Hospitality is Baked in Wisconsin

Good "Old Fashioned" Snickerdoodle Cookies

An old-fashioned take on the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie, elevated with Wisconsin brandy, bright orange zest and a touch of Wisconsin cherry sweetness. 

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8-10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 36 cookies

Ingredients

Snickerdoodle Cookies 

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brandy
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries (soak with brandy in advance for extra flavor)
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cookie Coating

• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Cream butter and shortening together until light and fluffy.
4. Add sugar and beat until smooth.
5. Mix in eggs, vanilla, brandy, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
6. Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
7. Fold in chopped dried cherries.
8. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
9. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Place on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until tops are cracked and edges just begin to set.
12. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Enjoy with a brandy old-fashioned for a true, Wisconsin-inspired treat.

Notes

• If you've never had a snickerdoodle cookie before, imagine a sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon and sugar.
• These classic snickerdoodles will flatten during baking.
• This easy snickerdoodle recipe is versatile. If you prefer a soft cookie, bake around 6 minutes.
• On the flip side, if you prefer a crispy snickerdoodle, bake between 8-10 minutes