Cinnamon cookies, biscotti and...coffee?

A snickerdoodle – by definition – is delicious, cinnamon-y and best served right out of the oven. Well, maybe let it cool for a couple of minutes…

Oh, you’re not familiar with this definition? That’s because you won’t find it in a dictionary. It’s MY definition.

In all seriousness, though, for those who may not be familiar with this treat…according to The New Food Lover’s Companion:

Snickerdoodle [SNIHK-uhr-dood-dl]: Originating in 19th-century New England, this whimsically named cookie has a characteristically crackly surface and can be either crisp or soft. The dough sometimes contains nutmeg and cinnamon as well as raisins and nuts. Traditionally, snickerdoodles are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before being baked. The name appears to have no particular meaning or purpose…other than fun.

The Cocoa Beanery on Research Boulevard is feeling the jollification of the holiday season and created menu items that are reminiscent of the cookie.

“We were looking for something different this time of year,” said Michael Bradley, barista and coordinator at the Cocoa Beanery. “There are always peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes on coffee shop menus.”

The snickerdoodle flavor is a good base and can be adapted for drinks and other pastries aside from the classic cookie. “And everyone loves snickerdoodles,” notes Bradley.

When you stop into the Cocoa Beanery, of course you’ll find the classic cookie. But they kick it up a notch with these additional offerings:

• Snickerdoodle Scone
• Snickerdoodle Biscotti
• Snickerdoodle Latte
• Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
• Snickerdoodle Fresh Brew

Of course we want you to swing by the “Beanery” to try all of these treats, but we also want you to share the love. The snickerdoodle cookie recipe actually comes from barista Shauna Moore’s grandmother! When she would make these cookies around the holiday season, everyone would ask her for the recipe. She happily obliged when the team at the Cocoa Beanery asked to put it on the menu. They’ve become a top seller and have a perfect, buttery crunch. As an early Christmas present, we wanted to share the recipe with our readers so you can also make this famous family recipe at home. Merry Christmas!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 ¼ cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

• Mix sugar, butter and eggs until creamed.
• Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt until fully combined.
• Chill dough in refrigerator for 15 – 20 minutes.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Shape dough by rounded tablespoonful into balls.
• Roll dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Place cookies on cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
• Bake at 375 degrees until set, approximately 10 minutes.