Mary Bilyeu | Contributor

Snickerdoodles are a universal favorite — simple buttery cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. Why not spiff 'em up a bit by adding a bit of cocoa powder, to transform them into chocolate cookies?

Crisp at the edges, chewy in the center, these are just good ol'-fashioned cookies that will make you happy.

Chocolate Snickerdoodles

1-1/2 cups + 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening, softened
2 eggs
2-1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together 1-1/2 cups sugar with the margarine and shortening; stir in the egg. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in the cinnamon sugar; place onto a baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between cookies.

Bake for 10 minutes, until cookies are just set. Remove to a rack to cool completely, and continue with remaining dough.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.