The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe: 7 Tips for Cookie Bliss

Name: The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe: 7 Tips for Cookie Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating)

August 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you—this is hands down the best snickerdoodle recipe I’ve ever tried! Every time I make these delightful cookies, the warm, cinnamon-sugar aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile. They come out perfectly soft and chewy, with just the right amount of that signature tang from the cream of tartar. I still remember the first time I baked a batch for my family; they were gone within minutes! My sister even asked if I’d be her personal cookie chef. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be known as the snickerdoodle aficionado in your circle. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is your go-to. Let’s get baking!

the best snickerdoodle recipe - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. This adds a rich, creamy base to your cookies.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This is what gives your cookies that lovely sweetness and helps create a nice crust.
2 large eggs: These add moisture and help with the binding of your ingredients. Room temperature eggs mix in better!
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough. It gives structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps your cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for that perfect lift!
1 teaspoon cream of tartar: This is the secret ingredient that adds that signature tang and also helps create a chewy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: This is what gives snickerdoodles their warm, cozy flavor. You can’t have snickerdoodles without cinnamon!
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating): This is mixed with the cinnamon to roll your dough balls in, creating that delicious sugary crust.

How to Prepare the Best Snickerdoodle Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and gives them that lovely, golden-brown exterior. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps to create a soft and tender cookie. You’re looking for a pale and creamy texture—think whipped frosting!

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is key because it helps the eggs fully incorporate into the butter-sugar mixture, which in turn creates a smooth dough. You want everything well blended before moving on!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. These dry ingredients work together to give your cookies the perfect structure and that signature tang of a classic snickerdoodle. Whisking them separately ensures everything gets evenly distributed!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour cloud explosion! Mix just until everything is combined. You want your dough to be soft but not sticky—this is the sweet spot for the best texture!

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine the tablespoon of cinnamon with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This mixture is what makes your cookies extra special! Rolling the dough balls in this sweet, spiced mix gives them that iconic snickerdoodle look and flavor.

Step 7: Roll and Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to roll your dough into balls and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart—these cookies spread a little while baking. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Tips for Success

Here are my top tips to ensure your snickerdoodles come out perfectly every single time!

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together smoothly, creating that perfect soft dough.
Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
Chill the dough (optional): If you have the time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Plus, it enhances the flavor!
Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies around the 8-minute mark. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Let them cool: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to move without breaking!
Storage is key: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months for a quick cookie fix later!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be whipping up the best snickerdoodles that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into these delicious snickerdoodles, it’s always good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general estimate:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 10g

Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and remember that the joy of baking (and eating) is all about balance! Happy snickerdoodling!

FAQ Section

Can I use margarine instead of butter? While I highly recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar? No worries! If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder. Just remember that you’ll lose that signature tangy flavor, but your cookies will still be delicious!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic snickerdoodle. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add extra ingredients!

How can I make my cookies thicker? To achieve thicker cookies, you can chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents them from spreading too much and helps maintain a nice, chewy texture.

How should I store leftover snickerdoodles? Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up a batch of these snickerdoodles in just 25 minutes—perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry!
Soft and Chewy: The texture of these cookies is just heavenly. They’re soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges, making each bite a delightful experience.
Classic Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar is a timeless classic that never fails to please. It’s warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious!
Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, there’s plenty to share with family and friends—or keep them all to yourself (I won’t judge!).
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist, keeping things exciting each time you bake!
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit and can brighten anyone’s day!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious snickerdoodles properly is key to keeping them soft and scrumptious! Here’s how I do it:

Room Temperature Storage: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking!
Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day (or just because you can’t resist baking more), you can freeze your snickerdoodles! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
Reheating: When you’re ready to indulge in a frozen cookie, just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This makes them taste freshly baked again! If you prefer, you can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that delightful chewy texture.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a batch of the best snickerdoodle cookies ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.