Are you craving the warm, cinnamon-sugar hug of a classic snickerdoodle cookie but want a healthier, butter-free version? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers all the delicious cinnamon-spiced goodness of traditional snickerdoodles without the guilt, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful cookies – no butter required!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a moist and flavorful base for your cookies.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
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Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for your coating.
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Shape & Roll: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
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Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious, warm, and wonderfully spiced cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodles:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked snickerdoodles will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Chill the dough: For a chewier cookie, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg will provide a more vibrant flavor.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Use different extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique flavor profile.
- Make mini snickerdoodles: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This butter-free snickerdoodle recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It’s a quick dinner idea or a perfect treat for any occasion. These easy recipes are perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a delightful way to enjoy a classic cookie with a healthier twist. So, gather your ingredients and get baking!