Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Few things are more nostalgic than pulling a warm tray of Snickerdoodle Cookies out of the oven. With their soft, chewy centers, crisp edges, and a sparkling coat of cinnamon sugar, these cookies are the definition of comfort. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers yet special enough to bring to holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoy with a cold glass of milk.

The beauty of snickerdoodles lies in their balance—sweet, lightly spiced, and perfectly soft with a little tang from cream of tartar. Whether you’re baking with kids or treating yourself to a cozy kitchen moment, this recipe is a heartwarming classic.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

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

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
5. Form the Dough – Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Mix the Coating – In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon.
7. Shape & Roll – Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, then coat generously in cinnamon-sugar.
8. Bake – Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
9. Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Don’t Overbake – For soft, chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when they look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter makes creaming easier and gives the cookies the perfect texture.
• Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Brown Butter Snickerdoodles – Swap softened butter for browned butter to add a nutty, rich flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist – Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice to the coating for a fall-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot mug of chai.
• Serve on a holiday cookie platter with gingerbread men and sugar cookies.
• Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat.

Conclusion

These Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, soft, and warmly spiced. They’re simple to make, loved by kids and adults alike, and bring instant coziness to any day. Whether fresh from the oven or tucked into a cookie tin, these timeless treats are meant to be shared and savored with love.