There is something truly magical about a classic batch of Snickerdoodle Cookies—the sugary cinnamon scent drifting from the oven, that gentle crackle across their pillowy tops, and the sheer delight in each gloriously chewy bite. With just the right blend of tang and sweetness, these cookies are a nostalgic treat you’ll find yourself craving all year round. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe will deliver the irresistibly soft centers and perfectly cinnamon-sugar edges that make Snickerdoodle Cookies such an enduring favorite.

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making unforgettable Snickerdoodle Cookies doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of mixing magic. Each component here plays a crucial role in creating cookies that are tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and wonderfully flavorful.

Salted Butter: Provides incredible richness and a tender cookie crumb; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and, when mixed with cinnamon, creates that classic coating.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth, moisture, and a subtle caramel flavor for softer cookies.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ soft, chewy centers.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors for that classic snickerdoodle taste.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies; measure carefully for the perfect texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and develop their signature crackly tops.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness.
Cream of Tartar: Provides the essential tang and chewy texture unique to Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a cozy aroma to both the cookies and their sugary coating.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies come off cleanly and avoid sticking. This little step will save you a ton of cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Using a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the softened butter for a couple of minutes until it’s creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed. A good, thorough creaming is key for fluffy, tender Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Sugars

Next, mix in the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat for about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape the bottom and sides. Keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy—no sugar chunks should remain, just a buttery, airy base.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until everything is smooth and evenly combined. This is when the mixture should take on a glossy, luscious look that promises deliciousness ahead.

Step 5: Measure and Combine Dry Ingredients

Carefully spoon and level your flour into a measuring cup (don’t scoop, or you might use too much!). Sprinkle the baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar directly onto the flour, then gently stir to distribute them. Hold off on adding this to the wet mixture just yet.

Step 6: Mix the Dough

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. With the mixer on low, blend just until you still see flour streaks—be careful not to overmix. A quick scrape with a spatula will help incorporate every bit, producing soft and chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies rather than tough ones.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out generous tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 to 2 inches across) and roll them into balls. If you have a cookie scoop, use it for even sizing—this ensures every cookie bakes up perfectly.

Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together more granulated sugar and a hefty dash of ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture until fully coated. Be sure to save any leftover cinnamon sugar for adding more sparkle later!

Step 9: Arrange and Bake

Place your dough balls a couple of inches apart on the baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still pale and slightly glossy. It’s vital not to overbake—this keeps your Snickerdoodle Cookies soft and chewy!

Step 10: Shape for Extra Chewiness

Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, use a spoon to gently nudge the edges toward the center, creating perfect rounds and thick, chewy middles. Work swiftly while the cookies are still hot and pliable.

Step 11: Cool and Double-Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. When cool enough to handle, dip each cookie back into the leftover cinnamon sugar, coating both sides for an extra pop of sweet, spiced flavor. Pour a glass of milk—your treat is ready!

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies

Garnishes

For a charming finish, you can sprinkle the warm Snickerdoodle Cookies with an extra pinch of cinnamon sugar right as they come out of the oven. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of white or dark chocolate adds a gourmet touch, or try a dusting of edible gold dust for a special occasion!

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee for a classic treat. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh berries, creamy ice cream, or even a scoop of spiced whipped cream for an after-dinner dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect gift material—tie up a stack with ribbon for holiday swaps or arrange them in a vintage tin lined with parchment paper. Turn them into ice cream sandwiches for a summertime treat, or crumble them over yogurt for an unforgettable breakfast topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Snickerdoodle Cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For best results, tuck a slice of fresh bread in the container; it helps to maintain that ideal chewy texture day after day.

Freezing

If you’d like to spread out your cookie joy, freeze the shaped dough balls after rolling them in cinnamon sugar. Pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the bake time!

Reheating

To bring day-old cookies back to bakery-fresh, warm them gently in a 300-degree oven for three to five minutes. This revives their soft centers and makes the cinnamon sugar sparkle just like when they came out of the oven the first time.

FAQs

Can I make Snickerdoodle Cookies without cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is what gives Snickerdoodle Cookies their signature tang and chewy texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar in a pinch. The result will be just slightly different in taste and texture, but still delicious.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common culprit for dry Snickerdoodle Cookies, so keep a close eye on them and pull them out when the centers are still pale and a bit shiny. Too much flour can also dry out your cookies, so be sure to measure your flour by spooning and leveling.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to the dough to balance the flavors if you go with unsalted butter. Both types will yield wonderful results with this recipe.

How can I make my cookies more chewy?

Chewiness is all about underbaking and not overmixing the dough. Make sure to follow the bake time closely, and remember to shape the cookies while they’re warm for that thick, chewy center Snickerdoodle Cookies are known for.

Is it possible to double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just use a larger bowl or stand mixer and make sure to scrape down the sides regularly so everything mixes evenly. You’ll have plenty of Snickerdoodle Cookies to share (or to hoard—it’s up to you!).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, these Snickerdoodle Cookies deserve a spot in your recipe box. Their old-fashioned charm and cinnamon-kissed flavors are simply unbeatable. Give them a try—you might just find they become your new signature bake!