The Fluffiest Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe for Cinnamon Lovers

Sweet cinnamon swirls dance through these delightful snickerdoodle cookies that melt in your mouth with pure comfort.

Childhood memories flood back when the kitchen fills with warm, sugary aromas.

Delicate and soft, each cookie promises a perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers.

Grandmas across America have perfected this classic treat that whispers nostalgia with every bite.

Mixing takes just minutes, and the result feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic – butter, sugar, and that signature cinnamon-sugar coating make these cookies irresistible.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than melted butter on warm dough.

Why Snickerdoodle Cookies Taste Like Pure Nostalgia

• Craft Signature Sweets: Discover the magic of creating classic snickerdoodle cookies that bring pure comfort and joy to your kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires simple pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers delightful cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Great for family movie nights, potlucks, bake sales, or as a heartwarming homemade gift that spreads happiness with every bite.

All The Ingredients For Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides essential flavor and texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and texture.

• Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda: Work together to help the cookies rise and create a distinctive tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall cookie flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and aromatic outer layer that gives Snickerdoodle cookies their signature taste and appearance.

How To Bake Snickerdoodle Cookies With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350F (175C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Work the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Splash in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent cookie texture.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy base. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.

Step 5: Develop Cinnamon Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant, sweet-spiced coating.

Step 6: Shape Delectable Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough portions. Roll each into a perfect ball, then generously coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure complete coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges while maintaining soft centers.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets briefly. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. The cookies will develop a delightful crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, tender inside.

Tips For Soft And Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Swap butter for coconut oil to make these cookies dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic treat.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with crisp edges.
• Reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons for a less sweet version that still maintains the signature snickerdoodle flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent cookie texture.
• Add a pinch of cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for an unexpected, warm spice twist that elevates the traditional recipe.

Fun Twists On Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, sweet upgrade that complements the classic cinnamon flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Snickerdoodles: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to give the cookies extra texture and a warm, toasted undertone.
• Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: Replace ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the coating and add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients for an autumn-inspired version.
• Cream Cheese Filled Snickerdoodles: Create a small well in each dough ball and add a teaspoon of softened cream cheese before rolling in cinnamon-sugar for a surprise center.

What To Serve With Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Pair Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai tea perfectly complement the cinnamon-sugar profile of snickerdoodle cookies, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Sip Vanilla Almond Milk: A creamy, slightly nutty beverage enhances the cookie's soft texture and adds a smooth, cool contrast to the warm cinnamon notes.
• Enjoy Caramel Macchiato: The rich, sweet caramel undertones blend wonderfully with the cookie's buttery base, offering a luxurious and indulgent tasting experience.
• Explore Dark Roast Coffee: A bold, robust coffee cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a balanced and sophisticated pairing that highlights the snickerdoodle's delicate spice.

How To Store Snickerdoodle Cookies The Right Way

• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Prepare cookie dough balls, roll in cinnamon-sugar, place on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bag. Store frozen dough for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Pack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Snickerdoodle Cookies FAQs For Bakers

• Why use cream of tartar in Snickerdoodle cookies?

Cream of tartar gives these cookies their signature tangy flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture. It also prevents sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smoother cookie.

• Can I make Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?

While you can substitute with baking powder, the authentic taste and texture will be different. Cream of tartar provides a unique tanginess that defines classic Snickerdoodle cookies.

• How do I know when Snickerdoodles are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and soft centers. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked in the middle, as they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade snickerdoodle cookies deliver classic cinnamon-sugar comfort with sweet, buttery perfection. Crisp edges and tender centers make these classic treats irresistible for cookie lovers seeking simple, nostalgic delights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Create a creamy base by whipping softened butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
3. Gently fold vanilla extract into the butter mixture, creating a smooth, fragrant foundation.
4. Sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate container, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture without overmixing.
6. Craft the signature cinnamon coating by blending sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
7. Shape the dough into uniform spheres, approximately tablespoon-sized, then generously roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for complete coverage.
8. Arrange coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining 2-inch spacing to allow for expansion during baking.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges while preserving soft, tender centers.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their delicate texture.

Notes

• Soft Butter Technique: Allow butter to reach room temperature naturally for 30-45 minutes, ensuring smooth creaming and even cookie texture.
• Precise Mixing Method: Avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor and classic crackled appearance.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 195 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg