Name: Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles: A Cute & Delicious Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 98 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; Mini chocolate chips; Optional: Small candies for decorating

Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles: Prepare to fall in love with the cutest, most comforting cookies you'll ever bake! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy snickerdoodle, infused with warm cinnamon spice, but shaped like an adorable teddy bear. These aren't just cookies; they're edible hugs, perfect for bringing a smile to anyone's face.

Snickerdoodles themselves have a fascinating history, with roots possibly tracing back to German or Pennsylvania Dutch baking traditions. While the exact origin is debated, their popularity in American cookbooks dates back to the late 19th century. The name "snickerdoodle" is just as charming and mysterious as the cookie itself! But we're taking this classic treat to a whole new level of cuteness!

What makes people adore snickerdoodles? It's the delightful combination of a tender, slightly tangy dough, rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar. The slightly crackled surface gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Now, imagine all that goodness, but in the form of a lovable teddy bear! These Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make, especially with kids. They are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply a sweet afternoon treat. Get ready to create some unforgettable memories (and some seriously delicious cookies!) with this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Decoration:

Mini chocolate chips
Optional: Small candies for decorating

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

First, let's cream together the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the cookies, so don't skip it!
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for the cookies to rise properly and have a consistent texture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid.
Now, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 24 hours). Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. Don't skip the chilling step! It makes a big difference.

Shaping the Teddy Bears:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
While the oven is preheating, let's prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly. Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Now comes the fun part – shaping the teddy bears! Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
To create the ears, use a small knife or a toothpick to make two indentations on the top of each cookie. Then, gently pinch the dough around the indentations to form small, rounded ears.
For the arms and legs, make small indentations on the sides and bottom of each cookie. You can use a toothpick or the back of a spoon to create these indentations.
If you want, you can use a toothpick to create a small indentation for the belly button.

Baking and Decorating:

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cool, it's time to decorate! Use mini chocolate chips to create the eyes and nose of the teddy bears. Gently press the chocolate chips into the dough.
If you want to add more decorations, you can use small candies to create a bow tie, buttons, or other details. Get creative and have fun!

Tips and Variations:

For extra soft cookies: Don't overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
To prevent spreading: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough is essential.
Variations: You can add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar coating, such as nutmeg or cardamom. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Make them bigger: For larger teddy bear cookies, simply use more dough per cookie and adjust the baking time accordingly. You might need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.
Use different shapes: While we're making teddy bears, you can use this recipe to create other fun shapes! Use cookie cutters or simply shape the dough by hand.
Add a glaze: For a sweeter treat, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cookies. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
Experiment with extracts: Instead of vanilla extract, try using almond extract, lemon extract, or orange extract for a different flavor profile.
Make them gluten-free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum.

Enjoy your adorable and delicious Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles are more than just cookies; they're a warm hug in every bite, a sprinkle of childhood nostalgia, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking, enjoys sharing delicious treats, or simply wants to add a little bit of joy to their day. The combination of the classic snickerdoodle's comforting cinnamon-sugar coating with the adorable teddy bear shape makes them utterly irresistible. But why are these cookies so special, you ask? It's the perfect balance of textures – a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy center. It's the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, promising a delightful experience. And, of course, it's the sheer cuteness of those little teddy bears! They're perfect for gifting, bringing to potlucks, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk on a cozy evening. Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations because the fun doesn't have to stop here! These Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them even further. Imagine serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of temperatures and textures is simply divine. Or, how about crumbling them over a bowl of yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat? For a festive twist, consider adding a touch of food coloring to the dough. Pink for Valentine's Day, green for St. Patrick's Day, or red and green for Christmas – the possibilities are endless! You could also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla bean paste, to enhance the flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and then sprinkling them with chopped nuts or sprinkles. This adds an extra layer of indulgence and makes them even more visually appealing. Another fun variation is to add a small dollop of peanut butter or Nutella to the center of each cookie before baking for a hidden surprise. Don't be afraid to get creative and personalize these Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles to your liking! Baking is all about experimentation and having fun, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Maybe you prefer a slightly thinner cookie? Simply flatten the dough balls a bit more before baking. Or perhaps you like a more intense cinnamon flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these adorable cookies. I know you'll love them as much as I do! And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Please, please, please share your photos and stories with me! Tag me on social media using [Your Social Media Handle] and use the hashtag #TeddyBearSnickerdoodles. I can't wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking, and remember, every batch of cookies is a chance to spread a little bit of sweetness and happiness! I am confident that you will find this Teddy Bear Snickerdoodles recipe to be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.