Name: Snickerdoodle Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Warm Hug in Cookie Form

There’s something magical about fresh-baked Snickerdoodle Cookies. As they come out of the oven, your kitchen fills with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and sugar, creating an atmosphere that feels like home. Their soft, chewy texture greets you with a slight crisp on the edges, while each decadent bite melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness and a warm spice. Snickerdoodles are not just cookies; they’re an experience, perfect for cozy evenings with family or festive gatherings where everyone is indulging in good food and laughter. So why not roll up your sleeves and bake these delightful treats? Your taste buds will thank you!

What Is this recipe?

Snickerdoodle Cookies have a charming origin that dates back to the 19th century in the United States. These classic treats are characterized by their unique flavor combination of cream of tartar and cinnamon-sugar coating, setting them apart from regular sugar cookies. The cream of tartar gives them a slightly tangy taste and creates that lovely chewy texture everyone craves, resulting in a cookie that is both comforting and delicious.

Traditionally served warm, Snickerdoodle Cookies are wonderful on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate. Often enjoyed during the holidays, these cookies could easily become a new family tradition, making them a consistent go-to for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a cozy weeknight treat. Fun fact: did you know that the name "snickerdoodle" might stem from the German word “Schneckennudeln,” which means “snail dumpling”? How delightful is that?

Why You’ll Love This Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

This Snickerdoodle Cookie recipe hits the sweet spot for a multitude of reasons!

Ease of preparation: With simple, straightforward ingredients and techniques, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these come together!
Flavor complexity: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon brings out flavors that are warm and inviting, creating cookies that tantalize the taste buds. The hint of tang from the cream of tartar gives them a distinctive taste that is hard to resist.
Family-friendly: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and rolling the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar is a fun activity for the little ones. Plus, these cookies are the ideal accompaniment to family movie nights or afternoon snacks.
Budget-friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create these tasty treats. Most of the ingredients are staples you likely already have at home, making this an economical choice for a sweet treat.

Let’s Cook Snickerdoodle Cookies!

Making Snickerdoodle Cookies is a breeze! This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You only need a few basic tools: a mixing bowl, an electric mixer (or a whisk), a baking sheet, and some parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for chewy cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds chewiness and a slight tang.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a soft texture to the cookies.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly.
2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Deepens flavor complexity.
3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling): The iconic coating that gives Snickerdoodles their characteristic look and taste.

Directions

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy.
Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Roll in cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Bake: Place the coated cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underbaked. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

What to Serve With Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightful on their own, but for a truly memorable experience, pair them with your favorite beverages! A warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully, making an ideal afternoon treat.

Milk: A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Hot chocolate: The creamy richness pairs swimmingly with the cinnamon bite.
Ice cream: Imagine a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream nestled between two warm cookies for an indulgent dessert sandwich.

Top Tips for Perfecting Snickerdoodle Cookies

Getting the perfect Snickerdoodle is all about attention to detail.

Ingredient swaps: For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of standard butter. This will add a nutty complexity to the cookies.
Spice adjustments: If you’re a cinnamon lover, don’t be afraid to increase the cinnamon in the rolling mixture for a bolder flavor.
Equipment advice: Baking sheets lined with parchment paper work best, as they prevent cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.
Storage tips: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container, and add a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Mistakes to avoid: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, as this affects the dough texture and spread.

Variations & Add-Ins

Consider these fun twists on classic Snickerdoodles to shake things up:

Chocolate chip Snickerdoodles: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey treat.
Pumpkin spice version: Substitute some of the flour with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal delight.
Nutty Snickerdoodles: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Kid-Friendly Version

Make these cookies even more kid-friendly by letting the little ones help with the rolling process! You can also create fun shapes by using cookie cutters instead of making typical rounds. For added excitement, decorate the cookie tops with colorful sprinkles or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Snickerdoodle Cookies as delicious as the day they were made, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, though they might not last that long! If you want to extend their shelf-life, consider refrigerating them or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.

When you want to enjoy a cookie, there are several reheating options. For a quick fix, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they regain their delicious chewy texture without getting dried out.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and chill it overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and baking.

What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. Just adjust the baking powder down to 1 tsp and omit the baking soda from the recipe.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Consider reducing the sugar amount in the dough or using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, as it has less sweetness and adds moisture.

Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes! Once they’ve completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

What spices can I add for more flavor?
Try adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. The warm spices will perfectly complement the cinnamon.

Conclusion

With their soft and chewy texture, delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, and a flavor that evokes home and warmth, Snickerdoodle Cookies are simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe is a must-try. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embrace the joy of baking. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Print Recipe

Deliciously soft and chewy cookies coated in cinnamon and sugar, perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place the coated cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked.
Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.