Tea and snickerdoodles

April 8, 2014

My book club was coming over last night, and I wanted to make a treat. I didn't have a lot of ingredients on hand or a lot of time, so I decided to make some simple, old-fashioned cookies. Snickerdoodles. Quick and easy and yummy.


I've always thought how amazing it is that a single batch of cookies can bring so much happiness. Think about it. You make a batch of cookies. There they are, fresh from the oven, for anyone to pick up and enjoy right out of hand or with a cup of tea. Some are set aside for book club, or a potluck, or a sick friend. Others are put in the freezer for a treat when there's nothing in the pantry. Still others are put aside for the lunchbox. Really, one batch of these little guys gives so much, for relatively little effort, don't you think? 

I start by gathering the ingredients, and making sure I have everything. My heart sank when I thought I didn't have enough cream of tartar, but yes, there was another little jar on my spice rack. Whenever I open the last bottle or can of something, I add it to my grocery list. Yay, I thought. The system works.


I don't have one of those big KitchenAid stand mixers.  I don't mind mixing things manually. One less big thing to sit on my countertop, one less thing to clean. Sometimes I use a little hand mixer, but not often. I usually don't get out my food processor, either, but instead, chop things by hand. Maybe it's because I learned to cook without those gadgets, I'm not sure. Maybe I just like the quiet.


After you mix the dough, it needs to be wrapped in plastic and sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.


I have a bowl of cinnamon sugar I keep for cinnamon toast. I pulled this out to dip 1-inch balls of dough in before putting them on a cookie sheet.


I decided not to enlarge this photo; in X-Large it looked scary, and made me dizzy! Don't think it's in focus.




So the reward after baking? Tea, of course, and a couple cookies. Many times I have lists next to me, and here I am planning a trip to Denver to see my mother and sister and her family. I'm leaving tomorrow; none too soon. They are all very healthy out there, and maybe they will be a good influence on me so that I can get out of this long winter-induced carb-fest.


This Arthur Wood & Son English teapot came in a picnic basket with some other tea goodies that I won at a silent auction years ago.


The teacup is Rosina China Co. "Louise."


And the best for last; a little cupcake stand from Pottery Barn. Love those bunnies.


Here's the recipe for the cookies.

Snickerdoodles

1 c butter
1 1/2 c sugar
2 large eggs

Cream these together, and then add:

2 3/4 c flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix well, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and dip in a mixture of:

1/2 c sugar
3 Tbs. cinnamon

Bake about 10 minutes at 375 F. Cool on rack.

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I will be taking a week blogging break. Love to all my bloggy friends; have a wonderful week and blessings to you! See you next week.

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23 comments

  1. I've never made snickerdoodles but they do look yummy, and they remind me of Rose from Golden Girls.
    The bunny cupcake holder is sweet and I think we're all pulling out any bunny accessories for spring.
    Have a good week and enjoy your time with the family.

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  2. Thank you for the recipe. I love your Arthur Wood teapot and the Rosina "Louise" teacup. The decoration on the teacup is so delicate. The bunny cupcake stand made me smile! Wonderful! Happy Tea Day!

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  3. I say what an amazing bunny cake stand! It would have great on my table just as it made your table sparkle. Also I loved the teapot and those darling tea cups, they really go to form a very sweet setting. If you have time come visit my bunny table.
    Many hugs, Pam

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  4. That teacup/saucer is so very pretty! I love how delicate the pattern is. Snickerdoodles are a definite favorite -- sugar cookies but SO much better! I like that you keep a bowl of cinnamon/sugar available at all times. That's a happy thing!

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  5. Yum, yum, yummy! My family loves Snickerdoodles...maybe I will make some this afternoon :) Love your tea pot - so pretty!

    Hugs to you!

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  6. Snickerdoodles are our favorite! What a lucky win with the picnic basket! The tea pot is precious and so is the teacup and bunny cupcake stand!
    Hugs...Nancy

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  7. I love the teapot you won in the auction. It is beautiful. The cookies look yum - Glad you had a couple with your tea after baking!

