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Snickerdoodle Cookies — Soft, Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet & Perfectly Chewy

These Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy, warm, and full of cinnamon-sugar comfort. They have the perfect pillowy texture, with a delicate crackled top and a cozy flavor that feels like home. The cream of tartar gives them their classic tang and keeps them tender and fluffy on the inside, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a sweet, warm finish. Whether you're baking for holidays, family gatherings, after-school treats, or a cozy night with coffee, these cookies are always a loved favorite. Simple ingredients, perfect texture, unforgettable flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup salted butter 2 sticks, softened
  • 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar take from the main amount

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for rolling sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
  1. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until creamy and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
  1. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. cream of tartar
  4. baking soda
  5. salt
Step 5: Mix
  1. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until a soft dough forms.
  2. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  1. Mix cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
  2. Roll dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls.
  3. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Place dough balls on baking sheet with space between.
  2. Bake 9–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look soft (do not overbake).
Step 8: Cool
  1. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
Warm baked cookies for 8 seconds for fresh softness.
🥄 Variations
Extra Chewy Snickerdoodles:
Bake just until centers look barely set.
Thick Bakery Style:
Chill dough 20–30 minutes before baking.
Brown Butter Snickerdoodles:
Brown the butter first for a deep caramel flavor.
Holiday Sparkle:
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the coating.
Chocolate Twist:
Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I skip cream of tartar?
No — it creates the soft, chewy texture and classic tang.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes — just add an extra pinch of salt.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Optional — chilling makes thicker cookies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze rolled dough balls and bake later.
Why are my cookies dry?
They were overbaked — remove while still soft in the center.
Can I make them bigger?
Yes — add 1–2 minutes bake time.
Can kids help?
Yes — rolling in cinnamon sugar is fun and easy.
Can I use brown sugar only?
No — the white sugar is key to their soft texture.
Can I substitute baking powder for cream of tartar?
Not recommended — flavor + texture will change.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes — they stay soft and pack beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
These Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, warm, cinnamon-sugar cozy, and made to be enjoyed fresh from the oven. They feel nostalgic, comforting, and full of sweetness — the kind of cookie that everyone always reaches for first.
Soft. Sweet. Warm.
A timeless classic that never disappoints.