Snickerdoodle cookies are a delightful treat that combine a buttery base with a hint of cinnamon sugar. They are soft, warm, and simply delicious, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner, these cookies are sure to please everyone in the family.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors, thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating, makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, they come together quickly, letting you enjoy warm cookies in no time.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies

Making snickerdoodles is straightforward and fun. You just mix the dry ingredients separately, cream together the wet ingredients, and then combine everything into a simple cookie dough. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar before baking adds a lovely touch. It’s an enjoyable process, especially when the kids join in.

What You Need

2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar, plus 3 tbsp for rolling
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step

Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a cookie sheet (I recommend a darker cookie sheet) with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
In a large mixer bowl, add the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Cream until light in color and fluffy in texture, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
In another small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon.
Create balls of one tablespoon of cookie dough each.
Roll each ball of cookie dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then set on the prepared cookie sheet with about 2 inches between them.
Bake for 6-8 minutes.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
Store cookies in an airtight container.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they pair great with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also a fantastic treat for school lunches or as an after-school snack. Share them during family gatherings or make a batch for a cozy movie night at home.

How to Store Snickerdoodle Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Recipe Tips

Measure flour correctly for best results.
Don’t overbake; you want them soft in the center.
Substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
Keep the dough balls spaced out on the baking sheet for even cooking.

Variations & Swaps

Add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist.
Try pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a seasonal flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or maple, for unique tastes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag after they’re solid. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I reheat the cookies?
To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven (200°F) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their softness.

What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
You can use an equal amount of baking powder as a substitute. Just make sure to reduce the baking soda slightly since baking powder already contains it.

Why are my cookies hard?
Hard cookies usually come from overmixing, overbaking, or using too much flour. Measure carefully and keep an eye on your baking time for perfect snickerdoodles!