The BEST Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

Snickerdoodles are the ultimate nostalgic cookie—soft, chewy, and coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a slight tang from cream of tartar, these cookies are a timeless treat loved by all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Chewy Texture – The perfect combination of buttery softness and a slightly crisp exterior.
• Classic Cinnamon-Sugar Coating – The signature snickerdoodle flavor comes from rolling the dough in a fragrant mix of cinnamon and sugar.
• Easy to Make – With simple pantry ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, bake sales, or a cozy treat, these cookies never disappoint.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

2. Combine Ingredients

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended for a chewier texture).

3. Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
7. Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

4. Bake the Cookies

8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Brown Butter Snickerdoodles – Brown the butter before mixing for a deep, nutty flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles – Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Chocolate Snickerdoodles – Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (including chilling)

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead Dough: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my snickerdoodles extra soft and chewy?

Chilling the dough before baking helps control the spread, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Also, slightly underbaking keeps them soft.

What does cream of tartar do in snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create their chewy texture by preventing sugar crystallization.

Can I substitute cream of tartar?

Yes, replace it with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar, though the taste and texture may slightly differ.

Why did my snickerdoodles turn out hard?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the center.

Can I make snickerdoodles without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

How do I make my cookies more flavorful?

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough or using dark brown sugar for a richer taste.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine may make them spread more.

Why did my snickerdoodles spread too much?

Warm dough or overly soft butter can cause excessive spreading. Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent this.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you mix the ingredients evenly and bake in batches.

What can I serve with snickerdoodles?

Pair them with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

Conclusion

This BEST Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe is a true classic—easy to make, bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, and irresistibly soft and chewy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Happy baking!

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