Name: Classic Snickerdoodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 85 min
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; 1/3 cup white granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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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

A large metal bowl with creamed butter and sugar next to a white bowl with dry ingredients — **Step 1:** In a small mixing bowl, make the topping and set aside.
**Step 2:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside.
**Step 3:** Then in a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar then add in the eggs and vanilla.
**Step 4**: Next, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet then place the mixing bowl into the refrigerator to chill.

Step 5: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge.

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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