A Birthday Doodle

Things our family loves, big sloppy wet dog kisses, Skittles, fun hikes, and our neighbor Val. When we found out it was one of her dogs’ birthdays I stalked her social media to see if I could figure out when her birthday was, success!! Well, kind of. I either figured it out wrong or put it on the wrong date. When said social media reminded me the day before I thought it was, Ahhh!!! It’s TODAY! I had already bought her a planter with some beautiful flowers, but we didn’t have a birthday treat figured out. We could have made a batch of cupcakes, but 24 cupcakes between her and us? That’s a LOT. We opted for one huge Snickerdoodle Cookie. We KNOW she loves Snickerdoodles. Remember? The doodle for the doodle owner? This was a hit! We were able to somewhat surprise her and have her own little birthday party. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful friend living next door.

Giant Snickerdoodle Cookie

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar + 1/4 tsp for sprinkling on top
2 Tablespoons beaten egg (crack the egg, beat it, and use 2 Tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (no substitutions)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray or use a silicone baking mat.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir the butter and 3 Tablespoons sugar together until creamed – mixture may be a bit crumbly. That’s OK. Add the egg and vanilla until mixed. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon until just combined. Do NOT overmix.
Place the dough in the center of the prepared cookie sheet into a tall ball (see pictures above). Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Bake for 14-16 minutes until the edges are browned. The center may appear undone but that’s what you want. It will firm up. Allow to cool completely ON the baking sheet. Enjoy!