Homemade Snickerdoodle Recipe Soft Cinnamon-Kissed Delight

Crafting the perfect snickerdoodle recipe has been my delightful culinary adventure for years.

Butter, sugar, and cinnamon dance together in a symphony of sweet nostalgia.

Generations of bakers have treasured this classic cookie, passing down their cherished techniques.

Soft, pillowy centers with crisp edges define these magical treats that melt in your mouth.

Childhood memories come flooding back with each buttery, sugar-coated bite.

Surprisingly simple ingredients create an extraordinary dessert that sparks joy and connection.

You’ll want to preheat that oven and start baking right now!

Tips for the BEST Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Softening Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy cookie dough without lumps.
• Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill the prepared dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Achieving Signature Crackly Top: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture just before baking to create that classic crackly, sparkly snickerdoodle surface.
• Measuring Flour Accurately: Gently spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense, dry cookies from using too much flour.
• Storing for Maximum Freshness: Keep snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain soft texture.

How to Store and Reheat Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Store cooled snickerdoodles in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, freshly-baked texture. Microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a quick warm-up.
• If cookies become slightly hard, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

What Pairs Well with Snickerdoodles

• Rich, warm hot chocolate perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar sweetness of snickerdoodle cookies, creating a luxurious winter treat that warms your soul.
• The spicy, creamy notes of chai tea enhance the cookie's cinnamon undertones, offering a delightful flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
• Crumble a fresh snickerdoodle over a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert that balances warm cookie texture with cool, smooth creaminess.
• The sweet-tart apple cider with caramel undertones provides a refreshing contrast to the cookie's rich, buttery flavor, creating a delightful autumn-inspired pairing.

Snickerdoodle Recipe Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft and chewy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cinnamon Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg replacement to create a plant-based version that maintains the classic snickerdoodle flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Snickerdoodles: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Almond Flour Snickerdoodles: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour for a nutty, lower-carb alternative that's perfect for those following a keto or paleo diet.

Snickerdoodle Recipe FAQs

• What makes snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?

Snickerdoodles are distinguished by their signature cinnamon-sugar coating and tangy cream of tartar, which gives them a unique, slightly acidic flavor and softer texture compared to regular sugar cookies.

• Do I need any special ingredients for snickerdoodles?

Besides standard baking ingredients, cream of tartar is the key unique ingredient that provides the classic snickerdoodle taste and helps create their soft, chewy texture.

• Can I make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?

While cream of tartar is traditional, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice per recipe to achieve a similar tangy flavor and tender texture.

• Why do snickerdoodles crack on top?

The cracking is a natural result of the sugar-cinnamon coating and the cookies’ rising process. It’s a desirable characteristic that adds visual appeal and texture to these classic cookies.

Why This Is the BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

• Perfect for busy home bakers wanting a simple, delightful cookie treat that comes together in minutes.
• Classic snickerdoodle recipe promises universal appeal- kids and adults alike will adore these soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies that spark nostalgic memories.
• Super easy recipe allows children to participate, helping roll dough balls and coat them in sweet cinnamon sugar, creating fun kitchen bonding moments.
• Requires basic pantry staples most home cooks already have, eliminating extra shopping trips and making spontaneous baking a breeze.

Ingredients for the BEST Snickerdoodle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure and texture.
• Cream of Tartar: Gives the classic tangy flavor and helps cookies stay soft.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter works best.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie spread and caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness. Pure vanilla is recommended over imitation.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates the signature snickerdoodle crispy, sweet, and spicy exterior. Use fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon for best results.

How to Make the BEST Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Get your baking sheet ready by either lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Ground cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined, creating a magical coating that will make your cookies absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well incorporated and free of any lumps.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and creamy- almost like a soft cloud.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is smooth and everything is perfectly combined.

Step 6: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix- you want your cookies tender and delicate.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls. Each ball should be about the size of a walnut. Roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven.

Step 9: Watch and Wait

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when they’re lightly golden and crackly on top. They’ll look slightly underbaked, but don’t worry- they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting to take that first delicious bite!

The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Heavenly snickerdoodle cookies bring nostalgic cinnamon comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm, buttery swirls of sugary goodness invite you to savor each delightful bite with pure cookie bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 large eggs

Flavor and Leavening Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Coating Ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), creating an ideal baking environment for delectable cookies.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, whisking together until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate large bowl, blending until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
5. Introduce eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next, which ensures a smooth, homogeneous batter.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
7. Create a separate small bowl with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating the cookies.
8. Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, form the dough into uniform round balls, each approximately the size of a tablespoon.
9. Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
11. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for edges to turn slightly golden while maintaining a soft center.
12. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect soft and chewy texture by not overbaking the cookies, removing them from the oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding.
• Create a fun variation by adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating for an unexpected depth of flavor.
• Ensure consistent cookie size by using a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure each dough ball, which helps create uniform baking and appearance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg