Cream the butter and sugar
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookie cups. It will take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the egg and vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. The egg adds moisture, and the vanilla brings a lovely warmth to the flavor. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but it should hold together well.
Step 7: Shape the dough into balls
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon in size. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth it out. This size is perfect for creating a nice, bite-sized cookie cup.
Step 8: Coat with cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly. This step will give the Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups that signature, sweet, spiced crunch.
Step 9: Place dough balls in the muffin tin
Place each cinnamon-sugar-coated dough ball into the mini muffin tin, pressing down gently. The dough will spread and rise as it bakes, so make sure each ball is centered in its muffin cup.
Step 10: Bake the cookie cups
Bake the Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly puffed up. The edges should be crisp, and the centers should be soft but set. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Step 11: Cool the cookie cups
Once the cookie cups are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape and makes it easier to remove them. Then, transfer the cookie cups to a wire rack to cool completely.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is incredibly simple and quick, with only about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. You’ll have fresh, warm Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups in no time, perfect for when you need a quick dessert or snack.
Customizable
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups are easy to customize to your taste. You can:
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Add frosting: For an extra sweet treat, pipe a little vanilla frosting or cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie cup after they’ve cooled. It adds a creamy contrast to the cinnamon-sugar flavor.
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Add chocolate chips: If you want to make the recipe even more indulgent, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking. The chocolate will melt into the cookies for a rich, decadent bite.
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Add a filling: To make the cookie cups even more special, you can bake a small piece of caramel or chocolate in the center of each one, creating a gooey, melty surprise when you bite into them.
Perfect for Guests
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups are a hit at any gathering, whether you’re having friends over for coffee, hosting a birthday party, or preparing a treat for a holiday. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and perfect for sharing. They look as delightful as they taste and will impress your guests with their adorable, soft, cinnamon-sugar goodness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls, coat with cinnamon sugar, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the cookie cups after baking. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw and enjoy!
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
While butter gives the cookies a rich flavor, you can substitute margarine or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that margarine might alter the texture slightly, and oil will result in a softer, less crispy cookie. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, plant-based butter works well too!
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin, but the cookie cups will be larger and may require additional baking time. Start checking for doneness around 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of the cups.
How should I store Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups?
Store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.