If you have a soft spot for cookies that are both cozy and delightfully spiced, you’re in for a real treat with The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe. This classic cookie dazzles with its perfectly tender texture, a hint of tang from cream of tartar, and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar that offers the most irresistible aroma and taste. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, midweek treat, or simply because you deserve something sweet, these snickerdoodles are guaranteed to become your all-time favorite go-to recipe.
The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these sublime cookies lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to create that signature snickerdoodle flavor and texture. From tenderizing cream of tartar to the warm embrace of cinnamon sugar, here’s what you’ll need to make these beauties come to life.
- All-purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect structure for soft, chewy cookies without weighing them down.
- Cream of Tartar (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle tang and helps achieve the classic snickerdoodle chewiness.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of lift to keep your cookies light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (2 1/4 cups, divided): Two portions—one for the dough’s sweetness, another combined with cinnamon for that crispy outer coating.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Ground Cinnamon (3 teaspoons): The star spice that defines a snickerdoodle’s characteristic warm, spicy flavor.
How to Make The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with silicone liners or parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—this will make cleanup a breeze too!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until everything is blended. This combination creates the perfect baking chemistry that gives snickerdoodles their unique flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups of sugar and the softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth dough base.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep those cookies wonderfully soft and chewy.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This sweet and spicy mixture will give your snickerdoodles their signature crackly exterior and irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and generously roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure they’re well coated for maximum flavor and crunch when baked.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place your cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls several inches apart on your prepared pans. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread without merging together.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your snickerdoodles for 8 to 10 minutes or just until they firm up. Keep an eye on them—they should be soft around the edges but set in the middle for that perfect chewy texture everyone loves.
How to Serve The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of additional cinnamon sugar after baking adds an inviting sparkle and an extra whisper of spice that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of chai or hot chocolate. These cozy companions enhance the cookie’s cinnamon flavor and create a comforting snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your snickerdoodles into an elegant treat by stacking a few and tying with a rustic ribbon for gift-giving. Or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This prevents them from drying out while maintaining their soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, snickerdoodle dough balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two extra to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh the warmth and softness of your cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in the oven. This little trick revives that freshly baked feeling every time.
FAQs
What makes these snickerdoodles the best?
The inclusion of cream of tartar and the precise cinnamon sugar coating technique elevate the classic cookie to a whole new level of flavor and texture, making this truly The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to keep the balance perfect. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor.
How do I prevent my snickerdoodles from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough slightly before rolling it in cinnamon sugar. Also, spacing the dough balls well apart on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While traditional snickerdoodles don’t include mix-ins, a handful of chocolate chips can add a delightful twist without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
Why do snickerdoodles use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar provides a slight tanginess and reacts with baking soda to help create the cookie’s tender, chewy texture and characteristic crackled surface.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re armed with The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe, it’s time to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon and sugar. These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a comforting experience to be shared with friends and family. So grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to bake your new favorite batch of snickerdoodles that everyone will keep asking you for again and again.
Print
The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Snickerdoodle recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfectly balanced with a slight tang from the cream of tartar, these 36 cookies are easy to make and bake in just under 30 minutes, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar, divided
- 3 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two sheet pans with silicone liners or parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk or stir them well until evenly blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together 2 cups of granulated sugar and the softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to create the signature Snickerdoodle coating.
- Shape Dough: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Then, thoroughly roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly for that classic flavor and texture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls several inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they have firmed up but remain soft in the center. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Using cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodles their distinctive tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough when combining dry and wet ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- If you prefer a softer cinnamon coating, reduce the amount of cinnamon slightly.
- Cookies should be spaced generously on the baking sheet to avoid merging while baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
