The first time I baked snickerdoodle cookies, it was a quiet afternoon when the kitchen felt like the safest place to slow down. Cinnamon filled the air, timers beeped softly, and suddenly a simple cookie recipe became a memory worth repeating. That’s what you’ll love about this recipe—it’s quick, easy, family-friendly, and built for real life, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe is everything home baking should be—simple, comforting, and incredibly reliable. Whether you’re craving a classic snickerdoodle recipe or searching for an easy snickerdoodle recipe that fits into a busy schedule, this one delivers soft centers, crackled tops, and rich cinnamon-sugar flavor every time. It’s inspired by trusted cookie recipes like the Betty Crocker snickerdoodle recipe but made even more approachable for modern home kitchens.
You’ll love how flexible this recipe is. It works beautifully as a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar using a smart cream of tartar substitute, yet still keeps that familiar tangy taste. It’s perfect for families who enjoy quick bakes, customizable treats, and desserts that feel nostalgic without being complicated. If you love a good sugar cookie recipe, chocolate chip cookie recipe, or even a classic brownie recipe, these cookies belong in your rotation.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The ingredients in this recipe are simple pantry staples that come together to create soft, chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies with a classic cinnamon-sugar finish. All-purpose flour forms the base and gives structure, while cream of tartar delivers the signature tangy flavor found in a classic snickerdoodle recipe. Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates their iconic crackled tops. Butter adds richness and moisture, making this one of the best snickerdoodle recipe options for texture and taste. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and contributes to crisp edges, while eggs bind everything together. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor. The cinnamon sugar coating sets these cookies apart from a basic sugar cookie recipe and adds warmth in every bite. If needed, this recipe can easily become a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar by using a cream of tartar substitute.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Cookies
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
How to Make This Recipe
Making these Snickerdoodle Cookies is straightforward and beginner-friendly, perfect for anyone looking for an easy snickerdoodle recipe with dependable results. The process starts by building flavor and structure through proper mixing, which is essential for achieving the soft centers and crackled tops found in the best snickerdoodle recipe. Creaming the butter and sugar correctly creates a light texture, while combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of cream of tartar and baking soda. Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar is what transforms this from a simple sugar cookie recipe into a classic snickerdoodle recipe. This method also adapts well if you’re making a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar using a cream of tartar substitute. With minimal prep and quick baking time, Snickerdoodle Cookies are ideal for busy weeknights, holiday baking, or adding variety to your favorite cookie recipes.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper
Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl
Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form cookie dough
Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl
Roll dough into balls and coat generously in cinnamon sugar
Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and tops are cracked
Cool briefly before serving or storing
Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering Snickerdoodle Cookies comes down to understanding how each ingredient and technique affects flavor and texture. Using softened butter is essential for creating the soft, chewy bite expected in the best snickerdoodle recipe. Cream of tartar plays a key role in delivering the tangy flavor found in a classic snickerdoodle recipe, but this method also works as a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar when paired with a reliable cream of tartar substitute. Proper mixing prevents dense cookies and keeps this easy snickerdoodle recipe light and tender. Rolling the dough generously in cinnamon sugar is what separates snickerdoodles from a basic sugar cookie recipe and adds the signature crackle. These tips work just as well when adapting other cookie recipes, whether you’re baking a chocolate chip cookie recipe or switching textures for a brownie recipe.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use room-temperature butter for smooth creaming and even baking
Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender
Chill dough for thicker cookies and deeper cinnamon flavor
Substitute baking powder if making a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar
Roll dough heavily in cinnamon sugar for a classic snickerdoodle recipe finish
Bake until edges are set but centers remain soft for best results
FAQs
What makes Snickerdoodle Cookies different from a sugar cookie recipe?
Snickerdoodle Cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar and traditionally include cream of tartar, which gives them a tangy flavor and soft texture that sets them apart from a standard sugar cookie recipe.
Can I make a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar?
Yes, you can make a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar by using a cream of tartar substitute like baking powder. The cookies will still be soft and flavorful, making this an easy snickerdoodle recipe option.
Is this considered a classic snickerdoodle recipe?
This is a classic snickerdoodle recipe inspired by well-known cookie recipes such as the Betty Crocker snickerdoodle recipe, delivering crackled tops and chewy centers.
Can these cookies be made with fewer ingredients?
While this recipe uses traditional ingredients, simplified versions like 3 ingredient snickerdoodle cookies exist, though they won’t have the same texture as the best snickerdoodle recipe.
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These Snickerdoodle Cookies are a timeless treat that combine soft, chewy centers with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating, making them a favorite among all cookie recipes. Whether you’re following a classic snickerdoodle recipe, experimenting with a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar, or trying an easy snickerdoodle recipe for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers reliable results. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or a simple homemade dessert, these cookies bring warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to every bite.
Print
Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these tasty snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless classic. With their crackled tops and warm flavor, they’re perfect for holidays, bake sales, or an easy everyday treat. This recipe delivers bakery-style results with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes about 24 cookies):
For the Cookies:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Step 3: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball generously in cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
Step 6: Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Soft Centers: Cookies will continue to set as they cool—don’t overbake.
No Cream of Tartar Option: Substitute 2 teaspoons baking powder for both the cream of tartar and baking soda.
Extra Flavor: Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American