Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Classic Recipe

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Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

There are countless cookie recipes out there, but few evoke the same cozy nostalgia as the classic Snickerdoodle. It’s more than just a sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon; it’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and deeply aromatic spice. But achieving that Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies texture the slightly crinkled exterior, the soft, gooey center, and the essential, satisfying chew is an art form.

This recipe is designed to eliminate the guesswork and deliver consistent perfection every time. We dive deep into the science of baking, focusing on one key ingredient that differentiates a true Snickerdoodle from its sugar cookie cousins: cream of tartar. This acidic component is what provides the necessary lift, creates the signature slight tang, and, most importantly, locks in moisture to guarantee those Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies you crave.

Whether you are a seasoned baker looking for the holy grail of this cinnamon-dusted treat, or a beginner ready to impress with a foolproof classic, prepare to master a recipe that will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Forget dry, cakey cookies; get ready for the ultimate Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies experience.

We’ll walk through the detailed steps, covering everything from properly creaming your butter and sugar the foundation of a perfect cookie to the critical baking time that ensures maximum chewiness. Grab your stand mixer and let’s make some magic!

Why These Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies Stand Out

What makes a Snickerdoodle truly great? It’s often the balance not too flat, not too cakey, and certainly not lacking in that bright, zesty quality. This recipe focuses squarely on texture and flavor complexity, ensuring every bite is a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that delivers consistent chewiness without fail, you can stop looking now.

The Anatomy of the Perfect Chew

Chewiness in a cookie isn’t accidental; it’s engineered. Our method ensures that the final product remains moist and slightly underbaked in the center, which is the secret to resisting a brittle, overly crunchy texture. We achieve this by:

  • High Ratio of Fat to Flour: Using a full cup of butter provides richness and keeps the crumb tender.
  • Cream of Tartar: This is non-negotiable for Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies. It reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide that produces lift, but its primary benefit here is preventing sugar from crystallizing, leading to a softer, more uniform texture.
  • Precise Baking Time: We pull the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly doughy. Residual heat does the rest.

Unrivaled Cinnamon Flavor

The cinnamon sugar coating isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the defining characteristic. We use a generous two tablespoons of high-quality ground cinnamon, ensuring the spice flavor is robust and aromatic. Rolling the dough balls until they are completely encrusted ensures a satisfying crunch and bursts of warmth in every mouthful. The aroma alone when these are baking is enough to stop you in your tracks.

Simplicity Meets Elegance

While this is a deceptively simple recipe, the results feel gourmet. You don’t need obscure ingredients or complicated techniques. It uses pantry staples (flour, sugar, eggs, butter) and the essential cream of tartar. This is the cookie recipe you can rely on for last-minute gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or just a quiet afternoon treat. The beauty of these Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies lies in their humble perfection.

Moreover, following this detailed guide minimizes the risk of common baking failures, such as flat cookies or overly dry results. We prioritize technique, especially during the creaming and mixing stages, guaranteeing a superior texture that is truly irresistible.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

In a world saturated with complex desserts, the Snickerdoodle stands as a comforting classic. But if you’ve ever been disappointed by a Snickerdoodle that tasted too much like a plain sugar cookie, this recipe is your redemption. It offers a level of flavor and textural satisfaction that you simply cannot replicate with pre-made dough or mixes.

Elevating the Holiday Cookie Game

Snickerdoodles are synonymous with holidays and cozy moments, but these are truly next level. Imagine bringing a plate of these perfectly crinkled, cinnamon-dusted cookies to a party. They disappear instantly. If you are planning a holiday cookie platter, pairing these Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies with other favorites like Gooey Butter Cookies or a batch of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Balls makes for an unbeatable combination.

Mastering a Fundamental Baking Skill

Baking is built on foundational skills, and this recipe provides the perfect opportunity to practice two crucial techniques: creaming and controlling the gluten development. The detailed instructions ensure you spend enough time whipping the butter and sugar the cornerstone of cookie texture and precisely understand when to stop mixing the flour to avoid toughening the dough. Mastering these elements will improve every cookie and cake you bake moving forward.

