Name: Best Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 ¾ cups (344 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Soft, pillowy snickerdoodle cookies dance between crisp edges and tender centers, promising pure comfort.

Cinnamon swirls through each delectable bite like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Memories of childhood baking sessions flood back with the first whiff of sweet, sugary goodness.

Perfectly crackled tops promise a delightful texture that melts in you mouth.

Home bakers can recreate this classic treat with just a few simple ingredients.

Butter, sugar, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon create magic in every single cookie.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the baking adventure begin!

Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling. The chocolate adds rich, melty pockets of sweetness that complement the classic cinnamon flavor.
Nutty Snickerdoodle Crunch: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough. These nuts bring a delightful texture and earthy undertone to the traditional cookie.
Maple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles: Replace 2 tablespoons of sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle a touch of ground nutmeg in the cinnamon-sugar coating. This version offers a warm, deeply aromatic profile that feels like a cozy autumn morning.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Snickerdoodles: Create a small indentation in each dough ball and fill with a teaspoon of softened cream cheese before rolling in cinnamon-sugar. The creamy center provides a luxurious surprise inside each soft cookie.

What makes Snickerdoodle cookies unique?

Snickerdoodles are famous for their crackly cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, slightly tangy center from cream of tartar, which gives them a distinctive flavor different from regular sugar cookies.

Why do I need cream of tartar in this recipe?

Cream of tartar adds a subtle tanginess and helps create the cookie’s signature soft, chewy texture. It also helps prevent sugar crystallization, resulting in a smoother, more tender cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This can even enhance the flavor and help the cookies hold their shape better when baked.

How do I know when Snickerdoodles are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should be lightly golden around the edges when done.

Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful snickerdoodle cookies in just 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
Foolproof Family Fun: Incredibly simple recipe that's great for baking with kids, allowing everyone to get involved in rolling dough and coating cookies in delicious cinnamon-sugar.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Classic cookie that brings instant nostalgia and warmth, ideal for potlucks, school events, or cozy family gatherings where everyone loves a traditional sweet bite.
Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned home cooks.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's texture.
Cream of Tartar: Helps create the classic tangy snickerdoodle flavor and tender crumb.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a light, soft texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creates rich, tender cookies with a smooth, creamy base.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor complexity.

Coating Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates the signature sweet and spicy outer layer that makes snickerdoodles distinctive. Best with fresh, fragrant cinnamon for maximum flavor.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and dress it up with a smooth parchment paper liner. In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Cream of tartar
Baking soda
Salt

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy masterpiece. Beat them together until they’re light and dreamy. Splash in eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until silky smooth. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together – no overmixing allowed!

Step 3: Shape and Sparkle

Create a magical cinnamon-sugar coating in a small bowl by mixing:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Scoop out dollops of dough and roll them into perfect little balls. Give each ball a luxurious bath in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange these golden gems on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of breathing room between them.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 8-10 minutes – you’re looking for golden edges with centers that still look slightly soft and dreamy. Once done, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Perfectly Measure Ingredients: Use precise measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar, to ensure consistent cookie texture and taste.
Soften Butter Smartly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking, ensuring it's soft but not melted for optimal cookie consistency.
Control Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls generously in the mixture, creating a thick, even layer that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Avoid Overmixing Dough: Stir dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough cookies, maintaining a tender and delicate crumb.
Optimize Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute window, removing them when edges are set but centers appear slightly soft for a perfectly chewy texture.

Preserve your delicious snickerdoodles by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days, keeping their delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely cooled before packaging.
Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the cinnamon notes of the snickerdoodles with a fragrant, creamy chai tea that echoes the cookie's warm spices and provides a cozy, comforting drinking experience.
Match with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Serve alongside a scoop of smooth, rich vanilla bean gelato to enhance the cookie's buttery texture and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced treat.
Sip Caramel Macchiato: Enjoy with a caramel macchiato that mirrors the cookie's sweet, golden undertones and offers a luxurious coffee-based companion that complements the snickerdoodle's richness.
Indulge with Hot Chocolate: Pair with a decadent hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a delightful combination that highlights the cookie's comforting, nostalgic flavors and provides a perfect winter-time treat.

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.