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Classic Snickerdoodles Recipe

Snickerdoodles are such a classic cookie. They can be either soft or chewy, they are perfect for any holiday or time of year, and since they can be made in under 30 minutes, it’s really the easiest cookie recipe out there. If you are looking for a homemade gift idea to give during the holidays, this is a great recipe to bookmark!

A favor bag full of Snickerdoodles and in a Christmas Tin

How to Make Classic Snickerdoodles from Scratch

Growing up, there always seemed to be a few cookie recipes that were at every function. There were always plates full of homemade chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter blossoms, Buckeyes, and of course, plates full of Snickerdoodles.

I think that’s one of my favorite things about classic recipes. They really never go out of style. They just keep getting better each year and it’s a bit sentimental to see the family recipes being passed down one generation to the next.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s an easy and timeless recipe, it’s budget-friendly, and you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry.

Expert Tips, Ingredient List and Suggestions for Recipe Success

  • Unsalted butter – remember anytime you are baking and you are going to be adding additional salt, you must use unsalted butter.
  • White granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour – make sure to use the scoop with a spoon and level with a knife method when measuring the flour.
  • Cream of tartar – you must use this when making Snickerdoodles – it’s a key ingredient.
  • Baking soda – this is your leveling agent.
  • Kosher or sea salt – remember to not use table salt as that is only to be used at the table for seasoning.
  • Eggs
  • Pure Vanilla Extract – if all you can find is Imitation Vanilla Extract, that is fine.
  • Ground cinnamon – a must have key ingredient

Here are some key tips to remember when making these cookies:

  • When you are measuring out flour, do not just put the measuring cup in and scoop out the flour. You must use a spoon and spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife method so you get an accurate measurement of flour.
  • When baking Snickerdoodles, only bake one sheet of cookies at a time, on the middle oven rack.
  • If you are using salted butter, omit the salt from the recipe.
Ingredients needed to make Snickerdoodles

What is the Difference Between Sugar Cookies and Snickerdoodles?

Even though Snickerdoodles are often called “sugar cookies”, they are really a lot different. Sugar cookies are rolled in white granulated sugar. Snickerdoodles are rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and white granulated sugar.

Snickerdoodles also have a cracked surface and have cream of tartar as one of the ingredients.

How Did They Get Their Name?

Having been around since the late 1800s, these New England favorites, are also referred to as Snipdoodles and Cinnamon Sugar Cookies.

Where Did These Cookies Originate?

It is believed that Snickerdoodles are originally from German and could have been called “Schneckennudeln”.

What Do Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Taste Like?

If you’ve never had one, you are probably wondering what a Snickerdoodle tastes like. It’s an unique combination between a soft and/or chewy sugar cookie that has a bit of a tang to it. It gets it’s tang from the cream of tartar.

Why Do You Have to Use Cream of Tartar?

When making Snickerdoodles, you must use cream of tartar. It adds the tang you need plus it help activate the baking soda.

Do I Have To Chill The Dough?

YES! It will help hold the shape as well as make rolling the dough into balls much easier.

How Do I Store Them?

To keep them soft, store them in an air-tight container on the kitchen counter, for up to 3 to 4 days. However, they probably won’t last that long if your family loves them like mine does.

Can I Freeze Them?

Yes, you definitely can! After baking them, place them in a freezer safe bag for up to three months. To use them, remove them from the freezer, allow them to come to room temp on the counter and enjoy!

Is There a Substitute for Cream of Tartar?

I have seen some different combination of ingredients, however, since it’s so easily available at your local grocery store, I highly suggest just picking up a container and having it on hand.

Snickerdoodle cookies in a red buffalo plaid tin with small Christmas bulbs

Step by Step Directions

Step 6: Preheat your oven.

Step 7: Line your cookie sheets.

Step 8: Roll your cookie dough into balls, then roll into the cinnamon sugar mixture then place on the cookie sheets.

Step 9: Bake the Snickerdoodles.

Step 10: When they are done, remove from the oven.

Step 11: Leave the cookies on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes then move them to a wire rack..

Step 12: Repeat the steps with the remaining dough.

Step 13: Enjoy!

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A favor bag full of Snickerdoodles and in a Christmas Tin

Classic Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are such a classic cookie. They can be either soft or chewy, they are perfect for any holiday or time of year, and since they can be made in under 30 minutes, it’s really the easiest cookie recipe out there. If you are looking for a homemade gift idea to give during the holidays, this is a great recipe to bookmark!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Chilling 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 1/2" Cookie Scoop
  • Baking Sheet (2)
  • Parchment paper/Silicone mats
  • Hand/Stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick (softened – room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour scoop and leveled with a knife
  • 2 teaspooons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, make the topping by adding the 1/3 cup of white sugar and the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon together and whisking the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
  • Then in a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about two minutes. Next add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
  • Next, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the batter. Once the dough is ready, cover and place in the fridge and let it chill for 1 to 2 hours.
  • After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
  • Take a spoon and spread out some of the cinnamon sugar mixture onto a plate. Then using a 1 1/2″ inch cookie scoop, scoop out some dough. Roll the dough into a ball then roll it into the sugar mixture and place on the baking sheet. Then press the ball down gently with the palm of your hand.
  • Bake one sheet at a time, on the middle oven rack for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Once the cookies are starting to turn light golden brown and crack on the top, remove from the oven.
  • Let the cookies remain on the cookie sheet for a few minutes. Then remove them from the cookie sheet and place on a wire rack to let them finish cooling.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
  • If using a 1 1/2″ cookie scoop, you should get 20 2 1/2″ cookies.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie
Keyword Christmas Cookies, Classic Cookies, Cookies, Old Fashioned Cookies, Snickerdoodles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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