The Cream of Tartar Advantage

Let’s talk more about the magical ingredient: cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate). It’s not just for meringue! Its acidity is what gives the Snickerdoodle its signature subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon. If you omit it, you essentially have a cinnamon sugar cookie. The inclusion of cream of tartar is the true mark of an authentic, tangy, and ultimately, Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.

For those interested in baking chemistry, cream of tartar is also an anti-caking agent that stabilizes the proteins in the dough, allowing them to remain tender even when baked at high heat. This stabilization process directly translates into the superior chewiness we are after. Don’t substitute it with lemon juice or vinegar; the results will not be the same.

Perfect for Freezing and Make-Ahead Baking

This dough is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the dough, roll the balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and then freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When a craving hits, you can bake them directly from frozen just add 1 or 2 extra minutes to the baking time. Having a stash of dough balls means you are always moments away from fresh, warm, Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Trying this recipe is an investment in your baking success. It’s reliable, yields a stunning product, and ensures that the Snickerdoodle standard in your home is set delightfully high.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment for Success

Achieving truly Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies relies on using quality ingredients and the right tools. While Snickerdoodles are simple, precision matters. Pay close attention to ingredient preparation, especially bringing butter and eggs to room temperature.

The Cornerstone Ingredients for Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

The ingredient list is short, but the role each component plays is significant. We break down why the specified quantity and state of each item are crucial for maximum chewiness.

For the Cookie Dough:

Ingredient Quantity Notes on Functionality
All-Purpose Flour 2 ¾ cups Spoon and Level ONLY. Too much flour is the number one cause of dry, cakey cookies. Use the spoon and level method to avoid compacting the flour.
Cream of Tartar 2 teaspoons THE ESSENTIAL: Creates the signature Snickerdoodle tang, inhibits sugar crystallization, and ensures a uniquely soft, chewy interior.
Baking Soda 1 teaspoon The leavening agent that reacts with the cream of tartar to provide lift and spread.
Salt ½ teaspoon Crucial for balancing the intense sweetness and enhancing the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter 1 cup (2 sticks) Softened to room temperature. This is mandatory for proper creaming. If the butter is cold, it won’t trap air effectively, resulting in dense cookies.
Granulated Sugar 1 ½ cups Provides structure and sweetness. When creamed with butter, it creates the essential air pockets.
Large Eggs 2 Room temperature is best. Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the rich color and tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Ingredient Quantity Notes on Application
Granulated Sugar ¼ cup The base for the coating.
Ground Cinnamon 2 tablespoons Generous Ratio: Using this ratio ensures a highly visible and intensely flavored coating. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for maximum aroma.

Understanding Room Temperature Ingredients

We stress room temperature for both the butter and the eggs because it is scientifically vital to the outcome of your Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies. When butter and sugar are creamed together, the sharp sugar crystals cut into the softened fat, creating microscopic air bubbles. This is called aeration. If the butter is too cold, the air bubbles won’t form properly, leading to a denser cookie.

Similarly, room temperature eggs emulsify better with the creamed butter and sugar, creating a smooth, homogenous mixture. If cold eggs hit the creamed mixture, they will solidify the butter, essentially undoing all your hard work and causing the dough to separate or curdle.

Necessary Equipment for an Easy Bake

While you can certainly make these cookies by hand, investing in a few key pieces of equipment will streamline the process and guarantee better results, particularly when it comes to achieving that perfect, airy creamed base.

Essential Tools:

  • Stand Mixer or Handheld Electric Mixer: Absolutely necessary for achieving the light and fluffy creaming stage (Step 2). Trying to cream butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes by hand is exhausting and rarely produces the same volume.
  • Cookie Scoop (1.5 tablespoon size): This tool is crucial for uniformity. Cookies that are the same size bake evenly, preventing some from burning while others remain raw. A size 40 scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) is ideal for a generously sized Snickerdoodle.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Highly recommended. They prevent sticking, ensure even heat distribution, and make cleanup effortless. Do not use plain aluminum foil or just grease the pan, as this can affect the bottoms of the cookies.
  • Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the bowl during mixing, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
  • Baking Sheets: Use light-colored, heavy-duty baking sheets. Dark sheets absorb too much heat and can cause the bottoms of your cookies to brown too quickly or burn.

Having your equipment and ingredients pre-measured and at the correct temperature (a process known as mise en place) before starting will ensure a smooth, enjoyable baking process and yield the best batch of Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies possible.

Detailed Recipe Steps: Mastering the Art of Chewy Snickerdoodles

Follow these steps precisely to ensure your cookies achieve the iconic tang and, most importantly, the soft, irresistibly chewy texture. Time spent on the creaming stage is the primary differentiator between good cookies and truly great ones.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients and Activate Leavening

Precision in measuring the dry components is the foundation of a successful cookie. This step ensures that the leavening agents (baking soda and cream of tartar) are evenly distributed throughout the flour before they are introduced to the wet ingredients.

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, measure the 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour. Remember to use the spoon and level method scoop the flour lightly with a spoon into your measuring cup, then level off the excess with the back of a knife.
  2. Whisk together the flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  3. Why Whisking is Key: Whisking not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour slightly, helping to keep the dough light. Set this mixture aside.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients for Optimal Aeration

This is arguably the most critical step for achieving the light, fluffy texture that translates into Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.

  1. Place the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer (fitted with the paddle attachment) or a large bowl if using a hand mixer.
  2. The Creaming Process: Beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed. This should take 3 to 4 full minutes. Do not skimp on this time! The mixture must transform from a yellowish, dense mass into a light, pale, and fluffy consistency. You should see a noticeable increase in volume. This aeration incorporates essential air bubbles that help the cookie rise and prevents it from becoming too dense.
  3. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Beat in the 2 large room-temperature eggs one at a time. Ensure the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the second.
  4. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly to ensure all the creamed mixture is integrated.

Step 3: Combine the Dough and Chill (Crucial Tip)

Overmixing the dough once the flour is added develops gluten, which makes cookies tough. We aim for gentle mixing.

  1. With the mixer set to the lowest speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients (from Step 1) to the wet mixture.
  2. Mix Only Until Just Combined: Stop the mixer the moment the last streaks of flour disappear. You may need to finish the final integration by hand with a rubber spatula to avoid overworking the dough.
  3. Optional but Highly Recommended Chill: Snickerdoodle dough can be quite soft. If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels excessively sticky, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This firms up the butter, resulting in cookies that spread less and retain their thick, chewy shape.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating and Oven Environment

Pre-preparation ensures a quick transition from rolling to baking.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for rapid setting of the edges while keeping the center soft.
  2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  3. In a shallow, separate bowl (a cereal bowl works perfectly), combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon for the coating. Stir well until the mixture is uniform in color.

Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Achieve the Perfect Crinkle

The rolling technique ensures maximum cinnamon coverage and contributes to the famous Snickerdoodle crinkle.

  1. Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Consistency is key!
  2. Roll each piece of dough gently between your palms to form a smooth, uniform ball.
  3. Generous Coating: Immediately drop the dough ball into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll it around until it is completely and generously coated on all sides. Do not be shy with the coating this is where the flavor comes from.
  4. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
  5. DO NOT PRESS THE DOUGH DOWN. The goal is to start with a tall ball; they will flatten naturally into the desired crinkled disks during baking.

Step 6: The Critical Baking Step and Cooling

Overbaking is the single greatest threat to Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.

  1. Bake one sheet at a time, or rotate sheets halfway through, for 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. The Doneness Test: The cookies are done when the edges look set and the tops are puffy and deeply cracked (the crinkle!). The centers should still look slightly soft, puffy, and potentially glossy. If the centers look fully set or dry, you have overbaked them.
  3. Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a full 5 minutes. They are extremely delicate and prone to falling apart when hot.
  4. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack using a thin spatula to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on the rack stops the cooking process immediately and ensures the residual heat doesn’t overbake the bottoms.
  5. Store your magnificent Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long!

Tips, Troubleshooting, and Delicious Variations

Once you master the base recipe for these Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, you can easily adapt it for dietary needs or flavor twists. Here are essential tips for troubleshooting common issues and exploring exciting variations.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Calamities

Why Are My Cookies Flat?

Flat cookies are usually caused by too much spread. This typically happens for three reasons:

  1. Butter was too warm or melted: The butter should be soft (an indentation should remain if you press it) but not greasy or melty.
  2. Lack of chilling: If the dough is warm when it goes into the oven, the fat melts too fast. Always chill if the dough feels sticky.
  3. Too little flour: Ensure you are measuring flour correctly (spoon and level!).

