This classic snickerdoodle recipe is soft and chewy, coated in cinnamon-sugar, and ready to devour in just 30 minutes.
It's soft in the middle with a perfect crunch around the edges. And that fragrant, lightly spiced coating is hard to beat.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
These cinnamon sugar cookies are incredible. It's as simple as that.
Snickerdoodles are perfect for holidays, get-togethers, potlucks, or, in my opinion – ANY day of the week.
They're super soft, not too sweet, and smell incredible.
The only thing missing is a big glass of milk. So let's get baking!
What Are Snickerdoodles?
Simply put, snickerdoodles are a type of sugar cookie — only they're so much better than most.
Unlike most sugar cookies, snickerdoodles contain cream of tartar. That one ingredient completely transforms them.
It makes them delightfully chewy, subtly tangy, and downright delicious.
Furthermore, you'll roll snickerdoodle dough balls in a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking them. That makes them extra sweet and warmly spiced.
Ingredients
These pantry ingredients are all you need to make drool-worthy snickerdoodles that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside:
- Softened Butter, Shortening and Sugar. These ingredients cream together until smooth and fluffy. Feel free to use just butter, but the shortening helps to keep these from spreading too much.
- Eggs, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, and Vanilla. These ingredients, when combined with the creamed butter and sugar, make up the cookie dough.
- Cinnamon and Sugar. It’s the classic mixture that coats and defines the timeless flavor of the snickerdoodle.
- Cream of Tarar. You can't make snickerdoodles without it!
Why Is Cream of Tartar in Snickerdoodles?
I've already said that snickerdoodles aren't snickerdoodles without cream of tartar.
But what makes it such a special ingredient?
Cream of tartar is a white powder formed during wine production. Specifically, it is the residue left in wine barrels after grape fermentation takes place.
Since it’s a byproduct of wine, it has natural acidic properties. And here’s how this magical ingredient affects the cookie:
- It makes the cookies rise. When used together with baking soda, the acidic property of cream of tartar activates the baking soda. In turn, it does a better job at making cookies rise.
- It makes the cookies rise – part 2. Also, when the cream of tartar combines with liquid ingredients, it produces carbon-dioxide air bubbles, which in turn disintegrates the gluten in the flour. This process lifts the cookie dough.
- It provides chewiness. The air bubbles created when mixed with the liquids become even larger in the oven, making the cookie chewy and airier.
- It makes them soft. Cream of tartar also hinders sugar from crystallizing. This is what makes snickerdoodles super soft, not crunchy, on the inside.
- It provides a unique flavor. Cream of tartar neutralizes the bitterness of baking soda, forming a subtle sour undercoating in the cookie.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies
These snickerdoodle cookies are so delectable I'm often surprised how easy they are to make.
Here are the simple steps.
1. Make the batter. Combine the butter, sugar, shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Then, add the salt, flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Mix until it becomes batter-like.
2. Shape and coat the dough. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape the portions. Then roll them in cinnamon sugar.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Place the balls on and ungreased baking sheet with two inches of space in between them. Bake for 8 minutes for softer cookies and 10 minutes for crispier cookies.
4. Cool and enjoy. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
And that's it. Pretty easy huh?
Tips & Tricks
Remember these tips and tricks while baking, and your cinnamon-coated sugar cookie will be flawless:
- Add nutmeg. Add half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough before baking. It adds a unique flavor that makes your snickerdoodles taste even better.
- Use room temperature eggs. The butter should also be room temperature.
- Chill the cookie dough. It needs just 30 minutes before you bake it and the cookies will be nice and thick.
- Pick the right sugar. Use brown sugar instead white to give your snickerdoodles additional moisture and a rich flavor.
- Cream of tartar substitute? Replace it with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar OR lemon juice. Works like a charm!
- Use fresh ingredients. Make sure your baking soda and cream of tartar are both fresh. To see if they're still good, put a tiny bit in some water. It should start fizzing immediately. If not, it's time to buy more.
- Monitor the dough while baking. When you start to see the edges turning light gold, the cookies are done.
How To Avoid Tough Cookies
Here are a few additional tips for avoiding tough cookies:
- Don't overbake the cookies. They should be just barely golden and look a bit raw in the middle. That's how they stay so soft.
- Keep an eye on the temp. Every oven is different. So, if you find the cookies burn quickly, buy an oven thermometer to check.
- Don't over-mix. Use a hand mixer for the butter and sugar, but then use a spatula to mix the dough by hand.
Storing Snickerdoodles
I can eat a whole batch of soft snickerdoodle cookies in one sitting. But most people have more willpower.
In that case, here's how to store them:
To store: Place cold cookies in an airtight container with parchment between the layers. Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.
To freeze raw cookie dough: Place the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, freeze for 30 minutes. When they're solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To freeze baked cookies: When they're cold, line a baking sheet with parchment and a single layer of cookies. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
To thaw: Bake frozen cookie dough from frozen. Simply add a couple of minutes to the oven time. For baked cookies, just let them sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Amaretti Cookies
Ginger Cookies
Rice Krispie Cookies
Butter Toffee Cookies
Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe
24
servings20
minutes10
minutes189
kcalThis classic snickerdoodle recipe is soft and chewy, coated in cinnamon-sugar, and ready to devour in just 30 minutes. Soft in the middle with a perfect crunch around the edges.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Coating
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar until well blended and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Mix the vanilla in with the final egg.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Add this to the egg mixture and mix by hand until the dough forms.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape the cookie dough into balls.
