So much more than just a sugar cookie! Soft and chewy on the inside and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness — Snickerdoodle Cookies are a simple, yet delicious treat that’s one of the most popular cookies in the world!
Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies
At first glance, snickerdoodle cookies don’t seem all that exciting. They are a pretty basic cookie made up of the same butter, flour, and sugar as many other cookies. But I promise, once you’ve tasted a snickerdoodle, you will get it!!
At least that was my experience!
I tried my first snickerdoodle cookie right after I moved to Texas. I usually go straight for chocolate chip, but I’d heard good things about them so I decided to take the plunge at our local bakery.
Oh. My. Gosh.
Hiding beneath that seemingly innocent golden brown exterior was a soft, pillowy cookie that just melted in my mouth! And then there was that sweet sugar and zippy cinnamon! It was heavenly and I was hooked!
These snickerdoodle cookies are both buttery and sugary with just a pinch of vanilla with a tangy finishing taste from the cream of tartar. The cookie dough is full of rich cinnamon flavors after being rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. This process gives each cookie a sweet taste while maintaining its soft and chewy texture.
If you haven’t tried one, this is a must make recipe! A classic Snickerdoodle that will be one of your go-to cookie recipes again and again!
Related: For a healthy cinnamon sugar treat, try our Chickpea Snickerdoodle Blondies!
What is a Snickerdoodle?
Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie recipe made with a butter and flour dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and baked until just golden brown.
They’re a tad chewy on the outside and deliciously light and fluffy on the inside. It’s a perfect contrast of textures and what snickerdoodle cookies are known for, in addition to that sweet cinnamon sugar coating!
What is the Difference Between Sugar Cookies and Snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles are often described as sugar cookies, but that doesn’t quite do them justice!
At their core, snickerdoodle cookies use many of the same ingredients as sugar cookies. However, there are a few key things that set them apart from plain sugar cookies.
The most obvious difference is the cinnamon sugar coating. Sugar cookies are usually rolled or sprinkled with white sugar. Snickerdoodles
A second crucial difference is that snickerdoodle cookie batter is made with cream of tartar, which adds that signature chewy texture.
Snickerdoodle Ingredients
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For the Cookies:
- Flour
- Baking Soda
- Cream of Tartar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Eggs
For the Coating:
- Ground Cinnamon
- Sugar
Kitchen Tools Used:
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Tartar?
Have you ever gathered all your ingredients for a recipe, only to realize you’re missing one key thing?
Perhaps you’ve got a hankering for some sweet snickerdoodles, but then you realize there’s no cream of tartar in the pantry! Now you’re wondering, can I still make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
The good news is that yes, you can still make snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar. Simply omit the baking soda as well and instead use 2 teaspoons of baking powder in place of the cream of tartar AND baking soda.
There may be some who could tell a difference between the original and the substitute version, but the difference is subtle and you’ll still have a delicious and fluffy cinnamon sugar cookie!
How to Make Snickerdoodles
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. Add eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar and whisk together.
Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing as you add.
Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small mixing bowl at a ratio of 4 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon.
Make balls of dough and roll them in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until they just start to turn golden brown.
Let cool and enjoy!
Can I Make Snickerdoodle Cookies Gluten Free?
Sure! Nowadays it’s pretty easy to make a gluten free version of your favorite cookies by swapping out regular all-purpose flour with gluten free all-purpose flour.
You’ll just want to make sure to check labels on the other ingredients used to confirm that they’re processed without cross-contamination from gluten products – if that is a concern.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe (Printable Copy)
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Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 3/4 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
For the Coating
- 1 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix one tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 4 tablespoons of sugar together and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla and continue mixing on low speed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing as you go.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portionn out a heaping spoonful of dough. Roll dough into a ball and place into the bowl of cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Gently roll the dough balls until they are coated in cinnamon sugar, then place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool.
Notes
Nutrition
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