Why Are My Cookies Cakey or Dry?

The enemy of chewiness! This is likely due to:

  1. Overmixing the flour: Once the flour is added, mix only until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cookies tough and bread-like.
  2. Overbaking: Even 60 seconds too long can turn chewy into crunchy. Pull them out when the centers look soft.

My Cookies Won’t Crinkle!

The crinkling comes from the reaction between the cream of tartar and baking soda, combined with the way the dough spreads. Ensure your leavening agents are fresh (old baking soda or cream of tartar won’t react). Also, make sure you roll the balls tall and do not press them down before baking.

Flavor and Ingredient Variations

While the classic Snickerdoodle is perfect as is, a few tweaks can introduce fun new flavors, especially around the holidays.

  • Brown Butter Snickerdoodles: Brown the butter before cooling it and using it in the recipe. Browned butter adds a nutty, deep caramel flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully, enhancing the richness of the Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.
  • Nutmeg Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth, especially during the autumn months.
  • Vegan Snickerdoodles: Substitute the butter with high-quality vegan butter sticks (ensure they are the stick type, not spreadable). Replace the two large eggs with flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 Tbsp water, rested for 10 minutes).
  • Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to slightly increase the liquid (add 1 tsp extra vanilla or milk) as GF flour tends to absorb moisture faster.
  • Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: For a seasonal treat, try adding 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients and 1 teaspoon to the cinnamon coating. If you enjoy fall baking, you might also like our recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodles for an indulgent twist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baking

For consistent, bakery-quality results:

  • Use a Kitchen Scale: For truly accurate baking, measure the flour by weight (1 cup AP flour is approximately 120 grams). This eliminates the variable of how tightly you pack the flour.
  • Avoid Dark Pans: As mentioned, dark baking sheets absorb heat too rapidly, often resulting in burnt bottoms. Use light aluminum pans or, even better, silicone baking mats on those pans.
  • Proper Storage: Once cooled, store the Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of plain white bread in the container can help keep them soft by allowing the cookies to absorb moisture from the bread.
  • Compare and Contrast: If you love chewy cookies, compare this technique with others like our guide on Classic Peanut Butter Cookies to see how the foundation of texture remains constant across different flavor profiles.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Baking Homemade

When indulging in a delightful treat like Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, it is important to remember that homemade baking often offers benefits over mass-produced goods, primarily because you control the ingredients, ensuring quality and minimizing unnecessary additives.

Estimated Nutritional Information

The following nutritional values are estimates based on the ingredients provided, assuming a yield of approximately 36 standard 1.5-tablespoon cookies. These values are highly dependent on the exact size and yield of your batch.

Estimated Values Per Cookie (1.5 Tbsp size):

  • Calories: Approximately 120-130 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g – 7g (primarily from butter)
  • Saturated Fat: 4g – 4.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g – 18g (mostly simple sugars and flour)
  • Protein: 1g – 2g
  • Sodium: Approximately 60 mg

Disclaimer: These are approximate values. If you require precise nutritional data for dietary management, please use a dedicated online nutrition calculator based on your exact product yield and ingredient brands.

The Benefits of Baking Snickerdoodles at Home

Beyond the undeniable satisfaction of fresh, warm cookies, there are clear advantages to preparing Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies in your own kitchen.

Ingredient Control and Quality

When you bake from scratch, you choose the quality of your ingredients. You can opt for high-quality unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh, organic cinnamon. This control allows you to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavorings, and unnecessary preservatives commonly found in store-bought cookies. Knowing exactly what goes into your family’s treats provides peace of mind.

The Surprising Role of Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar, while primarily used for its baking properties, is potassium bitartrate. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. While the amount consumed in a single cookie is minimal, it is an interesting mineral contribution often overlooked in standard baking ingredients.

Baking as Stress Relief and Mental Well-being

The act of baking itself has documented psychological benefits. The rhythmic motions of creaming, mixing, and kneading can be incredibly meditative and stress-relieving. Furthermore, the sensory input the smell of the cinnamon and sugar coating, the warmth of the oven, and the beautiful sight of the golden-brown cookies triggers feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Sharing these homemade Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies also strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of community.

