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Few cookies can match the charm and timeless appeal of Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe. With their soft, chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and signature cinnamon-sugar coating, they’ve earned a special place in kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing an after-school snack, or simply craving something sweet and comforting, Snickerdoodle Cookies never disappoint.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect batch: ingredients, tools, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even the nutritional value. Let’s dive into the world of these cinnamon-sugar delights!

Why Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Are So Popular

Snickerdoodle Cookies stand out from other classic cookie recipes because of their unique balance of flavor and texture. The tangy hint (traditionally from cream of tartar) combined with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating creates a cookie that is soft yet slightly crisp, sweet but not overwhelming, and perfect alongside a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.

This recipe has stood the test of time for centuries, originally thought to have German or Dutch roots, and it continues to be a family favorite for good reason.

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies

Here’s everything you need to make the most delicious Snickerdoodle Cookies from scratch. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops.

Dry Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups (330 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Large mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients)
Hand mixer or stand mixer (with paddle attachment)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Small bowl (for cinnamon-sugar mixture)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Cookie scoop (optional, for even-sized cookies)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions for Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Follow these easy steps to achieve bakery-style Snickerdoodle Cookies right at home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, giving your cookies the perfect soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough into balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each). Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This helps them firm up while remaining soft in the center.

Tips for the Best Snickerdoodle Cookies

Don’t skip the cream of tartar: This ingredient is what gives Snickerdoodle Cookies their classic tangy flavor and chewy texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with baking powder (though the flavor will be slightly different).
Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Use fresh cinnamon: Since cinnamon is the star flavor, using fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon makes a big difference.
Avoid overbaking: Snickerdoodles are meant to be soft. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are firm but the centers still look slightly underbaked—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Try variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the coating, or substitute some sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. You can also drizzle baked cookies with a light glaze for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

Snickerdoodle Cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy them:

Classic style: Serve warm with a cold glass of milk.
With coffee or tea: Their cinnamon-sugar flavor pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.
Holiday platters: Add Snickerdoodles to your holiday cookie tray for a festive touch.
Ice cream sandwiches: Use two Snickerdoodles to sandwich vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Gift idea: Package them in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade present.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for one Snickerdoodle Cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies):

Calories: 145
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sodium: 90 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
Sugars: 11 g
Protein: 2 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredient brands and cookie size.

Storing and Freezing Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodles keep well, which makes them perfect for baking ahead of time.

Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing baked cookies: Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing cookie dough: Shape dough into balls, coat with cinnamon-sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why This Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet cinnamon-sugar coating meets tangy, chewy dough.
Soft and chewy texture: Achieved with cream of tartar and the right baking technique.
Simple ingredients: Most items are pantry staples, making this an easy go-to recipe.
Quick baking time: From mixing to baking, you can enjoy warm cookies in under 30 minutes.
Family-friendly: Fun to make with kids, especially rolling dough balls in cinnamon-sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
Yes, substitute with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and omit the cream of tartar and baking soda. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

2. Why are my Snickerdoodles flat?
This can happen if the butter is too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough before baking for thicker cookies.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Snickerdoodles freeze well, so making a double batch is always a great idea.

4. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
You can, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly, making the cookies chewier and giving them a hint of molasses.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle Cookies are more than just a cookie—they’re a tradition, a comfort, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their soft, chewy centers and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this recipe ensures success every time.

Now it’s your turn: gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked Snickerdoodles fill your home. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these cookies have been cherished for generations.

So go ahead—bake a batch today and share the joy of Snickerdoodle Cookies with family and friends!