Lighter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Description:
If you’ve been searching for a healthier version of the classic Snickerdoodle, look no further. These Lighter Snickerdoodles are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and sweet with a hint of cinnamon goodness. By reducing the butter and using a lighter touch in the ingredients, you can still enjoy the traditional taste without the extra calories. This recipe, from Dr. Cookie—a book dedicated to making your favorite desserts healthier—proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for better nutrition. With less butter but all the charm of the original, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike. The best part? They come together in less than an hour, making them the perfect treat for busy families.
Recipe Information:
| Recipe Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cookie & Brownie, Toddler Friendly, Kid Friendly, Sweet, < 60 Mins, Oven |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Recipe Yield | 36 cookies |
| Calories | 98.8 kcal per cookie |
| Rating | 5 stars (based on 3 reviews) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| Skim Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg | 1 whole |
| Flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Cream of Tartar | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 98.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 2.8 grams |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0.5 grams |
| Cholesterol Content | 5.9 mg |
| Sodium Content | 134.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 17.3 grams |
| Fiber Content | 0.3 grams |
| Sugar Content | 9.8 grams |
| Protein Content | 1.4 grams |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare two baking sheets by lightly spraying them with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheets.
Step 2: Cream the Margarine and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the margarine and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This will create a smooth base for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the skim milk, egg, and egg whites to the mixture. Beat again until all the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Continue to mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The dough will start to form, but it might be a little sticky.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon. This mixture will give your Snickerdoodles their signature cinnamon-sugar coating.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Once you have shaped the dough, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides. The dough may be sticky, so feel free to lightly flour your hands to make the process easier.
Step 7: Flatten the Dough
Place the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently flatten each ball slightly. This will help the cookies spread evenly while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to transfer. Afterward, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Repeat and Serve
Repeat the process with any remaining dough, baking in batches until all the cookies are done. Once cooled, serve these delicious lighter Snickerdoodles with a glass of milk or enjoy them on their own as a sweet treat.
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles:
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, refrigerating it for about 10-15 minutes can make it easier to roll.
- Add a Little Extra Flavor: For an extra twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for a richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: These Snickerdoodles can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when you need them.
This healthier version of Snickerdoodles is a great way to enjoy a classic treat without all the guilt. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or bake with the kids, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, making Lighter Snickerdoodles has never been easier!