Energy and Satiety (In Moderation)

While cookies are a dessert, they provide a quick source of carbohydrates and fats, offering a burst of energy. Enjoyed in moderation, these homemade treats can be a satisfying component of a balanced diet. The combination of protein (from eggs and flour), fat (from butter), and carbohydrates provides reasonable satiety compared to purely sugary, lower-fat snack options.

Ultimately, baking these Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies is an act of care. It’s about choosing a wholesome process to create an extraordinary treat that tastes infinitely better than anything you can buy pre-packaged.

FAQs About Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

What is the difference between a Snickerdoodle and a sugar cookie?

The main difference lies in the leavening agent. Sugar cookies typically use only baking powder or baking soda, resulting in a slightly flatter, crispier texture. Snickerdoodles, including these Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, always include cream of tartar alongside baking soda. Cream of tartar provides the signature tangy flavor, helps prevent sugar crystallization for maximum chewiness, and contributes to the classic crinkled top.

Do I have to chill the Snickerdoodle dough?

Chilling the dough is optional but highly recommended, especially if you want thick, Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies that don’t spread excessively. Chilling for 30 minutes allows the butter to firm up, resulting in a cookie that holds its height better. If your ingredients were perfectly at room temperature and your kitchen is cool, you might skip the chill, but chilling ensures consistency.

How do I prevent my Snickerdoodles from becoming cakey?

To prevent cakey or dry results, follow two key rules. First, be vigilant against overmixing the flour. Stop the mixer immediately once the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Second, monitor your baking time carefully. Pull the Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly moist and underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use butter straight from the refrigerator?

No. Using cold butter is a common mistake that severely compromises the texture. Room temperature butter (soft but not melted) is essential for the creaming process (Step 2). If the butter is cold, it cannot properly incorporate air with the sugar, resulting in dense, flat cookies rather than light, Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.

What is the best way to store baked Snickerdoodles?

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their freshness and soft, chewy texture for up to five days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months, thawing them at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Congratulations you have successfully mastered the art of the perfect Snickerdoodle! This recipe for Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies is truly a cut above the rest, delivering on its promise of an ideal texture characterized by a tangy, soft, and satisfying chew. By focusing on critical techniques, such as the full creaming of the butter and sugar and the non-negotiable inclusion of cream of tartar, we ensure that every batch comes out with that quintessential crinkled top and intense cinnamon warmth.

The beauty of the Snickerdoodle lies in its simplicity, making it the perfect comforting bake year-round. This recipe is highly adaptable, easy to execute, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from friends and family alike. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most basic recipes, when executed with precision and care, yield the most spectacular results.

Keep these tips in mind for future baking success: always use room temperature ingredients, prioritize aeration during the creaming stage, and be brave enough to slightly underbake your cookies to preserve that fantastic chew. This formula is your golden ticket to consistency and quality, ensuring every cookie batch is as delectable as the last.

We encourage you to try this recipe today and share the joy of these incredible cookies! If you loved learning how to achieve perfectly Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies, be sure to explore more of our classic recipes and baking tutorials. Follow our latest dessert inspiration on Pinterest, and let us know in the comments below how your ultimate chewy Snickerdoodles turned out!

Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

These classic Snickerdoodle cookies are known for their signature tangy flavor derived from cream of tartar, resulting in an unbeatable soft, chewy texture, generously rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour Spoon lightly and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar Essential for the signature flavor and chew
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter 2 sticks, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs Room temperature is best
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon Ensure it is fresh for maximum flavor

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
  • 1.5 Tbsp Cookie Scoop

Method
 

Mixing the Dough
  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy; this aeration is crucial for a chewy texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Reduce the speed to low. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix the dough.
Baking and Coating
  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Coating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a shallow, separate bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon for the coating.
  2. Scoop and Roll: Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each piece of dough gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  3. Coat and Arrange: Drop the dough ball into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll until it is completely and generously coated on all sides. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
  4. Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still look slightly soft and puffy. For the chewiest result, do not overbake.
  5. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they are very delicate when hot). Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

If the dough feels overly sticky after mixing, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps the cookies maintain a better dome and prevents excessive spreading. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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