These classic snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar.
Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for holidays or everyday baking.
👉 Prep time: 15 minutes
👉 Bake time: 10–12 minutes
👉 Total: ~25 minutes
👉 Difficulty: Easy
👉 Yields: ~24 cookies
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Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Soft and chewy texture
- Sweet cinnamon sugar coating
- Made with simple ingredients
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Perfect for holidays and snack time
These cookies are a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients List
- All-purpose flour
- Cream of tartar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sugar (for rolling)
👉 Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
Ingredient Tips (Quick)
- Use room-temperature butter
- Don’t overmix the dough
- Roll generously in cinnamon sugar
- Chill dough slightly if sticky
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Step 6: Roll and Coat
Form dough into balls and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers stay soft.
👉 Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing.
Tips for Soft & Chewy Cookies
- Slightly underbake for best texture
- Store in airtight container
- Add a pinch of salt on top for contrast
Storage & Freezing
- Store at room temperature up to 5 days
- Freeze dough balls up to 1 month
- Bake directly from frozen (add 2 minutes)
Variations
- Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice
- Use part brown sugar
- Make mini cookies for parties
Snickerdoodle Cookies – Recipe Card
Print
Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe: Bake the Best Ever!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies (36 cookies)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic snickerdoodle cookie recipe that promises soft, chewy centers and crackly, sugary tops, featuring the distinctive tang of cream of tartar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted.
- Cream of tartar is essential for the unique tangy flavor and chewy texture of snickerdoodles—do not substitute it.
- If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
- Store Snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
These snickerdoodle cookies are a classic cinnamon-sugar treat that’s easy, comforting, and always a hit.
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