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  8. Your snickerdoodles look yummy! (Too funny because our blog post tomorrow is automatically set to post a snickerdoodle recipe---great minds think alike and all that, right)? Have a great week off and enjoy time with your family:)

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  9. Hi Deborah,
    Snickerdoodles are always a favorite and with a cup of tea... perfection! Your teapot and teacup are so pretty and I love your bunny potholder and cupcake stand, too.

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  10. snickerdoodles are my favorite cookie... You always make the simple looks super special.. Such beautiful things.. Blessings!

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  11. Hi Deborah,
    I haven't made snickerdoodles in years but they always go over well when I've made them. There is something very satisfying and homey about taking a batch of cookies out of the oven. Some of us are just born home makers. Pretty teapot and the bunny stand is adorable! Thank you for joining me for tea and enjoy your visit with your family.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  12. I do love Snickerdoodles! Delightfully delicious.:) I'm sure your book club friends thoroughly enjoyed them with a pot of tea, which I'm sure you served.;) Speaking of tea, we enjoyed some amazing local tea while in British Columbia. It was wonderful! So glad that you enjoyed the book I sent you. I was also surprised when the two stories became one! I plan on reading more books by the author. Have a relaxing trip, Deborah. We flew through Denver on our way to Vancouver. Lori

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  13. Snickerdoodles are my husband's favorite cookie! Nothing like homemade cookies...especially when they're right out of the oven!
    Hope you have a pleasant trip to visit your family.
    Mary Alice

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  14. Love your baking photos and delicious recipe. Your teapot is wonderful. Also the cups and saucer delightful! So glad you shared!

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  15. I had never heard of Snickerdoodles, and a dear friend of mine told me years ago about this wonderful cookie she could always make for her children, because she always had the simple ingredients in her cupboard. She is now very ill and your posting reminded me of earlier times when our lives revolved around our young families. It was a very special memory. Thank you for reminding me about that period of my life with her. And, yes, these cookies are GREAT!!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  16. I LOVE Snickerdoodles...haven't made them in a while...think I need to! I LOVE your teacup! Such a pretty and dainty pattern. Your table looks so inviting! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  17. I have never made Snickerdoodles, so thank you for sharing this recipe! I love your thoughts on baking and how much pleasure a few home-baked goodies can bring to others and how you mix every thing by hand. I have one of those big mixers and I have to confess, I rarely use it. I love the quiet, too. Your table looks charming with your pretty teapot, cup and platter. I really love the little embroidered doily and your pot holder, too. How nice to visit your Mom and sister - I hope you have a wonderful time and that your book club enjoyed your sweet cookies. Thanks for sharing. xo Karen

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  18. Oh boy, love snickerdoodles! I make them every so often. I always think of my daughter when I hear them, smell them or taste them. They are her absolute favorite.

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  19. Hello Deborah,
    Your cookies look delicious! Great choice for a book club. I do love the smell of these cookies baking. I am sure the book club attendants loved the aroma when they came in your door : )
    I also mix by hand most of the time. I never thought of why. But now that you have mentioned that you didn't grow up using appliances...I am thinking that was me too. I never had any either when I was young and married and learning to bake. I find it enjoyable to mix cookie dough by hand.
    Have a lovely trip,
    Terri

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  20. Awww! Snickerdoodles remind mee of my very good friend that lives in Florida--one of her faves. And I adore that teapot.

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  21. Reminds me of where I used to work. The graphic artist would often bake and bring in Snicker-doodles. OH what a treat to find them in the office kitchen as a snack :) Now you have me craving one, big time...:)

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  22. I hope you are off enjoying yourself! These cookies look wonderful! One of my favorites. So simple and homey and yummy!

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  23. These are my hubby's favorite cookies. I should surprise him this week and make some! Thanks for the recipe. Hugs, Diane

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