For years I said to my miniature schnauzer, “Do you want a cookie?” And lately I find that it’s my turn to also want a delicious cookie as a treat. Recently a good friend, Paul, was visiting me in Connecticut; we wanted cookies and I bet him that I could make some in less time than it would take to get to and from my local supermarket. Since I am proud to have a fully-stocked pantry I knew anything was possible.
We quickly pulled out ingredients for a simple, fast cookie that would satisfy our craving: sweet and chewy. True to my word, in less than 30 minutes we were chowing down on these sugary goodies. Possible? Yes!
Now if you’ve read anything else on this website, you know I can’t do something without adding my own Mar twist, and this cookie recipe is no exception. I started with a traditional recipe that most people know as a Snickerdoodle, but modified it slightly to make it more chewy and firm, avoiding the flatter, crispy style that some people prefer. Then, while waiting for the first batch to cool, I was motivated to try a chocolate version”_both successful recipes are listed below. A quick note, baker-to-baker: After the recommended baking time the cookies might not look “done”, but trust me. They’ll firm up after they’ve cooled for 30 minutes or so, and you’ll get the chewy consistency I planned.
I know these cookies made Paul already look forward to another visit; shh – don’t tell, but since he ate most of them I’m going to have him do the baking next time.
Mar’s Chewy-Doodles (Vanilla or Chocolate):
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa (simply delete this ingredient for vanilla version)
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla and eggs. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup. Level off. Blend flour, cocoa, cream of tartar, soda and salt into creamed mixture. Shape dough into 1 inch balls.
Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Roll balls into cinnamon sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 6-9 minutes until set. Remove immediately to cookie rack. Makes 5 1/2 dozen.
And there you have it.