It's been my suspicion for years - Santa only says his favorite cookies are Gingerbread. (It must be a part of the North Pole Cookie Makers Union sponsorship.) Truth is, the hand held baked treat Santa most favors are Snickerdoodles. Leave fresh ones piled on a platter before turning in Christmas Eve and I can guarantee there will not be one single rich buttery crumb left. 

For those of you who have been a little "bad" this year, Snickerdoodles are your best bet to get on the "good" list in time.

I'm passing along my Mom's recipe for the best Snickerdoodles ever. These cookies are easy to whip up with basic ingredients and will fill your home with a delicious cinnamony aroma.

   Fern's Fantastic Snickerdoodles
   2 3/4 c. sifted flour                  1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
   2 tsp. cream of tartar               2 eggs, unbeaten
   1 tsp. baking soda                   1/2 tsp. salt                             
   1 c. soft shortening (no subsitutes)
   
   2 Tbl. granulated sugar (put into small bowl with cinnamon)
   2 tsp. cinnamon (put into small bowl with sugar listed above)
 
1.   Sift together first four ingredients
2.   With electric mixer at "cream" thoroughly mix shortening with sugar and eggs until very light and fluffy. When you pinch a little between your thumb and finger, you should feel no "grit".
3.   At low speed or "blend", beat in flour mixture until batter is doughlike; chill until easy to handle.
4.   Heat oven to 400 degrees.
5.   Form dough into walnut-size balls; roll in mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Kids love to do this part!
6.   Place 2 inches apart, on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
7   Remove from cookie sheet and cool on wire rack. And remember to save some for Santa!

Happiest of Holidays to everyone!
Paula