Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
The popular cinnamon-sugar soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe. A recipe that has been in the family for over 30 years!
This was one of the first cookie recipes I made as a kid. As I have shared before, I was fully obsessed with cookbooks as a little girl. My Mom collected church cookbooks and I would go straight to the cookie recipes and beg my Mom to let me whip up a batch. I made this snickerdoodle cookie recipe 30 years ago and it is still the best I have ever tasted.
This is such a popular Christmas cookie because I have yet to find anyone who doesn't love snickerdoodle cookies! When I used to teach a cooking school for kids, it was the first cookie I taught them to make because kids love them. Whenever I make these cookies, they disappear so darn fast!
So what makes a perfect snickerdoodle cookie?
A snickerdoodle cookie has to be soft and chewy. No hard hockey puck cookies here! It has to be rolled twice in cinnamon-sugar to ensure that it is completely coated. It also has to have the signature tang from the cream of tartar.
How to make the BEST Snickerdoodle Cookie:
- Start by creaming butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes. This is an important step as the butter coats the sugar crystals and creates a smooth texture. It also whips air into the cookie dough.
- Use Cream of Tartar as a leavening agent. It gives it the signature tangy flavor and chewy texture. A touch of baking soda helps the cookies to rise as well.
- Double roll the cookie balls into a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps to make sure the cookies are completely coated in cinnamon-sugar before baking.
- Bake just until the edges begin to become a light golden color. These snickerdoodle cookies need to be soft and chewy so watch carefully. If you want them to be flat, press the balls down in the center before placing in the oven.
- My favorite baking tools for perfect Snickerdoodle cookies -- light-colored baking sheets, parchment paper sheets, KitchenAid mixer.
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Check out some more of my most popular cookie recipes:
Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
MJ's Top Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies
Grandma Geri's Gingersnaps
Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies
Mrs. Claus Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies
The Best Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- 2 ¾ cup Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the eggs and vanilla. Cream for 1-2 minutes longer.
- Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, just until combined.
- In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon.
- If time allows, wrap the dough and let refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Roll into small balls until round and smooth. Drop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well. Using a spoon, coat for a second time, ensuring the cookie balls are completely covered. *To make flatter snickerdoodles, press down in the center of the ball before placing in the oven. This helps to keep them from puffing up in the middle. *
- Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Let cool for several minutes on baking sheet before removing from the pan.
Video
I hope you love this snickerdoodle cookie recipe and it becomes a staple in your family for years! Happy Baking!
Terri
These turned out great. We didn't have cream of tartar so we used vinegar instead. I will for sure make these again.
MicheleOhio
Hi-
I’d like to make 8 dozen (or more) for a party.
Can I make dough ahead?
Refrigerate it?
How long do baked Snickerdoodles stay fresh?
Thank you,
Ty
Me and my family love them. These cookies are fantastic.
Colleen O'Connor
Third time making these. I love them. I never had a Snickerdodle before my son's friend asked me to make them for his birthday. I will make these again and again. A little secret - They are perfect for Breakfast!
Melissa Stadler
I am all for snickerdoodles for breakfast, hahaha! I am so glad that you love my recipe so much and that you happened to find it! Thanks for the sweet comment!
Chelsea
I’ve made this recipe before and they never fail. I get compliments from my co workers and family all the time.
Deb Chapman
I made these for my husband. It's his favorite cookie. I found I had to bake for the full 11 minutes and a few times 12. They are delicious!!
Melissa Stadler
Thank you so much for the comment, Deb! I love to hear that these turned out so great for you and your family. Thanks for trying them out!
Lawrence Borelli
I tried this one out but I used Swerve Sugar Replacement. because my wife is diabetic so out with the regular sugar. it was great when she is not around i will try the real stuff but still a good cookie recipe
Cindy
I tried rolling it into a balls, but it keeps sticking to my hands. What did I do wrong?
Lawrence Borelli
did you chill the dough first?
Cindy
Yes, I followed the directions about chilling, but they still attached to my hand and won’t let go. I’ll try making them again and see if it turns out there this time.
Sara
If you were your hands and then roll it will work.