- In a medium bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of white sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
- Place the balls on and ungreased baking sheet, leaving two inches of space in between.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes (8 for softer cookies and 10 for crispier cookies).
- Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the cookie dough. It needs just 30 minutes before you bake it and the cookies will be nice and thick.
- Cream of tartar substitute? Replace it with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar OR lemon juice. Works like a charm!
23 Comments
I have the best memories of these cookies every Christmas. My Mother-in-Law would make these and they were SO GOOD! They made the whole house smell wonderful too.
I prepared these Snickerdoodle cookies, which my family thoroughly enjoyed.
With my neighbor’s 80th birthday approaching, and knowing her fondness for lemon, I visited the grocery store to purchase two packs of ready-made lemon cookies. While at the checkout, I engaged in a conversation with the cashier about cookies. She mentioned that a friend had gifted her Snickerdoodle lemon cookies, which she found to be delightful. Ultimately, I decided against buying the two bags of ready-made lemon cookies and opted instead for lemon flavoring. I then baked the lemon Snickerdoodles, which she absolutely adored and expressed her gratitude and happiness over. They were so scrumptious that I made an additional batch for our family. If you have yet to try lemon Snickerdoodles, you are truly missing out.
That sounds delicious Alice! I love anything lemon 🙂
P. S. I plan to send my son your delicious recipe for Snickerdoodles. Thank you.
One day my son called me at work and said he was home from school and wanted to bake his favorite cookie, Snickerdoodles. He called me later and said “Oh mama, they taste terrible. Even the dog wouldn’t eat the one I dropped on the floor.” So when I got home and tasted one, it really WAS terrible. When we went over the recipe together, he had misread his childish scrawl and thought the 1/4 tsp. Of salt said, 1/4 CUP OF SALT. This has been a standing family joke ever since. My son is now 63 and I’m 91.
Oh my goodness, this made me laugh out loud! 😂 I love that it’s become a family joke. Those little kitchen mishaps often turn into the best stories. Thank you so much for sharing this, it absolutely made my day. ❤️
Absolutely love Snickerdoodles. The rich smell takes me back to my childhood. I’d coming home from school and when you walked into the house smell made you feel warm and happy. Mom would give you a plate of cookies and some milk-oh so good. Made this recipe and it really brought back the memories. This recipe is delicious. Thank you.
Love these cookies! Love the chewy and texture of these cookies. Easy to make. Great recipe.
These cookie are the best cookie ever. Thanks for the recipe,
made 8 dozen of these for Christmas and managed to keep 5 cookies for myself didnt tweak anything One thing I learned is not to bake them when adult brothers in laws are around handfuls disappear quicker then placing on cooling racks
Snickerdoodles are one of my favorite cookies. Reminds me of riding the school bus in the 60s when my cousin would bring them & we’d eat on the way to school. I’m so happy to see this recipe. It looks easy to do & I am going to try them very soon. Thank you.
My mom loved theses cookies and I used to make them for her all the time. It was the last thing she wanted before she passed away and that’s what she got and enjoyed. I still make them 2 years later and think of her every time I have one of them.
This was my childhood favorite. My M❤️M always made each child’s favorite meals for their birthday and Snickerdoodles were my choice instead of cake and she always let me help her make them. I was the youngest of 7 and my mom passed away when I was 22 so these are a real treasure to me. I pulled out her recipe book and cried some “happy tears” today. My birthday is in November and she has been in heaven for 41 years now but, I think I will be baking a batch of Snickerdoodles and remembering all the good times that she created for me. ❤️
This was a favorite cookie of my Uncle, now passed away. I have fond memories of him eating my home made snickerdoodle cookies.
These cookies are great for a party or a get-together, they’re made for the people whom don’t want to much stuff on the cookie. They are soft and good for you.
This is my absolute favorite cookie, and I never knew you could substitute vinegar or lemon juice for tarter sauce. I will have to try this tip for my next cookie cooking session.
I remember making these regularly to mail to my non-baker sister; her all time favorite cookie! Hint, they stack nicely in a small coffee , oatmeal or nut container, really any tube shaped container; just seal and tape well – add an address label and send as is 🙃
Hi Ruth! I LOVE this gift-giving idea. It’s like two gifts in one – the coffee cup and the cookies!
Best cookies ever. Whenever I make them they are GONE! Sometimes I also add cardamom. Love the flavor and texture
I love this cookie. A group of us girls used to take a trip to the beach every year. One of the girls always made these cookies, and they were delicious! I sure do miss those days, but the cookie takes me back to some great memories.
You have said to use shortening in this recipe but it is not included in the ingredients (and no measurement provided)
Hi Sam, thanks for catching that!
I’ve fixed it in the recipe now.
Hope you enjoy the cookies 🙂
If you want crispy snickerdoodles, use 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup crisco.