Trying to take a classic dish and add a unique spin on it is one of the favorite things to do at Full Moon Cuisine. In order to tackle this week's part of the 2012 Cookie Challenge, a simple but great treat was chosen, the Snickerdoodle. In order to make this dish a bit more special, a special ingredient was added to give it a little something special. And this cookie could not be easier to make. Here's what you'll need:

- 1 stick of butter (at room temp)
- 1/2 cup shortening (not butter flavored)
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (at room temp)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp demerara sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon

Note: This recipe will make approximately two-and-a-half dozen cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Next, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Afterward, use a hand mixer to combine the butter and shortening in another bowl. Following this, add in the granulated sugar and vanilla. Next, add in one egg at a time, mixing to combine and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of a bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients, in thirds, mixing thoroughly to combine.

Take a cookie/baking sheet and spray with a non-stick spray, lining the sheet with parchment paper. Using a small scoop, make 1 1/2" balls of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the demerara (a wonderful, natural brown sugar which will give your cookies a wonderful, amber sparkle and you can buy it at nearly any grocery store) and cinnamon, then roll the balls of dough around to coat. Make sure you leave space between each cookie (I fit approximately 4 rows of 4 on my sheet) and bake for 12 minutes. You're looking for the cookies to be crispy on the outside while having a soft middle. Once baked, allow them to rest for a minute or so on the sheet resting on top of the oven, then transfer to a cooling rack.

These warm, mildly flavored cookies are the perfect after-dinner treat for you and your diners. The crisp outside belies the soft, chewy interior. So with just a little time and very few ingredients, you can have some great, homemade treats to share. Be sure to call over some friends and enjoy these cookies. Care to place an order?

Want to know what this challenge is all about? Check out my journal and feel free to send in recipes for cookies! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3096204/