Welcome to the world of Maple Snickerdoodles — a delightful twist on the classic favorite that's perfect for those cozy fall days. These cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup, making them a must-try treat for the season.
The secret to these cookies lies in their ingredients. Flour forms the base, holding everything together while providing structure. Cream of tartar offers that signature tangy snickerdoodle taste and helps with leavening. Baking soda works with the cream of tartar to give the cookies their rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, both in the dough and the sugar coating. Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy texture. Butter and shortening together create the perfect crumbly texture with a soft center. Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness. Lastly, pure maple syrup is the star, infusing the cookies with its unique, sweet flavor.
Maple Snickerdoodles are delightful on their own but try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. For a cozy fall treat, serve them alongside a hot mug of spiced apple cider or chai tea. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don't stick. While the oven heats up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. This dry mix will be the backbone of your cookie dough.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, butter, and shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Once the eggs are well incorporated, pour in the maple syrup and mix until smooth.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. You don't want to overmix here, as that can make the cookies tough. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon — this will be your delicious coating.
Now for the fun part: shaping the dough! Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading.
Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You're looking for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.