Snickerdoodles

The origins of these soft, cinnamon-flavored cookies are unclear: some sources claim that they are from Pennsylvania Dutch country, others say that they are from old New England. They are, despite their stange name, easy to make and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks softened butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Add butter and sugar to large mixing bowl. Cream until fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mix.
4. Using a large strainer, sift flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Add to mixing bowl and mix to incorporate.
5. Put the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the cinnamon into a small bowl, stir.
6. Form dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and roll each ball into the cinnamon-sugar until it is completely coated.
7. Arrange cookies in staggered rows about 2 3/4 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 12 1/2 minutes on upper third of oven. Cookies will puff up while cooking and then become flat.
9. Cool on wire racks.